Energy Suppliers in Illinois: How To Choose the Best Plan and Supplier for Your Home

Key Points of This Article:

• Illinois residents benefit from energy deregulation, which allows them to choose their electricity and natural gas suppliers instead of being limited to their local utility.
• Utilities deliver energy and handle outages, while suppliers set rates and offer various plan options.
• There are multiple types of energy plans available, including fixed-rate, unlimited (flat-fee), variable-rate, and eco-friendly options, each catering to different household needs and preferences.
• Santanna Energy Services stands out for its customer-focused approach, offering predictable pricing, green energy plans, and perks like rewards and charitable contributions, making it a strong choice for Illinois homeowners.

What Does Deregulation Mean for Illinois Energy Customers? 

In Illinois, the energy market is deregulated, which means you get to choose who supplies your electricity or natural gas. Your local utility, like ComEd, Ameren or Nicor, will always deliver energy to your home and handle outages. That part never changes. 

But what you do have control over is your supplier. Natural gas and electric energy suppliers in Illinois set the price for the energy you use and simply sell it but here's the best part: they may offer different types of plans, term lengths, and even rewards programs than what you might get if you choose to stick with your primary energy provider to supply your energy. 

The benefit of deregulation is choice. You don't have to stay with the default supply rate from your utility. You can shop around for a plan that potentially saves you money, gives you budget predictability, or supports green energy. 

Utility vs. Supplier: What's the Difference? 

Since Illinois is a deregulated energy state, it's important to understand the two key players in your energy service: the utility and the supplier. Many homeowners get confused here, but the difference is simple and we'll help you out with understanding the difference! 

Your utility makes sure your electricity or natural gas gets to your home safely and reliably, handles your billing, and manages outages. Your supplier, on the other hand, is who you buy the actual energy from and who sets the rate you pay. 

Knowing this distinction helps you compare plans with confidence. Here's a quick breakdown: 

In the end, choosing a retail energy supplier can potentially save you money, lead you to better plans that fit your lifestyle, and be all around a better choice that sticking with your main utility to supply your energy. 

Types of Energy Plans Available in Illinois 

When shopping for energy suppliers in Illinois, you'll come across several different plan types. Each works a little differently, and choosing the right one can help potentially save you money, avoid surprises, or even support renewable energy. Here's what you need to know about the most common energy plans in Illinois: 

Fixed-Rate Plans 

If you're looking for sustainability in your energy expenses, this plan might be the one for you. With a fixed-rate plan, the rate you lock in per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity or per therm of natural gas stays the same for the length of your contract (usually 6, 12, or 24 months). 

The rate that you lock your contact in won't change. This helps protect against seasonal spikes during hot summers or freezing winters in Illinois. 

Unlimited Energy Plans (or Flat-Fee) 

With an Unlimited plan, you pay one flat fee for your supply charge* each month no matter how much energy you use. 

This protects you from seasonal spikes in your supply charge in both winter heating and summer cooling months. Think of that winter day when you know you're heating your home way over your budget. With an Unlimited Energy plan, you can use as much as you need without having to worry about any surprises in billing later. How nice does that sound? 

This plan is best for families and households that want complete peace of mind and predictable bills and a stable supply charge all year-round. 

As an added benefit exclusive to Santanna's Unlimited Energy plan, you can make a real difference in your local communities. Each month, Unlimited Energy plan enrollments contribute to donations to local Midwest charities on your behalf.**  

A little tidbit about this program: In early 2025 and late 2024, we donated to Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation in Chicago, Illinois on behalf of our Unlimited Energy customers! What an easy way to make a difference and do your part for those around you. 

Variable-Rate Plans 

With this plan, your electricity or natural gas rate changes month to month, depending on market conditions. 

With this, your rate may dip during mild weather months leading to potential savings, but they can jump wildly in peak times like July or January making your bills less predictable and unsteady. 

If you're someone who regularly stays on top of market trends in the energy space, this plan may work to your advantage. Also, if you don't mind fluctuations, this plan could work out for you. 

It's important to know that there's a high amount of risk with this plan and your energy rates becoming volatile. So, if you're not one of the people we described, it's best to stick with a plan that works to protect your budget. 

Earth-Friendly Plans 

Some electric suppliers in Illinois offer plans that include supporting renewable sources like wind, solar, or hydropower. To do this, some suppliers purchase Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to offset your electricity use and incentivize the use of renewable energy. 

