Kane County Reporter

Geneva utility customers will experience a change in their electric bills starting this summer. Following the City Council's approval of a five-year electric rate plan in 2023, this year marks the second of three scheduled rate adjustments. The last adjustment is set for 2027.

Residential customers can expect a 3.5% increase on the electric portion of their utility bill, raising the average monthly bill from $92.08 to $95.30. The new energy rate will be $0.11600 per kWh.

The City also informed customers about an external factor that may affect their electricity bills beginning this summer. PJM, which manages organized energy markets across parts of 13 states including northern Illinois, conducts annual electric capacity auctions. These auctions determine the rates paid to electricity generators who ensure availability when demand peaks. Due to various reasons, capacity prices applicable in Illinois are set to rise significantly starting June 1, 2025.

This increase is beyond Geneva's control and does not benefit the City financially. However, Geneva has implemented strategies such as load reduction programs on peak days and operating the Geneva Generation Facility to mitigate these costs. Customers can subscribe to Peak Power Day alerts via the City's website to voluntarily reduce energy usage during hot summer days, potentially saving over $3 million in capacity costs from PJM.

These expenses are incorporated into the Power Cost Adjustment Factor (PCAF), calculated monthly but not itemized on customer bills.

The planned 3.5% rate increase will appear on June utility bills, while PJM capacity increases will be reflected starting July. Combined changes could lead to a 10% rise in monthly bills for average residential customers by July.

Detailed electric rate breakdowns are available on the City's website. For further information about rates or billing inquiries, contact the Geneva Public Works Department Electric Division at 630-232-1503 or the Finance Department at 630-232-0854.