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 Energy 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 have been gaining customers by offering rates much lower than the default utilities.
Today, the Illinois 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.
Shop Illinois Electricity Rates
Find your local Illinois utility provider below to compare featured rates, and enroll in minutes.
| Plan | Rate Per kWh |
|---|---|
| Direct Energy Live Brighter™ 12 12 Months | 7.99¢ Select |
| Direct Energy Live Brighter™ 18 18 Months | 8.09¢ Select |
| Constellation 24 Month Home Power Plan 24 Months | 8.19¢ Select |
| Constellation 12 Month Home Power Plan 12 Months | 8.29¢ Select |
| Constellation 12 Month Green Home Power Plan 12 Months | 8.69¢ Select |
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Average Illinois Electricity Costs
The average residential Illinois electricity rate is 16.79¢ per kWh, which is the 13th highest average rate in the US. However, Illinois residents tend to be more energy-efficient, averaging 721 kWh of electricity consumption per month. This leads the residents to have one of the lowest average electric bills in the nation at $93.98 a month.
16.19¢
Average Rate per/kWh
721 kWh
Average Usage per month
$93.98
Average Cost per month
HOW DOES THIS COMPARE NATIONALLY?
14th Highest
Average Rate
35th Highest
Average Usage
47th Highest
Average Cost
Illinois Electricity Rates Trend
Source: Energy Information Administration (EIA)
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.
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Comparing 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 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 Rate Comparison Tool located at the top of the 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. All you need to do is follow this simple three-step process.
- Enter ZIP Code: Enter your ZIP Code at the top of the page to see rates in your area
- Compare Providers: Compare competing offers from leading Illinois energy providers
- Switch & Save: Sign up in a few minutes and start saving on your electricity 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.
Shop Electricity Rates By City
Learn more and compare electricity rates in these populous Illinois cities:
Illinois Electricity Rates FAQ's
- How much does electricity cost in Illinois?
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The average residential electricity rate in Illinois is 13.04¢ per kWh, which is close to the national average of 13.15¢ per kWh. However, because Illinois residents consume less electricity on average, the state has the 4th lowest average electricity bill in the nation at $93.98 per month.
- Where can I find my current Illinois electricity supply rate?
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If you want to find your current Illinois electricity supply rate, look at your most recent electricity bill. You can find your electricity supply rate there. If your utility supplies your electricity, use the “Price to Compare” listed on your bill.
- What’s the difference between utility providers and electricity providers?
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In Illinois, your utility provider and electricity provider perform two different services. Utility providers deliver electricity to your home and bill you. They also own, operate and maintain the infrastructure that distributes electricity to your home. Electricity providers supply the electricity you use. You can switch electricity providers in Illinois. However, your utility provider will always remain the same as long as you live within its service area, no matter who your electricity provider is.