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How is the Capacity Charge calculated? Open or Close
The Capacity Charge is included in all ComEd customers’ bills and ensures there will be enough capacity when you need it.
As an Hourly Pricing participant, you see the Capacity Charge listed as a separate line item on your bill, and it includes two components: your Capacity Obligation, which is based on your energy usage from last summer, multiplied by the Capacity Charge Rate, which is determined by electricity market conditions.
ComEd does not profit from the Capacity Charge; instead, ComEd simply passes the cost on to customers without markup.
Hourly Pricing participants see this charge as a separate line item on their bill called the Capacity Charge, and ComEd customers on the default fixed-price rate pay for capacity within their Electricity Supply Charge.
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Who manages the electricity market? Open or Close
PJM is a regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in all or parts of 13 states (including Illinois) and the District of Columbia. PJM exists to ensure all customers in its territory have reliable access to electricity in times when it is in high demand. Review the resources below to learn more about PJM’s role in energy distribution:
PJM capacity market
PJM’s capacity market ensures long-term grid reliability by procuring the appropriate amount of power supply resources needed to meet predicted energy demand for three years in the future.Electric utilities are required to reserve capacity to ensure enough electricity is available during high-demand periods.
To learn more, read this PJM article explaining the Capacity Market.
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How will this affect my bill? Open or Close
The Capacity Charge is included as a portion of all customers’ bills. All ComEd customers will see an increase in their Capacity Charge, either as a separate line item for Hourly Pricing participants or included within the Electricity Supply Charge for default fixed-price rate customers.
The Capacity Charge increase does not impact the hourly market price of electricity, which can help Hourly Pricing participants see savings when shifting energy use to times with low demand.
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Can I still save on Hourly Pricing? Open or Close
You can expect to see a similar level of savings since the Capacity Charge will rise at the same level for both the hourly and the default fixed-price rates.
Reducing your energy use this summer, especially for large appliances, during high-demand summer hours can lower your Capacity Obligation, which can lower the Capacity Charge on your bills starting in June 2026. The most important time to shift usage is during hot summer afternoons between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
We can help you manage your energy costs with Hourly Pricing Alerts. With real-time alerts, you will be notified when the real-time market price of electricity is trending high so you can shift your energy use.
Not enrolled in alerts? Sign up or change your alert preferences by logging in to your My Hourly Pricing Account.
Capacity Charge Updates
The Capacity Charge is increasing in June 2025 for all ComEd customers, including Hourly Pricing participants. Learn what this means for your energy bill and how you will still have an opportunity to save with Hourly Pricing.
Understanding Changes to Your Capacity Charge
Electric utility customers pay capacity charges. This supply cost is power for your use now and in the future, ensuring there will be enough capacity when you need it. The Capacity Charge is a standard item on all customers’ bills and changes every June based on your energy usage from the previous summer and the Capacity Charge Rate, which is determined by electricity market conditions.
The Capacity Charge is included as a portion of all customers’ monthly bills, either as a separate line item for Hourly Pricing participants or within the Electricity Supply Charge for default fixed-price rate customers.
Why is the Capacity Charge increasing?
Energy prices are driven by supply and demand. Large power generators sell this electricity supply to ComEd and we pass this cost directly to you. Because of factors like extreme weather, spikes from high energy users like data centers, and other factors, demand is outpacing supply, so costs are getting more expensive.
Due to these factors, starting in June 2025, the Capacity Charge will increase for all ComEd customers. This increase will take effect in a total of 13 states and the District of Columbia.
ComEd does not profit from the Capacity Charge.
How Does This Affect Hourly Pricing Participants?
Hourly Pricing participants can expect to experience a similar level of savings as they have in the past since the Capacity Charge will rise at the same level for the hourly rate and the default fixed-price rate.
As an Hourly Pricing participant, you pay for electricity at the hourly market price and can still take advantage of lower-priced hours to see savings in the long run.
How is Your Capacity Charge Calculated?
Understanding how the Capacity Charge is calculated can help you manage your future energy bills.
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Capacity Obligation
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Capacity Charge Rate
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Capacity Charge
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2.51 kW |
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$8.34 |
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$20.94 |
| Your Capacity Obligation is unique to you and represents your expected energy usage during high-demand hours on hot summer afternoons. | Capacity Charge Rate is based on the cost of capacity determined by electricity market conditions. The new rate will be reflected on your bill starting in June 2025. | Your Capacity Charge is calculated by multiplying your unique Capacity Obligation and the Capacity Charge Rate. |
The values used are examples of Capacity Obligation, Capacity Charge Rate and Capacity Charge. Log into your ComEd My Account to see your most recent bill, which will include your Capacity Charge in the Supply section.
Watch this short video to learn more about your Capacity Charge.
How to Manage Your Energy Bill
Making small adjustments to your energy use can help you lower your energy supply costs and manage your future Capacity Charge starting next summer. You can expect to see a similar level of savings on Hourly Pricing since the Capacity Charge will rise at the same level for both the hourly and default fixed-price rates.
Hourly prices typically follow predictable seasonal patterns, so it can be easy to shift your energy use to save money.
Reducing your energy use, especially for large appliances, during high-demand hours this summer can lower the Capacity Obligation on your bills starting in June 2026. Shifting your usage during hot summer afternoons between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. can have the biggest impact on your future bills.
Precool your home at night to avoid high energy costs during the day, especially during hot summer afternoons. Review the Summer Guide for more helpful tips to reduce your energy use.
Hourly Pricing Alerts can help you reduce your future Capacity Charge. Real-time alerts notify you if the current price of electricity is trending high, and day-ahead alerts notify you if energy is expected to be in high demand during specific hours the next day. If you use less energy during the day-ahead alert period, you could lower your Capacity Charge for the following year.
Not enrolled in alerts? Sign up or change your alert preferences by logging in to your My Hourly Pricing Account.
Watch this short video to learn more about how Hourly Pricing Alerts can help you take control of your energy use.
Need more support? We’re here for you!
To discuss the best electricity rate option for your household or ways to manage your savings, please contact us at info@ComEdHourlyPricing.com or 888-202-7787.
Get personalized recommendations to help you control energy costs and manage your energy bills, including financial assistance programs, energy saving tips, and more. Find the best solutions for you at ComEd.com/BillSupport