If you want to do your part for the planet with your natural gas plan, Santanna's Earth-Friendly Natural Gas Plan uses carbon offsetting to reduce the impact of emissions. As an added bonus, customers who enroll in Santanna's Earth-Friendly Energy plans can support reforestation efforts*** in the U.S! 

These plans are often chosen by eco-conscious homeowners who want their dollars to support cleaner energy. 

Why Budget Predictability Matters in Illinois 

Illinois homeowners know how extreme the seasons can be. In the summer, hot and humid weather drives up air conditioning use, while in the winter, freezing temperatures mean furnaces and boilers run almost nonstop. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, heating and cooling together account for nearly half of a typical household's energy use. That means your bills can swing sharply from one season to the next. 

Without a predictable plan, families often face sticker shock during these peak months. For example, you might have an affordable bill in May, then see it double or triple in January when natural gas demand peaks. These sudden changes make it harder to budget, especially for households on fixed incomes.  

This is where an Unlimited Energy plan come in. An unlimited plan goes one step further by giving you a flat monthly supply charge* no matter how much energy you use, which can bring complete peace of mind.  

Predictable energy costs mean financial stability. Instead of stressing about fluctuating bills, you can focus on managing your household with confidence, knowing exactly what to expect each month. 

What's the Best Energy Rate in Illinois? 

It's important to remember that energy rates change all the time. The "best" energy rate today may not be the "best" rate tomorrow, since prices fluctuate with market conditions, fuel costs, and seasonal demand.  

Usually, the "best energy rate" falls around the average rate reported by the E.I.A. Based on EIA rates as of June 2025, the average Illinois household pays 18.33 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for electricity, which is slightly higher than the national average of 17.47 cents per kWh.  

For comparison, the ComEd Price to Compare is 10.028 cents per kWh, while the Nicor Gas Price to Compare is $0.4500 per therm. 

When looking for a new energy plan, it's important to remember that price isn't everything. Be sure to weigh out everything your potential supplier has to offer. By weighing cost, contract terms, and reputation, not just today's cheapest kWh, you'll be better positioned to lock in the best Illinois energy rate for your household over the long run. 

Who Is the Best Energy Supplier in Illinois? 

The truth is, there isn't a single "best" energy supplier for everyone in Illinois. What's best depends on your household's priorities. Some families care most about flat supply charges, so their bills don't swing with the seasons.  

Others want the lowest short-term price and are comfortable with variable-rate plans. Many homeowners today also prefer green energy options that support wind and solar, even if the cost is slightly higher. 

When deciding, think about what matters most to you: 

• If predictability is your top concern, look for a supplier that offers fixed or unlimited plans. 

• If sustainability is important, choose a company that invests in renewable energy. 

• If rewards and perks appeal to you, find a supplier with loyalty programs, bill credit promotions, or referral bonuses. 

We at Santanna Energy Services stand out because we combine stability with added value. As an employee-owned company serving Illinois for decades, we offers easy-to-understand plans, rewards programs, and great customer service, just to name a few. 

So the "best" supplier isn't one-size-fits-all. It's the one that matches your budget, lifestyle, and values while giving you peace of mind about your energy service. 

Why Santanna Energy Services Is One of the Best Energy Suppliers in Illinois 

Sorting through energy suppliers can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. At Santanna Energy Services, we make it easy for Illinois families to get the energy plan that truly fits their home. Here's why so many customers continue to choose us: 

1. Locally rooted, employee-owned: We've been in business for over 35 years and we're fully employee-owned. That means our team isn't just working here, we're personally invested in giving every customer a positive experience. 
2. Focused on Illinois households: We've partnered with thousands of families across the state, so we understand how harsh winters and hot summers impact your bills. Our plans are built to help you manage those ups and downs. 
3. Proven and trusted: With a 4.7-star rating on Google, our customers speak for us. Reliability, honesty, and service have kept people with Santanna year after year. 
4. Plans designed around you: Prefer stability? Choose a fixed-rate plan. Want total peace of mind? Try our Unlimited Energy plan. Looking to support the environment? Our Earth-Friendly options help offset emissions. We've got plans to fit your lifestyle. 
5. Support you can count on: Energy decisions can be confusing, but you don't have to figure it out alone. Our customer care team is friendly, knowledgeable, and available by phone, text, chat, or email. 
6. More than just energy: With monthly rewards, referral bonuses, and bill credits, we believe your energy supplier should give back more than just kilowatts and therms. 
7. Quick and stress-free sign-up: Enrolling with Santanna only takes a few minutes, and the process is simple; just have your utility account number handy. 
8. No changes at your home: Your utility continues to deliver the energy through the same lines and meters. The only thing that changes is the name of your supplier and the benefits you enjoy. 
9. Resources at your fingertips: Our website is full of practical tools and tips to help you cut costs, use energy wisely, and get more value out of your plan. 

