Should you switch electric suppliers in Illinois?

How to compare an offer

• Find your utility and price to compare on Plug In Illinois, the Illinois Commerce Commission’s official electric choice site.
• Compare cents per kWh to cents per kWh. An offer only saves money if its price is below the utility’s for the months you’ll be on it.
• Check whether the rate is fixed or variable. Variable rates can change month to month. Introductory rates may jump after a few months.
• Look for monthly fees. A flat monthly charge can wipe out a small per-kWh saving.
• Ask about automatic renewal. Find out what price you’ll pay when the term ends.
• Ask for the Uniform Disclosure Statement before you enroll, and confirm the supplier is certified by the ICC.

Plug In Illinois also lists supplier offers you can compare side by side and questions to ask a supplier. The Citizens Utility Board publishes current utility rates and warns about bad supplier deals.

Your rights in Illinois

• No termination fees. Since January 1, 2020, residential customers can end a supplier contract at any time without a termination fee or penalty. You still owe for power already used. See 220 ILCS 5/16-119.
• 10 days to change your mind. After your utility mails a notice of the switch, you can cancel without penalty within 10 calendar days by contacting the supplier or the utility. See 83 Ill. Adm. Code 412.210.
• Returning to the utility is free, but Plug In Illinois notes you may have to stay with the utility for at least 12 months. See Cancelling an agreement.

Watch out for pushy sales

The ICC advises asking door-to-door or phone sellers for ID, not sharing your bill or account number until you’ve read the disclosure statement and decided to switch, and simply hanging up or closing the door if you feel pressured. Sellers can’t claim to work for your utility or the ICC. To file a complaint, call the ICC at 1-800-524-0795. See the ICC’s switching tips.

Check your town’s aggregation program

Many Illinois cities and counties negotiate electricity supply for residents through municipal aggregation. Your community may already have a program, and you can usually opt out. Plug In Illinois has the list of communities.

Other ways to cut your electric bill

If you’re behind on bills, see if you qualify for LIHEAP through your local agency. Our community solar guide covers another way some Illinois households get bill credits.