Compare Illinois electricity rates and plans (October 2025)

Illinois electricity rates vary, but the average residential rate is around 15.50 cents per kWh, with a monthly bill averaging $104.78.

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Brogan Woodburn

Last updated: Oct 1, 2025

Fact checked by: Alex Zdanov

What to know about electricity rates in Illinois

The average Illinois electricity rate is 15.50 cents per kWh while the average national rate is 16.22 cents
The cheapest electricity rate is 9.53 cents per kWh for Illinois residents
Illinois's deregulated electricity market includes 111 providers

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Best Illinois electricity rates

Illinois electricity rates range from 9.53 cents to 22.54 cents per kWh. The rates you find vary depending on the providers and plans available to you, and comparing companies is the best way to find better rates. Below are some rates from popular electric companies in Illinois.

What is the cheapest electricity company in Illinois?

Rank	Provider	Service	Rate (¢/kWh)	Customers
1	Homefield Energy	Energy	5.76	111,465
2	Dynegy Energy Services	Energy	6.65	53,140
3	AEP Energy	Energy	6.73	48,167
4	ResCom Energy	Energy	7.76	98
5	MC Squared Energy Services	Energy	8.02	135,561
6	CleanSky Energy	Energy	8.35	350
7	First Energy	Energy	8.71	140,122
8	Eligo Energy	Energy	9.49	15,049
9	Realgy Energy Services	Energy	9.74	15,822
10	MidAmerican Energy	Bundled	9.81	85,635

Because Illinois has a deregulated electricity market, you have the flexibility to shop around for a cheaper electricity bill. Many states don't offer this choice. If you're looking to reduce your energy bill, consider switching to a different provider or plan. Illinois electricity providers offer different types of plans for residents and businesses to satisfy a range of needs.

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Average cost of electricity in Illinois

According to our data, the average electricity rate in Illinois is 15.50 cents per kWh. This equates to an average residential bill of $104.78 per month. The national average rate is 16.22 cents per kWh, and Illinois ranks as the 31st lowest priced state in the nation.

	Rate	Usage	Bill
Illinois Average	15.50¢	676 kWh	$104.78
United States Average	16.22¢	884 kWh	$143.38

Since the average price is 15.50 cents per kWh or $104.78 per month for residential electricity, prices lower than these can be considered affordable. Electricity rates in Illinois depend on your home size and usage, so the kWh rate is more useful when comparing your rate to the average.

Best electricity plans

In Illinois, the best electricity plans provide competitive rates, renewable energy options, and fixed or variable pricing. Top providers offer reliability, transparency, and customer incentives so you can save money and enjoy responsive support.

We've analyzed the prices, terms, and conditions of popular Illinois electricity plans. Below are our picks for the best residential plans in the state.

Provider	Contract Term	Rate	Plan
	36 months	7.99¢/kWh	See Plan
	12 months	8.19¢/kWh	See Plan
	18 months	8.39¢/kWh	See Plan
	24 months	8.48¢/kWh	See Plan
	32 months	8.68¢/kWh	See Plan
	36 months	9.09¢/kWh	See Plan
	36 months	9.89¢/kWh	See Plan
	24 months	10.09¢/kWh	See Plan
	24 months	10.19¢/kWh	See Plan
	36 months	10.59¢/kWh	See Plan
	12 months	10.69¢/kWh	See Plan
	36 months	11.39¢/kWh	See Plan
	24 months	11.59¢/kWh	See Plan
	36 months	55.9¢/kWh	See Plan
	12 months	57.9¢/kWh	See Plan
	36 months	57.9¢/kWh	See Plan
	12 months	59.9¢/kWh	See Plan
	36 months	70.9¢/kWh	See Plan
	36 months	72.9¢/kWh	See Plan
	36 months	77.9¢/kWh	See Plan
	36 months	85.9¢/kWh	See Plan
	36 months	87.9¢/kWh	See Plan
	24 months	90.9¢/kWh	See Plan
	24 months	91.9¢/kWh	See Plan
	36 months	92.9¢/kWh	See Plan
	24 months	$1.06/kWh	See Plan
	24 months	$1.07/kWh	See Plan
See All Plans

Compare Illinois electricity providers

There are 111 electricity providers in Illinois. While some providers only serve specific areas, you have multiple options for electricity wherever you are. Different providers can offer different specials, plan types, and sales throughout the year. However, always read the fine print of the energy plans you consider to avoid hidden penalties.

