Best Electricity Rates in Chicago 2026: ComEd Territory Suppliers Compared

Chicago residents and businesses in the ComEd service territory have the right to choose their electricity supplier under Illinois’ deregulated electricity market. While ComEd (Commonwealth Edison) handles electricity delivery — the poles, wires, and infrastructure — you can shop for a competitive electricity supply rate from dozens of licensed Illinois suppliers. This guide covers how electricity shopping works in Chicago, what rates to expect in 2026, and how to find the best deal.

How Electricity Deregulation Works in Chicago

Chicago falls within the ComEd service territory, which covers northeastern Illinois including the Chicago metro area, its suburbs, and surrounding counties. ComEd is the utility — it owns the grid and is responsible for outages, repairs, and metering. The electricity supply side is where competition exists: you can stay on ComEd’s default supply rate, or you can choose an independent supplier who will supply your electricity at a potentially lower or different rate.

Your electric bill has two main components:

• Delivery charges — Fixed regardless of your supplier; paid to ComEd for grid infrastructure
• Supply charges — The cost of the electricity itself; this is what you can shop

If you’ve never switched suppliers, you’re currently on ComEd’s Price to Compare (PTC) — the default supply rate set quarterly by the Illinois Commerce Commission. Competitive suppliers can offer rates below (or above) the PTC, so comparing is essential.

ComEd’s Current Price to Compare (PTC)

ComEd’s Price to Compare is updated each quarter and represents the benchmark against which competitive supplier offers should be measured. As of mid-2026, ComEd’s residential PTC is approximately 6–8 cents per kWh for the supply component (this varies quarterly — check current rates at ComEd.com or the Illinois Commerce Commission website for the current rate).

Any competitive supplier offer should be evaluated against this PTC. A competitive supplier offering 5.5 cents/kWh when the PTC is 7 cents/kWh represents genuine savings. A supplier offering 9 cents/kWh is pricing above the utility’s default — avoid it unless there’s a compelling reason (such as 100% renewable sourcing you’re willing to pay a premium for).

Best Electricity Suppliers in Chicago (ComEd Territory) 2026

The Illinois retail electricity market includes dozens of licensed suppliers. Here are some of the major players active in the ComEd territory:

Constellation Energy

Constellation (now merged with NRG’s retail arm) is one of the largest electricity suppliers in the U.S. and offers competitive fixed and variable rate plans in Illinois. Constellation is known for stability, broad multi-state coverage, and a strong business supply division. Residential plans through Constellation are competitive and often available through comparison platforms like Choose Energy.

Verde Energy

Verde Energy is a multi-state supplier active in ComEd territory offering both standard and green energy plans. Verde frequently offers introductory fixed rates that are competitive with or below the ComEd PTC. Review their contract terms carefully, especially renewal provisions (they can switch to variable after a fixed term ends).

Spring Power & Gas

Spring Power & Gas is an Illinois-active supplier focused on green energy. Their plans often include a percentage of renewable energy sourcing, and they offer competitive rates for customers who prioritize both savings and environmental impact.

Ambit Energy

Ambit operates on a network marketing model and is active in Illinois. Rates can be competitive but performance varies by referral source and plan type. Compare specific plan terms before enrolling through an Ambit representative.

Residential Rate Comparison Platforms

The most effective way to compare all current offers in your ZIP code is to use a rate comparison site. Illinois also has its own official comparison tool: the Illinois Commerce Commission’s approved supplier list. Platforms like Choose Energy aggregate offers from multiple licensed Illinois suppliers and allow you to filter by rate, term, and green content.

What Electricity Rates Should Chicago Residents Expect?

Chicago electricity rates include both supply and delivery charges. For a typical ComEd residential customer using 700–900 kWh/month, the all-in bill in 2026 includes:

• Supply charge: Approximately 5–9 cents/kWh depending on supplier and plan type
• Delivery charges: Approximately 4–6 cents/kWh equivalent (varies by usage; includes distribution, transmission, and various riders)
• Taxes and fees: Illinois electricity tax + municipal franchise fees (Chicago adds a City of Chicago electricity tax)

Chicago specifically adds a municipal electricity tax that varies by usage tier — residential customers pay a different rate than commercial customers. This tax applies regardless of your supplier choice and appears as a separate line item on your ComEd bill.

For a 700 kWh household, expect all-in monthly bills in the $90–$130 range depending on supplier, season, and delivery charge adjustments. The supply portion (what you can save on) is typically 40–55% of your total bill.

Fixed vs. Variable Rate Plans in Illinois

Illinois customers can choose between:

Fixed-Rate Plans

Lock in your supply rate per kWh for a contract term (typically 12 or 24 months). Protects against price increases during the term. Illinois competitive suppliers are required to notify you before your contract expires, giving you the opportunity to renew or switch. If you don’t act, many suppliers auto-renew at their current rate (which may be variable) — set a calendar reminder for your contract end date.

Variable Rate Plans

Rate fluctuates monthly based on market conditions. Can be lower than fixed during mild weather periods but can spike in winter or summer. Generally not recommended unless you’re actively monitoring and willing to switch frequently.

Month-to-Month Plans

Fixed rate for one month at a time, with no long-term commitment. Useful for flexibility but often priced slightly higher than 12-month fixed plans.

How to Switch Electricity Suppliers in Chicago

1. Check your current ComEd PTC — Go to ComEd.com and look up the current Price to Compare for your rate class
2. Compare suppliers — Use Choose Energy, the ICC’s approved supplier list, or directly visit supplier websites
3. Review the contract terms — Check rate, contract length, early termination fee, and renewal terms
4. Enroll online — Most Illinois suppliers allow online enrollment; you’ll need your ComEd account number
5. Wait for the switch — Illinois switches typically take 1–2 billing cycles to fully process
6. Verify on your bill — Your supplier’s name should appear on your ComEd bill under the supply section

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Electricity Rates

Can Chicago residents actually save money by switching suppliers?

Yes — if you find a competitive supplier offering a rate below ComEd’s current Price to Compare, you’ll save on the supply portion of your bill. Savings vary; a typical household might save $10–$30/month by switching to a well-priced fixed-rate plan from a competitive supplier when the PTC is high.

Will switching suppliers affect my ComEd service or cause outages?

No. ComEd continues to handle all delivery, outage response, and metering regardless of your supplier choice. The switch is purely on the supply side and is invisible to your physical service.

What is the City of Chicago electricity tax?

Chicago imposes a municipal electricity tax in addition to state taxes. This applies to all residential electricity consumption and is collected by ComEd on behalf of the city. It appears as a separate line item on your bill and is not affected by your supplier choice.

How often does ComEd’s Price to Compare change?

ComEd’s residential Price to Compare is updated quarterly by the Illinois Commerce Commission. When the PTC is high, competitive supplier offers are more attractive. When the PTC is low, the savings opportunity from switching narrows.

Are there any green electricity options in ComEd territory?

Yes. Several suppliers in ComEd territory offer plans sourced from 100% renewable energy or plans with a specified renewable percentage. These green plans sometimes carry a small rate premium over standard supply. Choose Energy and other comparison platforms allow you to filter for green energy options.

What if I’m already with a competitive supplier in Chicago?

You should review your contract terms, expiration date, and current rate. If your fixed-rate term is ending or you’re on a variable rate, now is a good time to compare the market. You can switch suppliers at any time (subject to your current contract’s ETF, if any).