Summer Guide
Grill Up Energy Savings
This summer, we’re serving up energy-saving tips to help you save on ComEd’s Hourly Pricing. Read our tips so you can save money on your energy bills while you “ketchup” on your favorite summer activities.
Shift and Save
Turn up your savings opportunities by shifting energy use away from higher-priced hours. Summer prices are typically highest on weekdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. It’s as simple as running your dishwasher, using air conditioning, and doing laundry when prices are lower.
Based on average prices from January 2018 through December 2023.
Subscribe to Hourly Pricing Alerts
Hourly Pricing Alerts can help you save by notifying you when electricity prices are trending higher or if next-day demand is expected to be high. Watch our video to learn how.
Subscribe to or update your alert preferences by logging in to your My Hourly Pricing Account. You can choose to receive alerts via email, text message or phone call. Real-time and day-ahead prices are available on the Live Prices webpage, the ComEd mobile app and by calling 888-202-7787.
Manage Your Capacity Charge
What is your Capacity Charge? Watch our video to find out and learn how your actions this summer can lower your Capacity Charge on future monthly bills.
The Capacity Charge covers ComEd’s costs to reserve enough electricity supply to meet demand, including during peak hours. Capacity Charge is based on your usage during the summer and takes effect the following June. Reducing your energy use, especially of large appliances, during hours of high demand this summer will reduce the Capacity Charge on your bills starting June 2025. Learn more about Capacity Charge.
Stay Cool While You Save!
Pre-cooling your home is your biggest saving opportunity. It’s simple and easy. Lower your thermostat during the night and early morning and set it to a higher temperature during the afternoon.
Pre-cool your home by lowering your thermostat during the night and early morning to 69° – 72° when prices are lower. You can stay cool and use less energy in the afternoon when electricity is most in demand by raising the temperature of your thermostat to 82° – 85°. Then, later in the day, set your thermostat to a comfortable temperature, between 75° – 78°, and enjoy lower cooling costs.
Set your ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise in the summer to push air down for a cooling effect.
Remember to close your blinds during the day to keep the sun from heating your home. Open windows at night for cool, fresh air.
Run your window air conditioner during the night and early morning when prices are typically lower and turn it off when you’re not at home.
Close your blinds during the day so your home will retain the cool air. You’ll reduce the need to run your air conditioner when prices are typically higher.
Automate Energy Savings
Did you know you can take more control of your energy use when you connect your smart thermostat to If This Then That (IFTTT), a free web-based service? Watch our video to learn how.
Get started with IFTTT at ComEd.com/IFTTT
3 More Tips To Help You Save
Dishwashers and laundry machines use a lot of energy and release unwanted heat. To help you stay cool and keep costs low this summer, run your dishwasher at night and do laundry on the weekend.
Make your favorite summer recipe on the grill instead of using your stove or oven. You’ll use less energy and keep the excess heat out of your home.
Preventing air leaks is one of the best ways to keep warm air out and cool air in. Simple caulking and weather-stripping can help you save on heating and cooling costs.
More Ways to Manage Your Energy Bill
Help for every customer. Help for every circumstance.
As your energy partner, ComEd is committed to providing you with easy access to tools and programs that help you control energy costs and better manage your energy bills. From financial assistance programs and payment arrangements to due date extensions, budget billing, energy saving tips and more, take advantage of the options that are best for you. Get personalized savings and assistance recommendations at ComEd.com/SAM
From all of us on ComEd’s Hourly Pricing Team, have a savory summer!