Residential Electricity Providers in Illinois

Provider	Service Type	Rate (¢/kWh)	Rate State Rank	Bill	Bill State Rank
Homefield Energy	Energy	5.76	1	$59.16	2
Dynegy Energy Services	Energy	6.65	2	$64.81	7
AEP Energy	Energy	6.73	3	$61.69	4
ResCom Energy	Energy	7.76	4	$9.23	1
MC Squared Energy Services	Energy	8.02	5	$67.88	9
CleanSky Energy	Energy	8.35	6	$166.68	83
First Energy	Energy	8.71	7	$69.08	12
Eligo Energy	Energy	9.49	8	$67.48	8
Realgy Energy Services	Energy	9.74	9	$75.71	15
MidAmerican Energy	Bundled	9.81	10	$71.68	13

Showing 10 of 111 providers

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Business electricity rates in Illinois

Commercial rates are typically cheaper than residential rates in Illinois because businesses consume much more energy than homes on average. Businesses basically get a volume discount on electricity since they use so much. Our data shows the average business in Illinois pays 12.93 cents per kWh for electricity and has an average bill of $383 per month.

	Rate	Usage	Bill
Illinois Average	12.93¢	2,964 kWh	$383.21
United States Average	12.14¢	5,654 kWh	$686.54

Finding ways to reduce overhead costs is essential as a business owner. You have the opportunity to do that in a deregulated electricity market. Even reducing your electricity by one or two cents per kWh can make a huge difference when you have a high monthly bill. Compare commercial electricity rates to find the plan that makes the most sense for your business.

Best commercial electricity plans

Below are the top commercial electricity plans in Illinois.

Provider	Contract Term	Rate	Plan
	3 months	33.11¢/kWh	See Plan
	3 months	30.24¢/kWh	See Plan
	6 months	39.42¢/kWh	See Plan
	6 months	46.50¢/kWh	See Plan
	6 months	46.00¢/kWh	See Plan
	6 months	50.82¢/kWh	See Plan
	6 months	51.29¢/kWh	See Plan
	12 months	45.89¢/kWh	See Plan
	12 months	41.87¢/kWh	See Plan
	12 months	46.50¢/kWh	See Plan
	12 months	46.89¢/kWh	See Plan
	9 months	42.20¢/kWh	See Plan
	9 months	46.50¢/kWh	See Plan
	12 months	46.00¢/kWh	See Plan
	9 months	46.00¢/kWh	See Plan
	18 months	43.81¢/kWh	See Plan
	18 months	46.50¢/kWh	See Plan
	18 months	53.92¢/kWh	See Plan
	18 months	53.12¢/kWh	See Plan
	18 months	46.00¢/kWh	See Plan
	24 months	54.80¢/kWh	See Plan
	24 months	55.14¢/kWh	See Plan
	24 months	46.50¢/kWh	See Plan
	24 months	45.38¢/kWh	See Plan
	24 months	48.10¢/kWh	See Plan
	36 months	48.05¢/kWh	See Plan
	36 months	55.48¢/kWh	See Plan
	36 months	48.88¢/kWh	See Plan
	36 months	47.53¢/kWh	See Plan
	36 months	51.30¢/kWh	See Plan
	48 months	48.88¢/kWh	See Plan
	48 months	48.45¢/kWh	See Plan
	60 months	48.88¢/kWh	See Plan
	60 months	49.00¢/kWh	See Plan
	48 months	51.30¢/kWh	See Plan
	60 months	51.30¢/kWh	See Plan
	6 months	53.80¢/kWh	See Plan
	12 months	55.40¢/kWh	See Plan
	6 months	70.93¢/kWh	See Plan
	18 months	57.30¢/kWh	See Plan
	60 months	57.60¢/kWh	See Plan
	12 months	66.81¢/kWh	See Plan
	24 months	58.40¢/kWh	See Plan
	18 months	69.88¢/kWh	See Plan
	36 months	60.10¢/kWh	See Plan
	60 months	67.02¢/kWh	See Plan
	48 months	60.70¢/kWh	See Plan
	24 months	69.49¢/kWh	See Plan
	36 months	69.82¢/kWh	See Plan
	48 months	68.44¢/kWh	See Plan
See All Plans

