CHICAGO, Dec. 12, 2025 — Drawing on its experience in tackling high utility costs over the past year, Illinois’ consumer watchdog Citizens Utility Board (CUB) released its list of key threats to utility affordability heading into 2026 on Friday. 

     “With consumers grappling with high prices for everyday essentials like groceries and healthcare, rising utility costs only compound their challenges,” CUB Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz said. “We believe it’s crucial to pinpoint the main drivers of increasing energy bills so consumers can be equipped to push for solutions.”

     Runaway Data Center Energy Demand. Unprecedented energy demand from data centers was the main factor behind a 45-50% surge in electricity prices for Commonwealth Edison and Ameren Illinois customers during summer 2025. High prices will persist in 2026, and customers could face steeper bills and rolling blackouts in the coming years unless decisive measures are taken in Springfield and by PJM Interconnection, the power grid operator for northern Illinois and all or part of a dozen other states.

     Rate-hike-hungry utilities. Major electric and gas utilities—ComEd, Ameren Illinois, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, and North Shore Gas—have sought billions in rate increases for the “delivery” portion of bills in recent years. Under utility regulations, gas and electric companies earn returns on their infrastructure investments, encouraging them to spend heavily and push for rate hikes. The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has shown greater consideration for customer affordability recently, and consumer advocates have significantly reduced rate-hike requests. However, even small rate increases are challenging for many customers. 

     Bad alternative supplier deals. Many Illinois consumers can choose a supplier other than their utility for electricity or gas, but the market is rife with poor deals. For instance, found that Illinois electricity customers have lost over $2.1 billion to alternative suppliers in the past decade. The utility’s supply price is likely your best option. Also, consider a offer.

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     Volatile energy markets. Following a period of relative stability, Illinois consumers have faced soaring gas prices in recent years. Analysts predict prices could become more volatile as greater amounts of fuel are exported via liquefied natural gas facilities. In December, eight out of Illinois’ nine utilities are charging supply prices 10% to 63% higher than last December,

     Escalating water bills. Illinois American and Aqua Illinois—the state’s two largest private water utilities—have spent over $411 million acquiring public water systems since 2013. Under state law, they can pass 100% of these acquisition costs to customers. CUB is advocating for legislative changes that would require shareholders, not consumers, to cover most of these costs. Learn more about this issue at . (Note: The parent companies of Aqua and Illinois American )

     Inefficient homes. The U.S. Department of Energy states that 10-20% of annual energy bills may be wasted due to drafts, air leaks, and outdated heating/cooling systems. Utilizing no- or low-cost energy efficiency programs from your utility can help upgrade your home’s efficiency and save hundreds annually. Learn more at .

     “Customers might feel powerless, but collective action has strength,” Moskowitz said. “Over our 41-year history, CUB and Illinois utility customers have collaborated to secure over $20 billion in savings by opposing rate hikes and obtaining refunds.”

     Please…

• • Visit to explore CUB’s free digital library, which includes tips for reducing utility bills, and to take action advocating for cost-lowering policies.
  • Attend a local CUB event. In 2025, we held over 220 free events statewide, providing consumers with money-saving tips for their utility bills.
  • Call CUB’s Consumer Hotline, at 1-800-669-5556, if you ever have a concern or complaint about your utility bills, and you’ve gotten nowhere by calling your utility.

For over 40 years, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) has been Illinois’ premier nonprofit utility watchdog. Established by the Illinois Legislature, CUB began operations in 1984 to advocate for residential and small-business utility customers. Since then, CUB has saved consumers over $20 billion by opposing rate hikes and securing refunds. For more details, call CUB’s Consumer Hotline at 1-800-669-5556 or visit CUB’s website, . 

SOURCE Citizens Utility Board