Compare Illinois Electric Rates & Prices

When you’re shopping for a new electricity plan in Illinois, you’ll want to compare electricity rates from the various suppliers to find your best option. That is where the price to compare (PTC) comes into play. The PTC is the default energy rate from your local utility. It is a benchmark price you can use when comparing electricity rates from alternate providers. This price changes if you switch providers and sign up for a different plan.

• The average Illinois electricity rate for residential customers is 17.21 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), which is 1.1% higher than the national average of 17.01 cents per kWh.
• The average Illinois electricity rate for commercial customers is 11.54 cents per kWh. This is about 5.5% lower than the national average of 12.22 cents per kWh.

The average electric bill in Illinois is currently $115.13 per month. You can estimate your energy bill by multiplying your electricity rate with your monthly usage. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), Illinois residents typically use 669 kWh per month and the state’s average energy price is 17.21 cents per kWh.

Illinois deregulated its energy market in 1997, giving residents and businesses the freedom to choose their electricity supplier instead of being limited to the local utility. Deregulation creates competition among energy companies and can lead to cheaper electric rates and better terms. The official electric choice website for the Illinois Commerce Commission is called Plug In Illinois.

If you’re new to deregulation, shopping for a provider and plan can be overwhelming. Choose Energy is a free energy marketplace where you can easily find and compare electricity rates and plans in Illinois. You can enter your ZIP code on this page to explore options and find the best electricity rates in your area.

Residents in deregulated areas like Illinois will have two companies to work with for their electricity: energy providers and utility companies. You have the option to choose your supplier in Illinois, but your utility is determined by your address. Understanding the different roles providers and utilities play lets you know who to contact with questions about your service.

Energy suppliers in Illinois

Energy suppliers are in charge of selling electricity to customers through electricity plans. They handle account management, such as meter reading, and are available to answer any questions you have about your energy plan. You can use Choose Energy to discover the cheapest energy suppliers in Illinois. Some of the top Illinois energy suppliers include:

• Constellation Energy
• Direct Energy
• Public Power

Utility providers in Illinois

Utility companies, on the other hand, deliver energy to your home or business, monitor and maintain the electrical infrastructure, and respond to power outages. If you experience a power outage in your area, contact your utility company to report it and receive updates about when service will be restored. There are two major utility companies in Illinois:

• ComEd
  • Call 1-800-334-7661
  • Use their online outage reporter
• Ameren Illinois
  • Call 1-800-755-5000
  • Use their outage center

When comparing electricity rates on Choose Energy, you’ll find a few common types of energy plans. The exact rate you pay will depend on your chosen plan and how much energy you use each month. Before signing up, be sure to read each plan’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL) to understand the details of your service.

• Fixed-rate plans: The rate you pay per kWh is set in a contract and will not change, providing a predictable monthly bill. Most contracts last between 12–36 months. If you cancel or switch plans before your term ends, you’ll likely incur an early termination fee (ETF). If you are canceling because you are moving outside of the supplier’s service area, you won’t be charged an ETF.
• Variable-rate plans: With this plan type, the rate you pay for electricity changes monthly based on energy market variations. You may have a cheaper rate during months of low demand but you can experience price hikes when energy demand increases. You can cancel your variable-rate plan at any time without paying a termination fee.
• No-deposit plans: These plans allow you to avoid paying the deposit before starting service. Some no-deposit plans, such as prepaid plans, let you pay for your energy upfront. Your provider will notify you when the balance runs low so you can top up your account.
• Green energy plans: Some providers offer plans powered by renewable energy sources, like solar power or wind energy. These green energy plans provide renewable energy credits (RECs) to add more energy sourced from renewables to the grid.

Choose Energy makes it easy to compare electricity providers and plans to fit your energy needs. You can find a plan, compare your options, and sign up for service in three simple steps:

• Enter your ZIP code. Browse a list of available retail energy suppliers and plans.
• Filter your search results. Sort by plan type, contract length, provider, and more. Compare available plans and select the one that meets your needs.
• Sign up in minutes. Your chosen supplier will complete your setup without interrupting service.

If you’re moving to Illinois, it’s important to understand how the deregulated energy market impacts your service. You have the option to enroll in a plan with a variety of energy suppliers or receive service from the local utility company. If you don’t sign up for a plan, you’ll automatically be enrolled with your utility under the default PTC rate. However, you may be able to find a cheaper rate if you shop around.

You can use the free Choose Energy marketplace to compare Illinois electric providers and sign up for a plan in minutes. You can sign up for service up to two weeks before your move. If you’re on a tight timeline, you may qualify for same-day service. Enter your new ZIP code to explore current rates available in your area.

How much does electricity cost in Illinois?

The average electricity rate in Illinois is currently 17.21 cents per kWh, and the average monthly energy bill is $115.13, according to the latest data from the EIA.

How do I find the best electricity rates in Illinois?

You can search, compare, and switch providers on marketplaces like Choose Energy. Filter for your individual needs, such as specific suppliers, contract lengths, and green energy options. Once you’re signed up, your new service usually begins on the next billing cycle. Your provider will ensure the transition to your new plan is smooth without interrupting your power.

Is a deposit required for my energy plan?

Many energy suppliers require a deposit if your credit score doesn’t meet a set threshold. Some energy suppliers will waive the deposit if you enroll in auto-bill pay. You can also search for prepaid and no-deposit plans on our marketplace to avoid paying a deposit.

How can I lower my electric bill?

There are many ways to lower your energy bills, including performing regular maintenance on your HVAC, installing energy-efficient appliances, and reducing your heating and cooling usage. You can also consider switching to an energy supplier in Illinois with a lower rate. If you are currently on a fixed-rate plan, you may be required to pay an ETF if you switch before the end of your contract.