At the end of the day, the "best" supplier is the one that puts your household first. At Santanna, that's been our promise to Illinois customers for decades. 

How To Find and Compare Energy Suppliers in Illinois 

Feeling overwhelmed? No worries! The challenge for many homeowners is figuring out where to start and how to compare plans fairly. When comparing suppliers, here are the most important things to look at: 

• Price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) or therm: This is the supply rate. Compare it to your utility's "Price to Compare," which is the default supply rate listed on your bill. 

• Plan type: Decide if you want a fixed-rate plan (stable), an Unlimited/flat-fee plan (predictable), a variable-rate plan (can change monthly), or a renewable plan (supports green energy). 

• Contract terms: Look at the length of the contract, any early termination fees, and whether the plan automatically renews. 

• Extra benefits: Some suppliers, like Santanna, offer rewards programs, referral bonuses, or bill credit promotions. These can add value beyond just the rate. 

• Reputation and service: Check customer reviews, BBB ratings, and whether the supplier has responsive customer support. 

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to find and compare energy suppliers in Illinois: 

Check the "Price to Compare."  

Look at your utility bill to find the Price to Compare, which shows the default supply rate from your utility. Use this number as your benchmark when looking at supplier rates. 

Look at the right place.  

Go to plugin.illinois.gov for electricity and icc.illinois.gov for natural gas for benchmarks on pricing and suppliers.  

Every supplier listed there is licensed and regulated, so it's a safe place to begin your search. Think of it as a starting tool, not the final answer.  

You shouldn't make your decision only on what you see there. The smartest approach is to use the site to create a shortlist of suppliers, then visit each company's website to learn more about their specific plans, perks, and customer service. That way, you're choosing based on the full picture and not just rates. 

Decide on the type of plan.  

Unlimited Energy plans keep your supply charge * the same for your contract term, making bills more predictable. Fixed-rate plans lock in your rate for your contract term. Variable-rate plans change month to month and can go up during peak seasons.  

Know your options and decide what's best for your lifestyle. 

Read the contract details.  

Pay attention to how long the contract lasts. Understand if there are early-termination fees in case you need to leave the plan early, and check if the plan automatically renews at a higher rate when it ends. Knowing these terms upfront helps you avoid surprise charges or unwanted price hikes. 

Look for extra perks.  

Some energy suppliers sweeten their offers with rewards programs, referral bonuses, or bill credits. These incentives can add long-term value that offsets a slightly higher rate.  

For example, a plan that gives you loyalty points, gift cards, or seasonal bill credits could save you more over the life of the contract than the absolute lowest kWh price.  

Check the supplier's reputation.  

Price means little if customer service is poor. Read online reviews and search for ratings on trusted sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or state regulatory agencies. Look for comments on billing accuracy, responsiveness, and how the company handles complaints.  

Switch with confidence.  

Once you pick a plan, switching is often simple. There is often no interruption in service, no new equipment to install, and your utility still delivers the energy and handles outages. The only thing that changes is your supply rate and any perks from your new supplier. 

How To Switch Energy Suppliers in Illinois 

One of the biggest benefits of living in a deregulated state like Illinois is that you can switch energy suppliers if you find a plan that works better for your home. The process may sound complicated, but it's actually very simple and safe. Here's how to switch energy suppliers in Illinois: 

