Compare Illinois Electric Rates and Prices

The table above shows the PTC from utility companies in Illinois. It also displays current rates you could secure through Choose Energy. Enter your ZIP code on this page to find current Illinois electricity rates in your area.

The average energy rate in Illinois is 16.68 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), according to the latest Energy Information Administration (EIA) data. This rate is 20 cents cheaper than the national average of 16.88 cents per kWh. 

You’ll find a few common types of energy plans on the Choose Energy marketplace when you enter your ZIP code to compare rates. The exact rate you pay will depend on your chosen plan and how much energy you use each month. Before signing up, read each plan’s Electricity Facts Label (EFL) to understand the details of your service. Learn more about your energy plan options with Choose Energy.

• Fixed-rate plans: The rate you pay for every kWh of electricity is set and will not change, providing a predictable monthly bill. Most contracts last between 12–36 months, but you may be able to find other options. If you cancel your contract before the term ends, you’ll likely incur an early termination fee (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 lower rate during months of low demand but will 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 before you use it. If the funds in your account run low, you’ll receive an alert about your account balance.
• 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.

Enter your ZIP code on Choose Energy’s free, independent marketplace to start shopping for plans. You can use our marketplace filters to sort by preferences like usage level, provider, green energy, all-credit approved, and more.

Deregulated energy markets have two major players: energy providers and utility companies. You have the option to choose your light company in Illinois. But what do electricity suppliers and utilities do? Here’s a breakdown of their main responsibilities.

Energy suppliers are in charge of selling energy plans to customers. They also handle account management, such as meter reading and responding to customer inquiries. You can use our marketplace to discover the cheapest energy suppliers in Illinois. Some of the top light companies include: 

• Constellation Energy 
• Direct Energy
• Public Power

Utility companies deliver energy to your home or business. They’re also responsible for maintaining the electrical infrastructure and responding to outages. There are four major utility companies in Illinois:

• ComEd: 1-800-334-7661
• Ameren Illinois: 1-800-755-5000
• Mt. Carmel Public Utility: 1-877-262-7036 
• MidAmerican Energy: 1-888-427-5632

As you shop, you’ll want to do an electricity comparison to find the best rate. That is where the price to compare (PTC) comes into play. The PTC is the default energy rate from your local utility and is the benchmark you can use when comparing its options with alternate providers. This charge changes if you switch providers and sign up for a different plan.

The average electric bill in Illinois is $120.10 a month. Illinois residents use 720kWh monthly on average. It makes Illinois one of the cheapest states for energy. 

The deregulated energy market in Illinois gives residents and businesses the power to choose their electricity and natural gas suppliers. Deregulation creates competition among energy companies to offer you the best electricity rate in Illinois. 

The official electric choice website for the Illinois Commerce Commission is called Plug in Illinois. However, deciding between providers can be confusing. Choose Energy is a free energy marketplace where you can easily find and compare electricity rates and plans in Illinois. Enter your ZIP code to explore options and find the best electricity rates in your area.

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 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 online or over the phone. Your chosen supplier will complete your setup without interrupting service.

How much does electricity cost in Illinois?

The average electricity rate in Illinois is currently 16.68 cents per kWh, and the average monthly energy bill is $120.10, according to data from the EIA.

How do I find the best electricity rates in Illinois?

You can search, compare, and switch providers on the Choose Energy marketplace. Our marketplace uses filtering tools to help you find specialized options, like commercial energy plans, fast. 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 certain threshold. Some energy suppliers will waive the deposit if you enroll in auto-bill pay. However, you can find a variety of prepaid and no-deposit plans on our marketplace by filtering your search. 

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. If these changes don’t lower your bills enough, consider changing 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.