Dive Brief:
- Citizens Utility Board (CUB) has developed a free tool to help Chicago customers choose between Integrys Energy Services and ComEd electricity service.
- New rates introduced by Integrys for October to May service are aimed at more fairly allocating costs.
- CUB recently updated the app to reflect the new rates, helping customers make the smarter choice.
Dive Insight:
Utilities have been rolling out technology to send clearer price signals to consumers, and now a ratepayer advocate is using technology to help customers choose between the prices. CUB in June introduced its Chicago Power Deal Calculator, helping Chicago residents choose between suppliers under a deal struck between the city and Integrys, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Beginning in 2012, Chicago contracted with Integrys to supply power that included no coal-fired generation. The first six months yielded savings for all customers, but changing markets mean the city renegotiated rates for the final portion of the deal. And Integrys has recently updated its rates to better reflect capacity charges.
According to the Tribune, a Chicago power customer who did not opt out of the Integrys deal since June paid 5.29 cents per kWh in addition to a $22.36 monthly fee if they lived in a single-family home, and $9.06 in a building with three or more units. Under the new rates, single-family homes will pay a fee ranging from $19.99 to $29.99 a month, and multifamily units will pay $3.99 per month to $22.36.