CHICAGO – As air conditioners hum across neighborhoods during the city’s sweltering summer stretch, many residents are expressing growing concern over rising electricity bills — and whether the power grid can keep up.
Chicago has already endured multiple heat waves this summer, and with temperatures regularly climbing above 90°F, the strain on energy systems is building. The result: skyrocketing electric bills, even while the season is only halfway over.
Is Chicago’s Power Grid at Risk?
Though heat-driven blackouts are always a worry when demand surges, energy provider ComEd insists the city’s electrical infrastructure is holding strong.
“The grid is very resilient,” said John Schoen, ComEd’s senior manager of communication. “We are at 99.98% reliability in our area.”
Schoen noted that rolling blackouts — pre-planned power shutoffs to ease grid pressure — aren’t expected in Chicago. “We haven’t had to take steps like that in decades,” he added during a CBS Chicago interview.
Bills Are Still Going Up
While grid reliability is strong, the cost of power is hitting residents hard. Jim Chilsen, spokesperson for the Citizens Utility Board, said they’ve been “getting lots of calls from customers who are frustrated and concerned about their bills.”
ComEd customers are now seeing increased supply charges reflected in their monthly statements — a result of elevated wholesale energy costs during peak heat.
Chilsen warns residents not to go to dangerous extremes by turning off air conditioning entirely. “We’re asking people not to overheat their homes to save money. Look after your neighbors, look after your loved ones.”
Tips to Stay Cool and Save Money
ComEd recommends the following to beat the heat without breaking the bank:
- Weatherize your home by sealing doors and windows
- Keep blinds or shades drawn during the day
- Use ceiling or box fans to assist with airflow
- Enroll in programs like Peak Time Savings, where users get bill credits for raising the thermostat during high-demand hours
- Invest in a smart thermostat to help regulate energy usage
- Call ComEd for support with payment plans or financial assistance
Are you struggling with energy costs during this heat wave? Share your experience or savings tips at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
