FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 27, 2026
Contact: Michael Brown, 309-454-3169 x11
BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, IL — Electricity prices remain a source of confusion and concern for residents this year, with continued volatility driven by regional energy market conditions. The Town of Normal and City of Bloomington’s municipal electricity aggregation program has secured a new supply rate of $0.1276 per kWh, reflecting broader increases across the energy market.
At the same time, Ameren Illinois has signaled elevated summer pricing driven largely by conditions within the Mid-Continent Independent System Operator (MISO) grid. Ongoing supply constraints, combined with rising demand and sharply increased capacity costs, are expected to push summer electricity prices higher than in previous years.
While some customers may be tempted to opt out of aggregation in search of lower rates, the Ecology Action Center (EAC) strongly encourages residents to remain enrolled in the municipal aggregation program.
Unlike the Ameren default rate, which fluctuates seasonally and can change unpredictably, aggregation provides price stability and protection against sudden spikes, particularly during high-demand summer months. Although Ameren rates may be lower during parts of the year, they are also subject to significant increases with little notice. Aggregation offers a more reliable and predictable approach, helping households avoid exposure to market volatility.
“There is no perfect option in a volatile market,” said Michael Brown, EAC Executive Director. “But aggregation offers something increasingly valuable: consistency. It reduces risk and protects residents from the kind of price swings we are continuing to see in the energy market.”
In addition to staying with aggregation, the EAC emphasizes that energy efficiency remains the most effective way to control costs. The lowest-cost energy is the energy that is never used. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of resources available through BNenergyBright.org, including low-cost home energy audits for Bloomington and Normal households. These audits identify opportunities to improve insulation, seal air leaks, and reduce energy waste.
Solar energy can also help offset electricity costs. The EAC has re-launched the Grow Solar Bloomington-Normal program, which leverages group purchasing to reduce the cost of residential solar installations. For those unable to install solar panels, a community solar program will provide a subscription-based option to access renewable energy without upfront installation costs.
The EAC also issues a strong warning regarding third-party energy suppliers, particularly those engaging in door-to-door sales. According to the Citizens Utility Board, Illinois customers have lost more than $1.8 billion to alternative suppliers since 2015. Many of these offers include hidden fees, teaser rates, or misleading terms that ultimately result in higher costs.
“Residents should be extremely cautious,” the EAC advises. “If an offer sounds too good to be true, it usually is.”
For more information about the aggregation program, community solar options, or scheduling a home energy audit, visit BNenergyBright.org or contact the EAC Energy Program Coordinator Michael Bay at 309-454-3169 x15.
The Ecology Action Center is a not-for-profit environmental agency with a mission to inspire and assist residents of McLean County in creating, strengthening and preserving a healthy environment. The EAC acts as a central resource for environmental education, information, outreach, and technical assistance in McLean County.
