The Illinois Restructuring Act of 1997 introduced electric deregulation to the Prairie State. Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) rates were slashed by 20% and frozen for 10 years as part of a transition period to full deregulation. At the end of June 2006, 41% of the ComEd load had shopped. The number of shoppers is expected to increase dramatically in the fourth quarter of 2006 as Illinois customers react to the end of the transition period and the fixed default rates (established 10 years ago) expire.

The pricing options and enrollment timelines may vary depending on the customer's current electricity supply situation, peak demand, and location. In any case, electricity consumers in Illinois should actively monitor the market and be prepared to make decisions on electricity procurement.

The fixed bundled rates will be determined by a Competitive Procurement Process (CPP) which will effectively procure wholesale energy through an annual auction for customers that remain on bundled tariffs with the utility. The auction is tentatively slated to begin September 5th. The new bundled rates are expected to be filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission sometime in late September. These rates will become effective on 1/2/2007.