In July 2026, businesses in Illinois paid an average of 15.19¢ per kWh, the 15th most expensive of the 50 states and DC and 4.5% above the U.S. commercial average of 14.53¢.
That price is up 11.2% from a year earlier.
Over the past 12 months the average commercial customer in Illinois used 5,954 kWh a month and paid $818 (U.S.: $896).
Average business electric bill in Illinois
The average commercial customer in Illinois paid $818 a month over the last 12 months, the 21st highest of the 50 states and DC. In July 2026 the average business bill was $1,051. These averages mix small shops with large offices and stores, so use the table below to estimate a bill for your own usage.
What would a business pay?
| Monthly use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 kWh × 15.19¢ | $759.50 | $9,114 |
| 10,000 kWh × 15.19¢ | $1,519.00 | $18,228 |
| 50,000 kWh × 15.19¢ | $7,595.00 | $91,140 |
Commercial electricity rates in Illinois by month
Business power in Illinois cost 15.19¢ per kWh in July 2026, compared with 19.22¢ for homes and 11.87¢ for industrial users. See home electricity rates in Illinois.
Utilities serving businesses in Illinois
Commonwealth Edison Co serves the most business customers in Illinois, with 402,509 commercial accounts.
| Utility | Business customers | Avg. business rate |
|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Edison Co | 402,509 | 15.13¢ |
| Ameren Illinois Company | 166,149 | 14.60¢ |
| MidAmerican Energy Co | 12,830 | 7.49¢ |
| City of Springfield | 11,505 | 14.48¢ |
| City of Naperville | 6,792 | 11.39¢ |
| Jo-Carroll Energy, Inc | 2,904 | 17.66¢ |
| Southeastern IL Elec Coop, Inc | 2,555 | 14.91¢ |
| Corn Belt Energy Corporation | 2,513 | 13.27¢ |
| Eastern Illinois Elec Coop | 2,328 | 16.31¢ |
| Norris Electric Coop | 2,214 | 13.45¢ |
"Avg. business rate" is what each utility's full-service commercial customers paid on average in 2025 (revenue ÷ kWh sold), shown only for utilities with at least 100 business customers.
Can businesses choose an electricity supplier in Illinois?
Yes. Businesses in Illinois can buy electricity from a licensed retail supplier, and many sign fixed-price contracts to make costs predictable. The local utility still delivers the power.
Compare current offers on the official state site: Plug In Illinois.
How to lower your business electricity cost
- Check your rate schedule. Utilities put businesses on rate classes by size and usage. Ask your utility whether another schedule, such as a time-of-use rate, fits how you use power.
- Manage demand charges. If your bill has a demand charge, it is set by your highest short burst of usage in the month. Staggering when large equipment starts can lower it.
- Compare supply offers. Check the price per kWh, contract length, early-termination fees and what happens when the contract ends before you sign.
Business electricity rates in neighboring states
| State | Price per kWh |
|---|---|
| Kentucky | 11.95¢ |
| Missouri | 12.64¢ |
| Iowa | 13.27¢ |
| Indiana | 13.30¢ |
| Wisconsin | 13.93¢ |
| Illinois | 15.19¢ |
Illinois business electricity FAQ
What is the average business electric bill in Illinois?
Commercial customers in Illinois paid an average of $818 a month over the last 12 months, using 5,954 kWh. This average covers every kind of business, from small shops to large offices, so a small business will usually pay much less.
What is the commercial electricity rate in Illinois?
The average commercial rate was 15.19¢ per kWh in July 2026, 4.5% above the U.S. average of 14.53¢. Industrial customers paid 11.87¢ per kWh, and homes paid 19.22¢.
Can businesses choose their electricity supplier in Illinois?
Yes. Businesses in Illinois can buy electricity from a licensed retail supplier, while the local utility keeps delivering it. Official offers are listed on Plug In Illinois.
What is a demand charge?
Many commercial rates include a demand charge based on the highest amount of power (kW) a business draws during a short interval, often 15 or 30 minutes, in the billing month. Starting large equipment at different times can lower it.
IL commercial and industrial electricity prices and bills: U.S. Energy Information Administration retail sales data (forms EIA-861M and EIA-861), latest month July 2026. Utilities: EIA-861 (2025). Bills and usage are revenue and sales divided by customers. Last updated 2026-10-20.