Utilities setup and providers in Illinois: Electric provider options: ComEd, Ameren Illinois. Gas providers: Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas. Water services vary by municipality. Budget billing programs available. Online account management offered. Energy efficiency programs available. Customer service numbers on provider websites. Disconnect/reconnect fees may apply. Compare rates for best options. Automatic payment plans available.
Electric provider options: ComEd, Ameren Illinois.
In Illinois, electric customers in the ComEd and Ameren Illinois service territories can choose between the utility companies and Alternative Retail Electric Suppliers (ARESs) for their electricity supply. ComEd serves the northern third of Illinois, while Ameren Illinois serves the southern two-thirds. Customers can switch suppliers without disruption to their service, but the quality and reliability of the service remain regulated by the Illinois Commerce Commission.
Gas providers: Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas.
Nicor Gas is the largest natural gas distribution company in Illinois, serving 2.3 million customers in Northern Illinois, focusing on safe, affordable, and clean energy delivery, while also engaging in environmental initiatives and community support. Peoples Gas, on the other hand, is a regulated natural gas utility serving the city of Chicago and its northern suburbs, with approximately 14,900 miles of gas mains and a commitment to reliable, affordable, and environmentally sustainable energy.
Water services vary by municipality.
Water services in Illinois vary significantly by municipality, with some areas served by municipal or authority-owned systems, while others are managed by private utilities like Illinois American Water and Aqua Illinois. These private companies have acquired numerous systems since 2013, often resulting in higher rates for consumers. For more in-depth information on this topic, you can visit the Citizens Utility Board website to learn about the impact of water privatization in the state.
Budget billing programs available.
Budget-billing plans in Illinois, offered by utilities such as ComEd, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, and Ameren, allow customers to pay a consistent monthly amount based on their previous year's energy usage. These plans include periodic reviews and adjustments to ensure that payments align with actual usage, and settlements at the end of the billing cycle to address any differences. For more information, you can visit the Citizens Utility Board website, which offers insights into effectively managing energy costs.
Online account management offered.
Managing utility bills has become more convenient with various companies offering online account management systems. Illinois Energy, for example, enables customers to handle their accounts effortlessly by accessing their current contract, viewing the last twelve natural gas bills, and updating information through their account portal. Similarly, Peoples Gas provides a platform where users can explore their account summary, track billing and payment history, and compare energy bills. Additionally, Illinois American Water offers the MyWater self-service website, allowing customers to view detailed bills, review service alerts, and manage account information effectively.
Energy efficiency programs available.
Illinois has robust energy efficiency programs, including mandatory energy efficiency standards for electric and natural gas utilities, energy performance contracting programs, and incentives such as the Public Sector CHP Pilot Program and on-bill financing opportunities. The state also supports energy efficiency assessments and grants for public water infrastructure and other sectors, with significant savings goals and annual energy savings targets. Explore more about these initiatives by visiting the ACEEE Illinois State Energy Efficiency Database.
Customer service numbers on provider websites.
In Illinois, residents have multiple options for addressing their utility-related concerns. For instance, Liberty Utilities provides dedicated customer service support through their helpline and also detailed information on their website for handling inquiries. Similarly, Illinois Energy caters to customer needs via phone and email, ensuring accessibility to their support services. Additionally, other major utilities in the state, such as Ameren Illinois, Atmos Energy, ComEd, MidAmerican Energy, Nicor, and Peoples Energy, have specific contact numbers to assist customers with various service issues or emergencies. This comprehensive network guarantees that residents can efficiently manage any utility-related concerns across Illinois.
Disconnect/reconnect fees may apply.
In Illinois, disconnect/reconnect fees for electric services can apply, with charges of $15 for reconnection during regular working hours and $50 outside regular working hours. However, there are exceptions and waivers for certain circumstances, such as low-income customers or errors in disconnection. For more detailed information, you can visit the Ameren Website, which provides comprehensive details regarding these policies and procedures.
Compare rates for best options.
To compare the best electricity rates in Illinois, use EnergyPricing.com, which allows you to compare residential and commercial electricity rates from various suppliers. The average residential rates are at 15.73 cents per kWh, while commercial rates are at 11.17 cents per kWh. You can conveniently enroll in a new plan online in just a few minutes. For more information, visit EnergyPricing.com to ensure you are getting the most competitive rates available.
Automatic payment plans available.
Many service providers offer the convenience of automatic payment plans to ensure timely bill payments. For instance, Ameren Illinois facilitates an Auto Pay option for customers, allowing payments to be seamlessly deducted from their bank accounts or charged to their credit or debit cards every month. Similarly, the City of Elgin offers residents an auto pay service for water bills, which can be set up online or through a Utility Payment Authorization Agreement. In addition, the City of Chicago provides an AutoPay option for utility bills, allowing customers to enjoy hassle-free automatic debits without incurring any service fees, alongside receiving a reminder email beforehand. These options exemplify the ease and efficiency of managing monthly payments through automated systems.