Electric & Community Solar

Lower your ComEd bill

For households in ComEd’s northern Illinois service area: how to judge supplier offers, how community solar credits work, and free ComEd programs worth a look.

MegaSavings isn’t ComEd, an electric supplier, or the Illinois Commerce Commission. Program details change, so check the linked official source before you sign up for anything.

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5 ways to lower your electric bill

Know your Price to Compare

ComEd’s Price to Compare is 10.103¢ per kWh from October 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027. Compare any supplier offer to that number, and check for monthly fees, intro rates that change and variable rates. The ICC’s Plug In Illinois site lists current offers.

Source: Plug In Illinois (ICC)

Be careful with supplier pitches

Door-to-door and phone offers aren’t always cheaper. Make sure the supplier is certified by the ICC, read the contract length and cancellation fees, and ask what the rate becomes after any intro period. CUB tracks bad deals.

Source: CUB

Look at community solar

You subscribe to a share of a local solar project and get bill credits on your ComEd bill. You pay the solar company a subscription fee, so you save when the fee is less than the credits. There are no panels to install, so renters can join too.

Source: Illinois Shines

Try a ComEd rate program if you can shift use

ComEd’s Hourly Pricing charges market prices that change by the hour. ComEd says participants have saved an average of 19% on supply costs compared to the fixed rate, but savings vary. Peak Time Savings pays bill credits for cutting use during summer peak hours.

Source: ComEd

Use free help

ComEd offers a free Home Energy Assessment and energy-efficiency rebates. If money is tight, ask about ComEd’s low-income discount and LIHEAP energy assistance, which you apply for through your local Community Action Agency.

Source: ComEd, Illinois DCEO

How community solar credits work

Your credit each month is the kWh your share produced, times ComEd’s Price to Compare.
Credits apply to your whole ComEd bill, and unused credits roll over.
Credits usually take 1 to 3 billing cycles to appear, and none arrive before the project is energized.
ComEd still delivers your electricity and still sends your bill.
Community solar isn’t the same as switching to an electric supplier or a “green” supplier plan.
Before you sign, read the project’s disclosure form: the subscription fee, contract length and any cancellation fees.

Source: Illinois Shines FAQs. Questions about the program: Illinois Shines, (877) 783-1820.

Check community solar availability

See whether a community solar project has openings for your ComEd account, and read its disclosure form before you subscribe.

Check community solar availability

[LINK: Common Energy community solar] — replace this button link before launch.

Partner link: we may earn a referral fee if you sign up. It doesn’t change your price.

Common questions

Do I need solar panels on my roof?

No. You subscribe to a share of an off-site project. Nothing gets installed at your home, which is why renters and condo owners can join.

Is community solar the same as switching electric suppliers?

No. With community solar you keep your current supply arrangement and get bill credits. Switching suppliers changes who you buy electricity supply from. Illinois Shines explains the difference.

What happens to my credits if I move?

According to Illinois Shines, credits stay with your ComEd account and expire only if you leave ComEd’s service territory. Leftover credits are refunded if you close your account. Check your contract for the project’s rules on moving.

Is Budget Billing a discount?

No. ComEd’s Budget Billing spreads your costs evenly across the year so bills are predictable, but you pay for what you use.

Sources

Last reviewed: October 27, 2026