Commercial Electric Rates Illinois

Welcome to ABC Energy's URate platform — your one-stop solution for comparing Illinois commercial electric rates. Since 2009, we've helped over 30,000 businesses save on energy costs by leveraging a competitive marketplace of over 90 licensed ESCOs. Our platform is now available in Illinois, supporting both Ameren Illinois and ComEd customers with real-time plans and seamless switching — all while keeping your existing utility companies.

With the Illinois Commerce Commission supporting deregulated markets, URate empowers businesses to move beyond default supply services and discover the best options for their size, usage, and location.

Why Choose URate for Illinois Commercial Energy Needs?

• ✔️ Stay with Ameren Illinois or ComEd — only your supply rate changes
• ✔️ Instantly compare competitive commercial electricity rates
• ✔️ Trusted by thousands of small and mid-sized businesses

URate eliminates guesswork by showing transparent pricing based on your ZIP code, usage, and business profile. Whether you're looking to stabilize costs with a fixed plan or explore market alternatives, we help you enroll in under 5 minutes.

Understanding Energy Deregulation and Choosing the Best Supplier

Thanks to Illinois' energy deregulation laws, commercial customers in both ComEd and Ameren Illinois territories have the right to choose their electricity supplier. This means you're no longer locked into utility-default electric rates — you can shop the market for better deals, green energy plans, and long-term price protection.

URate makes navigating this deregulated energy market simple. We've already vetted over 90 licensed electricity providers in Illinois, so every option you see on our platform is pre-screened for legitimacy, licensing, and pricing transparency. That means no guesswork or research required — just compare and enroll.

Key Features to Look For:

• Fixed-Rate Plans: These lock in your electricity rates for the length of your contract — typically 12, 24, or 36 months. Even if market rates rise, your pricing stays the same. Choose fixed plans for peace of mind and budget consistency.
• All-Inclusive Pricing: Many plans offer fully bundled electric rates with no hidden fees. What you see is what you pay.
• Single Billing: With supplier-consolidated billing, your chosen electricity provider bills you through your utility company, so you still receive just one bill — no extra paperwork or confusion.
• Green Energy Options: Plans that source 100% of their power from renewable resources (wind, solar, hydro) will display a green energy percentage badge. While these electricity rates are often slightly higher, they support sustainability and help reduce your carbon footprint.
• No Expertise Needed: URate was built so business owners don't need to be energy experts. Just enter your ZIP code, review supplier offers, and click to enroll. If you're eligible for a green energy plan, we'll show that too — clearly marked with transparent pricing and contract terms.

What's Included on URate:

• ✔️ Plans from vetted electricity providers
• ✔️ Long-term fixed-rate options to avoid future spikes
• ✔️ Green energy plans if available in your zone
• ✔️ Consolidated billing from your local utility company
• ✔️ Commercial electricity rates tailored to your business

Whether you're in Ameren Illinois Zone D or a ComEd medium-use class, the key to unlocking savings is making an informed choice — and URate gives you all the tools. With current rates rising, now is the time to act. Secure the best electricity rates today and protect your business against market volatility tomorrow.

Compare and Save

These current prices reflect July 15, 2025 market conditions and are subject to daily fluctuations. Reducing your average electric bill is simple with real-time access to competitive rates.

Understanding Your Energy Bill and Rate Class

In order to compare and enroll in a competitive electricity supply plan in Illinois, it's essential to understand how your utility bill is structured and what information you need to provide. Here's a breakdown to help you navigate it easily.

Ameren Illinois Electric Supply Rate Classes

• DS-1: Residential customers (not eligible for commercial offers).
• DS-2: Small non-residential (under 150 kW demand).
• DS-3: General non-residential (150-1,000 kW).
• DS-4: Large non-residential (over 1,000 kW).

Ameren Zones

Ameren Illinois is divided into four pricing zones: Zone A, Zone B, Zone C, and Zone D. Your zone is listed in the "Delivery Service Charges" or "Service Territory" section of your bill. Zone impacts your supply pricing, so it's important we quote the correct one.

ComEd Electric Supply Rate Classes

• Watt-Hour: Very small business accounts with low usage.
• Small: Commercial accounts under 100 kW peak demand.
• Medium: Commercial accounts between 100 kW and 400 kW.
• Large: Over 400 kW, typically served via custom supply contracts.

