Independent rate reference - not affiliated with any utility or energy supplier. Data: EIA Electric Power Monthly, April 2026.Full disclaimer
ElectricityRatePerKWh

Electricity Rate in Illinois (2026): 16.43c/kWh Average

Residential Rate
16.43¢
per kWh
vs US Avg
-7%
1.22c below
Avg Monthly Bill
$117
712 kWh
Provider Choice
Yes
Can switch suppliers

Illinois Electricity Rate: What You Need to Know

Illinois electricity averages 16.43 cents per kWh for residential customers as of April 2026, according to the EIA Electric Power Monthly. This is 1.22c below the US average of 17.65c/kWh. The average monthly bill for Illinois households is $117 based on typical usage of 712 kWh.

Illinois electricity averages 16.43c/kWh, split between ComEd (Commonwealth Edison, an Exelon subsidiary) in northern Illinois including Chicago, and Ameren Illinois in central and southern Illinois. Illinois allows retail choice through the PlugInIllinois portal, and municipal aggregation is common in Chicago suburbs (towns negotiate bulk supply contracts on behalf of residents). ComEd operates under a formula rate mechanism approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission, which provides cost certainty for grid modernization investment. Nuclear power provides 55% of Illinois electricity - the second largest nuclear fleet in the US - keeping baseload rates more stable than gas-heavy states.

Generation mix: Nuclear 55%, natural gas 25%, wind 15%, coal 5%. The fuel mix is a primary driver of electricity rates - states with abundant hydro or nuclear tend to have lower rates, while states dependent on imported petroleum (Hawaii) or natural gas pay more.

Year-over-year change: Illinois rates rose 5.3% year-over-year as of April 2026. This compares to the US average increase of 5.4% over the same period.

Deregulated: You Can Shop for a Better Rate

PlugInIllinois (pluginillinois.org) - competitive supply available; municipal aggregation common in Chicago suburbs

How to shop for a better rate ->

Your Illinois Electricity Bill Components

Energy charge (712 kWh x 16.43c)$116.98
Fixed customer charge (estimated)~$10.00
Estimated monthly total$126.98
All Sectors - Illinois
Residential16.43c
Commercial13.27c
Industrial8.91c
Dominant Utility
ComEd (Northern IL) / Ameren (Southern IL)
View utility detail ->
Adjacent States
Indiana14.71c
Iowa13.71c
Missouri13.89c
Wisconsin17.32c
Calculate Your IL Bill

State pre-selected in our full bill calculator with TOU and commercial modes.

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Illinois Electricity: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the electricity rate in Illinois in 2026?+
The average residential electricity rate in Illinois is 16.43 cents per kWh as of April 2026, according to the EIA Electric Power Monthly. This is 1.22c below the US average of 17.65c/kWh (-7%). The average monthly electricity bill in Illinois is approximately $117 based on 712 kWh typical monthly usage.
Can I switch electricity providers in Illinois?+
Yes - Illinois is a deregulated state. PlugInIllinois (pluginillinois.org) - competitive supply available; municipal aggregation common in Chicago suburbs The local utility (ComEd (Northern IL) / Ameren (Southern IL)) still delivers the electricity; only the generation/supply charge is competitive.
What is the average monthly electricity bill in Illinois?+
The average Illinois household uses approximately 712 kWh per month. At 16.43c/kWh plus approximately $10 in fixed charges, the average monthly bill is $117. This varies by season (higher in summer for cooling-dominant states like Florida, higher in winter for heating-dominant states).
What is the primary electricity source in Illinois?+
Illinois's generation mix is primarily Nuclear 55%, natural gas 25%, wind 15%, coal 5%. This fuel mix is a key factor in the state's electricity rate - states relying on hydro or nuclear typically have lower rates, while states heavily dependent on natural gas or petroleum (like Hawaii) face higher costs.
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