Illinois Electricity Choice in ComEd Territory: How to Find the Best Supplier in 2026

If you live in northern Illinois — Chicago and its suburbs — your electricity is delivered by ComEd (Commonwealth Edison), an Exelon subsidiary. But delivery and supply are two different things. Illinois deregulated its electricity market in the late 1990s, meaning you can choose a competitive retail electricity supplier for your power supply while ComEd continues to deliver it over its wires. Here’s how to navigate electricity choice in ComEd territory in 2026.

How Illinois Electricity Deregulation Works

Illinois deregulated retail electricity starting in 1997 under the Electric Service Customer Choice and Rate Relief Law. Residential customers in ComEd territory can choose a competitive retail electric supplier (CRES) instead of defaulting to ComEd’s standard supply rate (also called the Hourly Pricing or Market Rate).

The key distinction:

• ComEd (the utility): Owns the poles, wires, and meters. Delivers electricity to your home. Bills you for delivery charges regardless of who supplies your power. You cannot choose a different delivery company.
• Your retail electricity supplier (CRES): Provides the actual electricity that flows through ComEd’s wires. You choose your supplier based on rate and plan. Competitive suppliers bill you separately (or sometimes through ComEd’s consolidated bill) for the supply portion of your electricity costs.

If you take no action, ComEd supplies your electricity at its default rate, which floats with wholesale market prices. Competitive suppliers offer fixed-rate plans that provide price certainty, often at rates that are equal to or sometimes below ComEd’s standard rate depending on market conditions.

ComEd Territory Coverage

ComEd serves northern Illinois, including:

• City of Chicago and all Chicago suburbs
• Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, McHenry County, Will County (the collar counties)
• Parts of DeKalb, Grundy, Kankakee, Kendall, and surrounding counties

If you’re in central or southern Illinois, you’re likely in Ameren Illinois territory, not ComEd. The competitive supplier landscape and specific rules differ between the two utilities.

How to Compare Electricity Suppliers in ComEd Territory

Step 1: Know Your Current ComEd Rate

Your ComEd bill shows the supply rate as a separate line item. ComEd’s standard supply rate (the Market Rate) changes monthly based on wholesale electricity prices. To evaluate whether a competitive supplier’s fixed rate is a good deal, you need to know what ComEd’s current rate is and where it’s projected to go.

Step 2: Use the Illinois Commerce Commission’s Approved Comparison Tools

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) oversees retail electric suppliers in Illinois. The ICC provides guidance on competitive supply, and several online comparison tools aggregate available plans in ComEd territory. ComEd’s own website links to approved comparison resources.

Step 3: Understand Fixed vs. Variable vs. Index-Linked Plans

Illinois competitive suppliers typically offer three plan structures:

• Fixed-rate plans: Your supply rate per kWh is locked for a set term (6, 12, or 24 months). Provides price certainty and protects you from rate spikes during cold winters or hot summers. The most consumer-friendly option for most households.
• Variable-rate plans: Your rate floats monthly with market conditions. May be cheaper than fixed rates in a falling market but exposes you to price spikes. Regulatory scrutiny in Illinois has targeted variable-rate suppliers that raised prices dramatically during demand spikes.
• Index-linked plans: Rate is tied to a specific wholesale price index (e.g., PJM day-ahead market prices). More transparent than variable plans but still carries market risk. Better for sophisticated buyers who want market exposure with clear pricing methodology.

Who Are the Major Competitive Suppliers in ComEd Territory?

Several retail electric suppliers are licensed to operate in ComEd’s service territory. Major options include:

• Constellation Energy: One of the largest retail suppliers in Illinois, offering fixed-rate and green plans through their retail arm.
• Verde Energy: Multi-state supplier with Illinois presence, green energy focus.
• Santanna Energy Services: Chicago-based, long operating history in Illinois for both electricity and natural gas.
• Direct Energy: NRG subsidiary, multi-state presence including Illinois.
• Ambit Energy: Multi-state supplier with Illinois operations.
• Spring Power & Gas: Multi-state supplier with renewable options.

This list is not exhaustive — the ICC licenses numerous retail suppliers, and new entrants and plan offerings change frequently. Always compare current rates from multiple suppliers before signing.

Municipal Aggregation: A Unique Illinois Option

Illinois law allows municipalities (cities, villages, towns) to aggregate their residents’ electricity accounts and negotiate a group rate with a competitive supplier. This is called municipal aggregation, and it’s available to both residential and small commercial customers.

If your municipality has implemented an aggregation program:

• You are automatically enrolled in the municipal program (opt-out aggregation) unless you actively choose to opt out or choose your own supplier
• The municipality’s negotiated rate may or may not be better than what you’d find independently — compare before accepting
• Opt-out notifications are required; review any letters from your municipality about electric aggregation carefully

The Illinois Power Agency (IPA) publishes resources on municipal aggregation programs. Contact your local city or village hall to find out if your municipality has an active program.

Illinois Consumer Protections for Electricity Suppliers

Illinois has some of the stronger consumer protection rules for retail electricity in the country:

• Right of rescission: You have 10 business days after signing a retail electric supplier contract to cancel without penalty.
• Disclosure requirements: Suppliers must provide written contracts, price disclosures, and renewal notices before contract end dates.
• Ban on misleading marketing: The ICC has taken enforcement action against suppliers using deceptive sales practices.
• Door-to-door sales regulations: Illinois has specific rules governing door-to-door energy sales, including mandatory identification and disclosure requirements.

Should You Switch from ComEd’s Standard Rate?

The answer depends on where ComEd’s market rate is relative to available fixed-rate supplier offers at the time you’re shopping. In some years and seasons, competitive fixed-rate plans have offered meaningful savings over ComEd’s standard rate. In other periods — particularly when wholesale prices are low and ComEd’s rate is already at or below competitive market rates — the value of switching is less clear.

The safest approach: compare fixed-rate supplier offers to ComEd’s current rate at least once a year. If a reputable supplier offers a fixed rate 1–2 cents per kWh below ComEd’s market rate for a 12-month term, locking in is a reasonable hedge against winter demand spikes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch electricity suppliers in ComEd territory?

Yes. Illinois is a deregulated electricity state. ComEd residential customers can choose a competitive retail electric supplier for their power supply while ComEd continues to deliver electricity through its wires.

Does switching electricity suppliers affect my ComEd service?

No. Switching suppliers does not interrupt your electricity service. ComEd continues to deliver power regardless of which supplier you choose. You may receive two bills (one from ComEd for delivery, one from your supplier for supply), or a consolidated bill depending on your arrangement.

What is ComEd’s standard supply rate?

ComEd’s standard supply rate — also called the Market Rate or Hourly Pricing rate — is based on wholesale electricity prices and changes monthly. Check ComEd’s current rate on their website to benchmark competitive supplier offers.

What is municipal aggregation, and am I enrolled?

Municipal aggregation is when a city or village negotiates a group electricity rate for residents. If your municipality has an opt-out program, you may already be enrolled with a competitive supplier without realizing it. Check any recent letters from your municipality or contact your village hall to find out.

How do I file a complaint against an Illinois electricity supplier?

File complaints with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) Consumer Services Division. The ICC has jurisdiction over retail electric supplier licensing and consumer protection in Illinois. You can file online at the ICC’s website or call their consumer services hotline.

Are there low-income electricity assistance programs in Illinois?

Yes. The Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP), the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and the Illinois Department of Commerce’s energy assistance programs provide support for qualifying households. ComEd also offers its own income-based discount program (CARE). Contact ComEd or the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for details.