Here are the current 2020 Illinois electricity rates for each utility, along with the retail energy provider rates IL residents can switch to. Start by locating the utility near you below and selecting the rate you would like to switch to.
Get the Best Illinois Electricity Rates
Featured Ameren Electricity Rates
| Plan | Term & Rate | |
|---|---|---|
Constellation24 Month Home Power Plan |
24 months
5.99¢
|
Rates Updated: 11/1/2020.
Featured ComEd Electricity Rates
| Plan | Term & Rate | |
|---|---|---|
Energy HarborPT Safe Harbor 6 |
6 months
7.59¢
|
|
Energy HarborPT Safe Harbor 24 |
24 months
7.79¢
|
Rates Updated: 11/1/2020.
Average Electric Bill in Illinois
Illinois Average Bill
Illinois electricity rates are close to the national average at 12.77 cents/kWh. The IL residents tend to be energy-efficient with the 1tth lowest average usage in the US. All of this combines to a very favorable electricity bill when compared to the rest of the US. Illinois' average electricity bill is $94.98/month which is 7th lowest in the country.
12.77 ¢
Average Rate
per/kWh
744 kWh
Average Usage
per month
$94.98
Average Cost
per month
HOW DOES THIS COMPARE NATIONALLY?
19th Highest
Average Rate
17th Lowest
Average Usage
7th Lowest
Average Cost
Updated 3/13/2020 Source: U.S. Energy Information Association (EIA)
Illinois Energy Choice
Illinois is relatively new to energy deregulation and many residents may not even be aware they have a choice in an electricity provider. While residential customers have been able to participate in electric choice and compare Illinois electricity rates since 2002, it wasn’t until 2007 that major competition started flooding the market when the deregulation transition was finalized. Since then, retail electricity providers (also known in Illinois as ‘alternative retail electric suppliers’ or ‘ARES’) have been gaining customers by offering rates much lower than the default utilities.
Today, the IL energy market is saturated with many of these retail electric suppliers. Residents and businesses in both utility regions have numerous different providers and plans to choose from. As new low-cost providers continue to enter the IL energy market, price competition is becoming more fierce which means more savings for residents and businesses.
Public Utilities in Illinois
Illinois natural gas and electric utilities include:
The Illinois Commerce Commission monitors and regulates all public utilities in Illinois. It is important to remember that, whether you switch or not, the electricity will still be generated from these utilities. That means there will be no change in reliability and the utilities will still service any electrical outages.
Compare Illinois Electricity Rates
The most important thing to consider when selecting an Illinois electricity provider is rate pricing. For instance, you’ll want to find a retail provider that offers a lower rate than what you are currently paying, which is referred to as the “Price-to-Compare” and can be found on your utility bill. This rate is expressed in cents per kWh. Keep in mind, even a slight difference can result in large cost savings.
There are other factors that you will want to consider before switching providers:
- Variable v. Fixed Pricing – Variable pricing can vary by day or month, is based on the market price for the retail electricity provider, and can be very unpredictable. With fixed pricing, customers can pay one low rate that will never change until the contract expires.
- Length of the Contract – Contract terms can last for as little as one month or as long as 36 months. Shorter contracts may offer lower rates, but longer contracts lock in low rates for long periods and reduce the risk of high rates when the contract expires. The ICC recommends choosing a 12- or 24-month contract to avoid risk.
- Other Switching Incentives – Some retail electric suppliers in the state offer sign-up bonuses, rewards programs, guaranteed savings, and more.
- Green/Renewable Electricity – Looking to be more environmentally conscious? Many providers offer partial or 100% renewable electricity options as well as Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to residents and small businesses. While the rates are higher than traditional electric sources, the availability of renewable electricity has driven costs down and can often be found for less than the utility’s Price-to-Compare for traditional electricity.
To help you find the best retail electricity provider for your energy needs, ElectricityRates.com has a FREE Compare & Switch tool, located on the right side of this page. With the tool, you can compare electric rates in Illinois by viewing the best plans from top electric suppliers in your area. Simply type in your zip code to view a list.
How to Switch Illinois Electricity Providers
Switching electricity providers in IL is easy. Once you’ve decided on the contract and provider that’s right for you, simply continue the sign-up process by clicking on the electric company name and plan. After filling out your contact and electricity account information, you’ll be all set. And even better, it will take one to two billing cycles to start seeing new rates on your electric bill.
When customers switch providers, the utility still delivers the electricity, sends electric bills, and maintains wires, poles, and other infrastructure. No matter who supplies the electricity, the reliability of the service will not change.
Learn more about energy providers in Illinois.