Illinois Electricity Bills Are Up 45%: Smart Green Solutions to Save Now
- Alex Weiner
- Jun 29
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 30
In June 2025, ComEd raised its electricity supply rates by more than 45%. Learn how you can reduce your energy costs with an SBA 504 Green Loan & Energy Assessment from InBalance.
Energy costs are climbing-here’s how smart business owners can lower their expenses and secure better loan terms
ComEd raised its electricity supply rates by more than 45%, causing many businesses in Illinois to see a 10-15% jump in their monthly utility bills. For commercial property owners, manufacturers, and anyone running a building with high energy demand, this isn’t just a temporary inconvenience-it’s a long-term financial concern.
But here’s the opportunity: with a green energy assessment and the SBA 504 Green Loan, businesses can reduce their operating costs, modernize their facilities, and even save thousands over the life of their loan.
What’s Causing the Surge in Electricity Rates?
ComEd’s price hike is tied to market changes in the PJM capacity auction, which determines how much utilities pay to secure future energy supply. While delivery charges remain steady, supply costs have risen sharply-from 6.9¢/kWh to 10¢/kWh.
This means businesses are now paying significantly more just to keep the lights on, run machinery, or cool their buildings in summer months.
How Higher Utility Rates Impact Your Business:
1. Increased Monthly Expenses
A 10–15% increase in electricity bills could result in thousands of dollars in added annual costs, especially for commercial spaces like hotels, warehouses, offices, gyms, or wellness studios.
2. Impact on Financing and Loans
Higher fixed costs reduce your debt service coverage ratio (DSCR)—a key factor lenders use to determine your loan eligibility. A lower DSCR can mean tougher loan terms or limited access to funding.
3. Delayed Upgrades = Lost Money
Postponing energy-efficient upgrades now means paying more every month. Energy inefficiency is costing you, quietly and consistently.
How Green Energy Assessments Can Save You Money
A professional green energy assessment evaluates your building's systems-lighting, HVAC, insulation, windows, equipment—and identifies where you're losing energy (and money). The assessment then outlines solutions that:
Improve energy performance
Lower utility bills
Help you qualify for green financing
It’s not just a report—it’s a blueprint for cutting costs and qualifying for SBA loans.
SBA 504 Green Loan: Finance Smarter, Save Longer
Once you have your assessment, you may be eligible for the SBA 504 Green Loan-a powerful financing tool that helps you:
Purchase energy-efficient commercial real estate
Refinance existing loans with upgrades
Install solar or renewable energy systems
Modernize outdated equipment
Key Financial Benefits:
Low down payments (as low as 10%)
Long-term fixed interest rates (currently ~6.3%)
Up to $16.5 million in eligible green project financing
Loan terms designed to improve cash flow
Energy Efficiency = Loan Qualification + Long-Term Savings
By implementing even modest improvements that reduce your energy usage by 10% or more, you become eligible for green financing while lowering your monthly bills. Many business owners find the energy savings partially or fully offset their loan payments-making this a financially sound and sustainable strategy.
What To Do Next
Collect your latest utility bills and calculate the increase since June 2025.
Schedule a green energy assessment with a certified provider - [InBalance]
Connect with an SBA lending expert to explore your eligibility and start the application [SomerCor]
Resources
ComEd June 2025 Rate Increase – CUB
TMC Financing – SBA 504 Green Loan Overview
CDC New England – Current Loan Rates
PJM Capacity Market Explanation
Alex Weiner RA, LEED, AP
Alex is the founder and Managing Director of InBalance. He is a performance minded leader with diversified 25-year record of success in Architecture, Construction/Project Management, Real Estate Development and Multi-Site Program Management.
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