What We Need to Enroll Your Account

Enrollment requirements differ by utility. To ensure a smooth process, here's what you need:

For Ameren Illinois:

• We require your 10-digit account number.
• This can be found on the top section of your Ameren Illinois bill.
• No Choice ID is needed for Ameren accounts.

For ComEd:

• We require your Choice ID number to switch to a competitive electricity provider.
• Located on page 1 of your bill, usually near your usage or supply summary.
• May be labeled as "Customer Choice ID," "Enrollment ID," or "Supplier ID."

If you're unsure where to find these numbers, simply upload your bill securely through our portal or email it to us, and a URate expert will assist you. You'll never need to guess — we're here to make the process seamless and accurate.

Having your correct rate class and required identifiers ensures that we can instantly match your account to eligible plans from top electricity providers.

3 Easy Steps to Enroll

1. Enter your ZIP code
2. Review electricity rates
3. Select your plan and enroll

All electricity rates are based on usage and your specific utility account. Streamline your search and avoid overpaying.

Important Summer Energy Market Updates

June's steep price jump was largely driven by:

• Summer Peak Demand: As temperatures soared in June and July, air conditioning and refrigeration usage skyrocketed, increasing overall grid strain.
• Capacity Auction Pricing: Results from the 2025 MISO and PJM capacity auctions introduced higher reliability premiums, which were passed on to commercial supply pricing.
• Generation Shortfalls: Unplanned outages and plant retirements reduced available generation capacity, adding further price pressure.
• Fuel Volatility: Midwest natural gas prices rose amid national demand, further elevating power generation costs.
• Transmission Congestion: Certain Ameren Illinois zones (particularly Zone D) experienced local constraints, contributing to higher locational pricing.

Commercial customers not under contract or on variable utility supply were the most exposed to these increases. Businesses still on utility supply now face much higher costs per kwh — costs that can add up to thousands annually.

At URate, our platform shows real-time market-based rates from over 90 electricity providers so you can take action before prices spike again. Fixed-rate plans are a key tool for budget certainty, especially during periods of market volatility. With summer not yet over and grid forecasts remaining tight, now is the time to lock in your supply pricing.

• Rates in this report reflect live data as of July 15, 2025.
• Energy delivery and reliability remain managed by your utility (Ameren or ComEd).
• URate connects Illinois businesses with trusted, licensed electricity providers.

Energy Efficiency Tips to Lower Your Commercial Electric Bill Today

Reducing your electricity usage isn't just good for your bottom line — it also supports sustainability and makes your business more resilient to market volatility. Here are practical, high-impact ways to lower your kilowatt-hour (kWh) consumption:

• Upgrade to LED Lighting: Replace outdated fluorescent or incandescent bulbs with LED fixtures, which use up to 75% less energy and last 25× longer.
• Install Smart Thermostats: Automate HVAC settings based on occupancy and hours of operation. Even a 1° adjustment in summer can reduce cooling costs by 3-5%.
• Optimize HVAC Maintenance: Clean filters monthly and schedule seasonal tune-ups. Poor airflow and dirty coils can spike your cooling load by 10-15%.
• Use Motion Sensors or Timers: For lighting in restrooms, break rooms, and warehouses, sensors ensure lights aren't left on when not needed.
• Conduct a Load Audit: Identify equipment running after hours or unnecessarily during peak demand windows. Printers, vending machines, and idle computers quietly consume power.
• Shift Usage Off-Peak: Run dishwashers, laundry, or non-essential operations during early morning or late evening hours to avoid the most expensive usage windows.
• Seal Air Leaks: Inspect and seal doors, windows, and loading bays to minimize conditioned air loss — especially important for retail and cold-storage businesses.
• Benchmark and Track: Use free ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tools or utility dashboards to track your monthly usage trends and set efficiency goals.
• Train Your Team: Educate employees on how small actions (like shutting down devices, setting A/C limits, or reporting energy waste) contribute to long-term savings.
• Upgrade Old Equipment: Replace aging HVAC systems, refrigeration units, or motors with ENERGY STAR or high-efficiency rated equipment to cut power draw substantially.

Even modest changes can lead to a 10-20% reduction in your average electric bill. Combine efficiency efforts with a URate-sourced fixed supply plan to achieve maximum cost control and sustainability impact.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers (FAQs)