1. Contact your new supplier directly. Once you've found a supplier and plan that works for you, enroll with them online or by phone. Have your most recent utility bill handy, because you'll need your utility account number to complete the sign-up. 
2. Choose your plan. Be clear on the type of plan you want. If you're not sure which plan best fits your energy use and budget, a supplier's representative can walk you through the choices and explain the benefits. 
3. Provide your account and personal details. During enrollment, you'll enter your utility account number and some basic personal information and your Utility Account Number if you're switching from someone else. That's usually all suppliers (including Santanna) need to get the switch started. 
4. Your new supplier takes over. After you've signed up, your new supplier will notify your utility and handle the switch. In most cases, your utility will also cancel your old supply contract for you, so you don't have to. 
5. Confirm the timeline. Utilities typically process the switch at your next meter reading or billing cycle, so it may take one to two billing cycles before your new supplier shows up on your bill. Some customers may experience slight delays, but this is normal. 
6. Moving soon? Here's what to do. If you're moving to a new home, call your utility to confirm that your chosen supplier serves that area. If you're moving to a different utility's territory, you may need to re-enroll with a supplier that covers that region. 
7. Check your next bill. Once the switch is complete, your utility bill will list your new supplier and the updated rate. Your utility still delivers the electricity, handles outages, and sends you one bill, you'll just see your new supplier's name and supply rate on it. 

The best part of switching is that it does not interrupt your service, require new equipment, or involve extra steps at your home. 

Santanna's Tips for Easy Electricity Service Setup 

Setting up electricity service in Illinois is straightforward, but a few simple steps can make the process even smoother: 

Know your utility.  

If you live in Illinois, there's a good chance your local utility, is ComEd or Ameren, depending on where you live. They are responsible for delivering the electricity to your home and will always be the company that handles outages. 

Gather your information.  

When setting up service, you'll need your name, service address, move-in date, and your utility account number if you're switching suppliers. Having these ready saves time when it's time to enroll. 

Start early.  

Contact your utility at least one week before your move-in date. This helps avoid delays and makes sure the lights are on when you arrive. 

Check if you can choose a supplier.  

If you want to shop for a different supply rate or plan, visit PlugIn.Illinois.gov to see licensed suppliers. Otherwise, your utility will automatically provide the default supply service. 

Understand your first bill.  

Your utility will still send the bill, even if you choose a new supplier. The bill will show two parts: delivery (from the utility) and supply (from your chosen supplier). 

Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois Energy Suppliers 

Is the natural gas market deregulated in Illinois?

Yes. Natural gas choice is available in many parts of Illinois, including Nicor, People's, and Northshore Gas service areas. This means you can pick a supplier for your gas, while your utility still delivers it.

What's the difference between ComEd and an energy supplier?

ComEd is a utility. It delivers electricity, maintains the power lines, and fixes outages. An energy supplier is the company that provides the electricity you buy and sets your supply rate. 

Can I switch back to my utility's default supply?

Yes. If you decide you don't want a supplier anymore, you can return to your utility's default supply service. Just contact your supplier or utility to start the switch. 

Do renewable energy plans cost more in Illinois?

Sometimes. Green plans can be slightly more expensive, but prices vary by supplier. Some eco-friendly plans are competitively priced. 

What happens if my supplier goes out of business?

You will not lose power or gas. Your account automatically returns to your utility's default supply service until you choose a new supplier. 

Can I have different suppliers for gas and electricity?

Yes. You can choose one supplier for electricity and another for natural gas, stay with your utility for one and pick a supplier for the other, or enroll in dual/bundled service for both with one supplier.
 

Choosing an energy supplier in Illinois doesn't have to be confusing. By understanding how deregulation works and knowing what type of plan fits your lifestyle, you can take control of your energy costs with confidence.  

At Santanna Energy Services, we've been serving Illinois households for decades with plans designed around what matters most to you. From fixed-rate options that protect against seasonal spikes, to Earth-Friendly plans that support renewable energy, to Unlimited Energy plans that give you one flat monthly supply charge*, Santanna makes it simple to choose energy that fits your life. 

Switching is easy, safe, and hassle-free—and we're here to help you every step of the way. Explore Santanna's Illinois energy plan options today and find the one that gives you the comfort and predictability you deserve. 

* Restrictions apply. Enrollment based upon program eligibility. Customers using more than 125% of normal monthly usage as determined by Santanna may be required to switch plans. 

**For every Unlimited Energy gas or electricity initial enrollment or renewal, Santanna Energy Services will contribute corporate donations to a nonprofit organization in the Midwest after 60 days of billed usage. Plans may vary. See plan details for eligibility and current charity donation promotions. 

*** Santanna Energy Services (Santanna) works in partnership with One Tree Planted. For every residential Earth-Friendly Santanna gas or electricity initial enrollment or renewal, Santanna, via its One Tree Planted partnership, will plant trees after 60 days of billed usage. Plans may vary. See plan details for eligibility and current tree-planting promotions.