Chicago EV Owners Are Saving Hundreds Annually with ComEd’s Revolutionary Time-of-Use Rates – Here’s How Professional Installation Maximizes Your Savings
The electric vehicle revolution is reshaping Chicago’s energy landscape, and 2025 has brought game-changing opportunities for EV owners. ComEd is finalizing plans to roll out time-of-use rates in 2026 following a four-year pilot program in which participants saved money and reduced peak demand between 6.5% and 9.7% each summer, with EV owners saving significantly more, with most cutting bills by $10 to $30 per month and some saving over $70 per month from October 2023 to May 2024. For Chicago residents considering an electric vehicle or already driving one, professional EV charger installation has never been more financially compelling.
ComEd’s Time-of-Use Revolution: What Chicago EV Owners Need to Know
Under a plan before state utility regulators, customers who sign up would pay a much steeper energy-delivery charge during afternoon and early evening hours but see a significant discount overnight. The goal is to shift use to hours when the grid tends to be less congested as well as deliver cleaner and cheaper power. This creates unprecedented savings opportunities for EV owners who can charge during off-peak hours.
ComEd’s Hourly Pricing is an hourly electricity pricing option that could reduce the cost of charging your electric vehicle (EV). Hourly electricity pricing lets you pay less for electricity during off-peak times such as nights and weekends. By plugging in during off-peak times you can take advantage of lower electricity prices and reduce the overall cost of car ownership.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Real Savings for Chicago EV Owners
Current ComEd programs are already delivering impressive results. Switching to ComEd’s Hourly Pricing has significantly lowered our electricity bills, despite consuming an average of 300 kWh per month charging our Tesla, reports one Chicago Tesla owner who has saved an average of $250 annually since 2017.
The upcoming time-of-use program promises even greater benefits. People with electric vehicles will save an extra $2 on their monthly energy bill per vehicle just by enrolling in the proposed ComEd time-of-use program, with a cap of two vehicles for up to two years. This is in addition to the substantial savings from charging during off-peak hours.
Charging during off-peak hours—such as overnight—can lead to substantial savings, with some periods even offering negative pricing, where customers receive bill credits for energy use. This means Chicago EV owners could literally be paid to charge their vehicles during certain low-demand periods.
Why Professional Installation Matters More Than Ever
To maximize these savings opportunities, proper EV charger installation is crucial. Your charger must be Energy Star certified and NRTL-listed. The charger can be a plug-in or hardwired charger but must be a smart charger. Installation must be completed by a certified Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installer recognized by the Illinois Commerce Commission.
Smart chargers are essential for taking advantage of time-of-use rates because they can automatically schedule charging during the lowest-cost periods. For tech-savvy users, ComEd offers automation with tools like IFTTT so you can manage your energy usage automatically based on real-time pricing.
Professional EV Charger Installation Chicago services ensure your system meets all regulatory requirements while positioning you to capture maximum savings from ComEd’s evolving rate structures.
Financial Incentives Sweeten the Deal
Chicago EV owners can access substantial rebates to offset installation costs. Through the Low Income/Equity Investment Eligible Community (LI/EIEC rebate) ComEd EV rebate program, eligible customers can receive a rebate of up to $3,750 for the purchase and installation of a Level 2 EV charger. If you don’t meet income or location requirements, you can still access ComEd’s standard EV charger rebate of up to $1,000 on a qualifying Level 2 charger.
Both rebates are intended to cover the costs, either in part or in full, associated with purchasing and installing a qualifying Level 2 EV charger. This includes the cost of the charger itself in addition to hiring a qualified EV charger installer to provide labor, and any required parts or components such as conduits, cables, fasteners, and—if necessary—even a new electrical panel.
The Perfect Storm: Rising Rates Make Smart Charging Essential
With ComEd’s electricity supply rate going up to about 10 cents per kilowatt-hour starting June 1, a 45% increase from this time last year when the rate was 6.9 cents, meaning most customers are paying around $10.60 more every month on their electric bill, strategic charging becomes even more critical.
Despite this increase, as an Hourly Pricing participant, you still have an opportunity to save on your monthly bill. The key is having the right equipment and installation to capitalize on off-peak pricing.
Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
As ComEd prepares to fully launch its time-of-use program in 2026, early adopters who install EV chargers now will be perfectly positioned to maximize savings. Hourly prices typically follow predictable seasonal patterns, so it can be easy to shift your energy use and save money. On average, hourly prices are lower during times of lower electricity demand, such as mornings, nights, and weekends.
The convergence of rising electricity rates, generous installation rebates, and revolutionary time-of-use pricing makes 2025 the ideal time for Chicago residents to invest in professional EV charger installation. With proper equipment and smart charging strategies, EV owners can transform their vehicles from an energy expense into a money-saving investment that pays dividends for years to come.
For Chicago homeowners ready to embrace this electric future, partnering with qualified electrical contractors ensures your EV charging system delivers maximum financial benefits while meeting all safety and regulatory standards. The time-of-use revolution is here – make sure you’re equipped to profit from it.