How to switch Illinois electricity companies

Wondering how to make the switch to a new electricity provider in Illinois? The process is straightforward and won't disrupt your service.

First, review your current agreement's terms, then select either a new Retail Electric Supplier (ARES) or return to utility providers like ComEd or Ameren.

Key steps to switch providers:

Compare rates among certified suppliers through the Illinois Commerce Commission
Choose your preferred supplier and plan
Let the new supplier handle the transfer process
Wait for the change to take effect on your next meter reading

You won't need any home visits, and your electricity service will continue uninterrupted throughout the switch.

When is the best time to switch energy providers in Illinois?

Determining the ideal time to switch energy providers in Illinois requires careful consideration of market trends and seasonal price fluctuations.

You'll want to review your current rates during spring and fall when energy prices typically stabilize between peak seasons.

Before making a switch, you should:

Compare your utility's "Price-to-Compare" with alternative supplier rates
Review the Illinois Power Agency's procurement plans for upcoming price trends
Evaluate whether long-term contracts align with current market conditions

Remember that regulated utilities often provide the most stable rates year-round.

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How deregulated electricity works in Illinois

Since Illinois deregulated its electricity market in 1997, you've had the power to choose your electricity provider from multiple Alternative Retail Electric Suppliers (ARES).

The system works through a split structure where utilities like ComEd and Ameren Illinois maintain the power lines while ARES compete to sell you electricity.

You'll receive two main services:

Delivery (from your utility company)
Supply (from your chosen ARES or utility)

The Illinois Commerce Commission oversees the market to guarantee fair competition, while the Illinois Power Agency helps secure competitive rates.

You can choose between fixed rates, variable rates, or green energy options through municipal aggregation programs.

Types of electricity plans in Illinois

Illinois offers four main types of plans that cater to different needs and preferences.

Fixed-rate plans provide stable pricing throughout your contract term, typically lasting 12-36 months. While you'll pay early termination fees for canceling, you'll enjoy predictable monthly bills.

Variable-rate plans adjust monthly based on market conditions. You won't face termination fees, but rates can spike during high-demand periods.

No-deposit and prepaid plans offer flexibility in payment structure. You can either start service without an upfront deposit or pay in advance.

Green energy plans support renewable sources through RECs, though they may cost slightly more than traditional options.

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Compare Illinois electricity rates

Compare Illinois electricity rates to save money and avoid overpaying in the deregulated market. Your bill can vary greatly depending on the provider and plan structure. Take the time to read the fine print and do the math to figure out which is your best option.

Illinois electricity rates vs other states

Electricity rates for the biggest cities in Illinois

Illinois electricity rate FAQs

What is a good rate per kWh in Illinois?

In Illinois, a good electricity rate falls between 15 cents to 17 cents per kWh. Tired of high bills? Shop during spring and fall to lock in lower prices before HVAC use spikes in the summer or winter.

What are electric rates in Illinois today?

Illinois electricity rates currently average 15.50 cents per kWh, but you'll likely pay between 14 to 18 cents depending on your provider, location, and plan type.

Why is electricity so expensive in Illinois right now?

Electricity prices in Illinois rise because of approved utility rate hikes and infrastructure costs. You'll face steeper bills as companies implement increases, while capacity charges and renewable transitions drive costs even higher.

Will electricity get cheaper in the future?

Electricity rates fluctuate due to energy demand, fuel costs, grid infrastructure, and regulatory policies. While short-term declines may occur, long-term trends often show increases due to inflation, grid modernization, and shifts to renewable energy.