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Commerce Commission: Consumers Can Find Better Power Prices

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CBS) -- An annual report by the Illinois Commerce Commission finds some electricity customers could pay less this summer automatically – and the rest of us could pay less if we do a little research.

As WBBM Newsradio 780's Alex Degman reports, commission spokesman Randy Nehrt says consumers can do what the Illinois Power Agency does every year and shop around for the best price.

ComEd now charges 7.92 cents per kilowatt hour for electricity – down from more than 8.57 cents, and downstate utility company Ameren about five and a half cents.

LISTEN: Newsradio 780's Alex Degman reports

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But Nehrt says better deals may be out there.

"There are other utilities in the state that supply their own electricity that aren't necessarily a regulated public utility by the commerce commission, such as City Water Light and Power in Springfield," says Nehrt.

However, Nehrt warns that ComEd and Ameren customers that get their electricity from somewhere else could lose key rebates – such as those for homes heated entirely by electricity. A list of electricity providers is available by clicking here.

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