Best Illinois Electricity Companies

What are your rate and plan options?

Living in a deregulated state like Illinois gives you options when it comes to choosing an electricity supplier. Many independent suppliers help you save money by giving you a choice between multiple plans. Understanding the difference in each rate plan type will make sure you choose the best option for your home or business.

• Fixed rates: Fixed-rate electricity plans keep your electricity bill the same for the duration of your contract or term. A term is typically three to 36 months with penalties for breaking your contract. Fixed-rate plans keep you from having to pay more if the price of electricity rises. However, if the price of electricity falls, you’ll be stuck paying your fixed price.
• Variable rates: With a variable rate plan, the price of electricity fluctuates with the market price, but there are no long-term contracts or penalties. These plans tend to be cheaper than fixed plans, and you can switch to another Illinois electricity provider at any time.
• Customizable plans: Many independent electricity suppliers in Illinois and elsewhere let you customize a plan for your small business. These plans are tailored for each business based on size, location and energy use. This maximizes your bottom line and saves you money on your energy bill.

What types of energy do Illinois electric companies use?

Illinois electric companies use multiple types of energy sources. Depending on the source, electricity can be either renewable or nonrenewable. The natural resources that create electricity are typically nonrenewable.  Ask each company what type of energy they use when you’re shopping for an independent company.

• Renewable energy: Wind, solar, geothermal and hydropower are all renewable energy sources. This means they can be replenished in a short amount of time. Many electricity companies are switching to renewable energy sources to reduce pollution.
• Nonrenewable energy: Nonrenewable energy comes from sources like coal, petroleum and natural gas. These resources will run out and won’t be replenished in our lifetime.

How do electric companies promote sustainability?

Many electric companies in deregulated states like Illinois use sustainable business practices, programs and donations. Some offer ways for you to use renewable energy resources to power your small business or home. They’ll also team up with you to provide renewable energy to others.

• Independent foundations: Independent foundations like the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation offer grants to energy providers and nonprofits who use or want to switch to using sustainable energy.
• Donations: Some independent electric companies in Illinois and elsewhere allow you to donate money to provide solar energy to non-profits. Look for each company’s sustainability programs on their website.
• Paperless billing: Almost all electric companies offer a paperless billing option. Going paperless can save thousands of dollars each year, which can translate to a lower cost for you.

What convenient features do electric companies use?

Illinois electric companies offer many convenient features to help you easily manage your account and services.

• Manage services online: Most companies in Illinois let you log in to your account and set up a time and date to start, stop or transfer services. Having the ability to do this online prevents you from being on hold with the electric company’s customer service department.
• Automatic bill pay: You can set up automatic bill pay with your electric company. This lets you pay your bills by having the amount auto-drafted out of a selected bank account.
• Power outage reporting: Some companies in Illinois allow you to report a power outage via a mobile app. They also show maps with current outages and estimated repair times and can notify you when power is on or off with a text alert.

How do electric companies provide customer service?

Electricity companies with a responsive customer service department make getting your issues resolved less of a hassle. Many companies in Illinois and elsewhere use technology for customer service. Features like live chat and social media help keep you informed.

• Live chat: Live chat software makes connecting with customers quick and convenient. Using live chat prevents you from having to call a customer service number and waste time on hold.
• Active social media: Illinois electric companies who actively engage with you on social media and post relevant information like current power outages and repair times on their live feed making staying informed easy.

What types of rewards can you earn with your electric company?

Some independent electricity providers in Illinois offer rewards programs for paying your bill on time. Rewards points are earned per kilowatt hour you use or from referring friends and family. They can be redeemed in multiple ways.

• Travel rewards: Some companies let you redeem rewards points for things like free flights or travel packages. You can check out a full list of travel packages with their point values on the company's website. Packages include spa or golf getaways, cruises and other vacation packages.
• Statement credit: Sometimes called “Free energy” programs, statement credit programs allow you to earn money back on your statement by referring friends and family. Statement credit is typically based on the average daily energy cost of your referral customers from previous invoices.
• Retail bonuses: Some companies in Illinois let you redeem your rewards points towards retail gift cards. Cards are available for specific point values on their website.

Electricity suppliers

Sometimes called electricity providers, electricity suppliers generate your electricity. Suppliers in deregulated states like Illinois offer competitive prices and more renewable energy options than local companies.

Electric utility

Utility companies build and maintain power line networks across Illinois. Suppliers use these networks to provide power to homes and businesses.

Homeowners

As an Illinois resident, you may find that switching your electricity provider to an independent supplier can save you quite a bit on your annual energy costs.

Business owners

As an Illinois business owner, you can switch to an electricity provider that offers tailored, customizable electric plans. This will help you save money on your company’s energy bill.

People switching to renewable energy

Many electricity providers in deregulated states like Illinois offer renewable energy alternatives like wind and solar power. Find a company that works with a renewable energy company to properly assess and install any new solar systems.