How electricity choice works in Illinois
In Illinois, customers in the service territories of Ameren Illinois, Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), and MidAmerican Energy Company may choose to buy electricity supply from their utility or from an Alternative Retail Electric Supplier (ARES) certified by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). An ARES must also complete registration with the utility whose territory it wants to serve. The utility still delivers the power, maintains the lines, and handles outages. If you do not choose an ARES, you generally continue to receive supply from your utility.
The ICC publishes the official list of certified alternative retail electric suppliers, and Plug In Illinois explains the basics of electric choice. Peoples Power Choice can review a recent bill and present current fixed-rate options. We do not publish rates here, and we do not quote variable or teaser prices.
Which utilities are in the competitive market
The ICC identifies these electric utilities whose customers may participate in electric choice:
- Commonwealth Edison (ComEd)
- Ameren Illinois
- MidAmerican Energy
Customers of municipal utilities or electric cooperatives may not have the same retail-choice option. If your bill is from a municipal utility or a co-op, tell us in the chat or call 855-330-3580 and we will be clear about what we can and cannot do.
What your utility still does
Your electric utility remains responsible for delivering electricity, maintaining the local system, metering, billing for delivery, and outage or emergency response. If the lights go out, you call the utility, not the ARES. An ARES provides the supply portion of the bill, not outage response. You may receive one combined bill or two bills, depending on the supplier.
How a broker helps with shopping and renewals
Peoples Power Choice is independent. We shop certified suppliers for fixed-rate contracts, help you compare an offer with your current supply arrangement, and watch contract end dates and automatic-renewal terms. Illinois customers should always ask whether a price is fixed or variable, how long the term lasts, whether the contract auto-renews, and whether there is an early-termination fee. We quote fixed rates only.
Start a chat with Optimus — it will open already set to Illinois — upload a recent bill, or call 855-330-3580. A specialist follows up with current fixed-rate options only. Leads go to info@peoplespowerchoice.com.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose my electricity supplier in Illinois?
Yes, if Ameren Illinois, ComEd, or MidAmerican Energy delivers your power. You may choose an Illinois Commerce Commission-certified Alternative Retail Electric Supplier (ARES) that is also registered with your utility, or remain with the utility for supply. Municipal utilities and electric cooperatives may not offer the same choice.
What happens if I do not choose an ARES?
You generally continue to receive electricity supply from your utility. Delivery of the power still comes from that same utility either way.
If I switch suppliers, who do I call for an outage?
Call your electric utility — ComEd, Ameren Illinois, or MidAmerican Energy. The utility still delivers the electricity and handles outages and emergency service. An ARES provides the supply portion of the bill, not outage response.
How does an Illinois energy broker help, and do you show rates here?
Peoples Power Choice reviews your bill and current contract dates, then presents fixed-rate options from certified suppliers. We do not publish or invent rates on this page or in the Ask Optimus chat. Start an Illinois chat, upload a bill, or call 855-330-3580.
Official sources
These are the government and utility references used for this page. They are the best place to confirm whether your address can shop.
- Illinois Commerce Commission — Alternative Retail Electric Suppliers — official ARES list and the statement that customers of Ameren Illinois, ComEd, and MidAmerican may choose the utility or a certified ARES, which must also complete utility registration
- Plug In Illinois — electric choice FAQ — explains electric choice basics, including that the utility still handles delivery, outages, and emergency service