In line with
the national average of 18.83¢/kWh
Electricity Rates in Illinois (March 2026)
The average residential rate is 18.86¢/kWh — that's about $115/month for a typical household.
#36out of 51 states (1 = cheapest)
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration. Data as of March 2026.
$115/mo
based on 611 kWh average monthly usage
7.5%up
over the past 12 months
Rates by Sector
| Sector | Rate (¢/kWh) | vs National | Avg Monthly Usage | Avg Monthly Bill |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential | 18.86¢/kWh | In line | 611 kWh | $115 |
| Commercial | 13.07¢/kWh | — | 5,733 kWh | $749 |
| Industrial | 9.19¢/kWh | — | 625,041 kWh | $57,461 |
| National Average | 18.83¢/kWh | — | 748 kWh | $141 |
Electricity Providers in Illinois
Type | Service | Service Area | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Boone, Bureau, Carroll, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Ford, Grundy, Jo Daviess, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, LaSalle, Lake, Lee, Livingston, Marshall, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, Will, Winnebago, Woodford+21 moreless | ||||||
Adams, Alexander, Bond, Brown, Bureau, Calhoun, Cass, Champaign, Christian, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, DeWitt, Douglas, Edgar, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Ford, Franklin, Fulton, Gallatin, Greene, Hancock, Henderson, Henry, Iroquois, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jersey, Johnson, Kendall, Knox, LaSalle, Lawrence, Livingston, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Mason, Massac, McDonough, McLean, Menard, Mercer, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Moultrie, Peoria, Perry, Piatt, Pike, Pulaski, Putnam, Randolph, Richland, Saline, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, Shelby, St Clair, Stark, Tazewell, Union, Vermilion, Wabash, Warren, Washington, Wayne, White, Williamson, Woodford+78 moreless | ||||||
— | ||||||
— | ||||||
— | ||||||
— | ||||||
— | ||||||
Sangamon | ||||||
DuPage, Will | ||||||
— |
Utility data from EIA Form 861, 2024
How Deregulated Electricity Works in Illinois
Illinois deregulated its electricity market in 1997. The system operates with three components: power companies generate electricity (generation), utilities maintain high-voltage lines (transmission), and your local utility (Commonwealth Edison Co, Ameren Illinois Company, MidAmerican Energy Co, Mt Carmel Public Utility Co) delivers electricity to your home (distribution).
You can choose your electricity supplier from 73 competing providers. If you don't select a supplier, you automatically receive default service through your utility at a regulated rate.
How to Switch Electricity Companies in Illinois
- 1Review your current contract terms and check for early termination fees
- 2Compare available rates from 73 suppliers serving your area
- 3Choose a plan and sign a Letter of Authorization
- 4Your new supplier handles the transfer with your utility (Commonwealth Edison Co, Ameren Illinois Company, MidAmerican Energy Co, Mt Carmel Public Utility Co) — your service is not interrupted
- 5Your new rate takes effect in the next billing cycle
When is the Best Time to Switch Energy Providers in Illinois
The best times to switch providers in Illinois typically include:
- Before peak seasons (summer) when you can lock in lower rates
- When your current contract is nearing expiration
- During off-peak months when providers offer competitive promotions
- After comparing rates during market downturns
Types of Electricity Plans in Illinois
Fixed-rate plans
Consistent rates throughout your contract term, making budgeting easier. Early termination fees may apply.
Green energy plans
Power your home with 100% renewable sources while supporting clean energy goals.
Time-of-use plans
Different rates based on when you use electricity, with lower costs during off-peak hours.
Variable-rate / prepaid plans
Flexibility without long-term commitments, though rates may fluctuate monthly based on market conditions.
Power Outages in Illinois
412 customers currently without power in Illinois
Frequently Asked Questions
The average residential electricity rate in Illinois is 18.86¢ per kWh. Commercial customers pay an average of 13.07¢ per kWh and industrial customers pay 9.19¢ per kWh.