Illinois Electricity Rates and Average Bill
Data through August 2026 (the latest month EIA has published) · Updated October 31, 2026
As of August 2026, the average residential electricity rate in Illinois is 19.32¢/kWh (the 18th-highest in the U.S.) and the average monthly bill is $171.18, per EIA data. That rate is 1.2¢ above the U.S. average of 18.16¢/kWh.
Rate trend, last three years
View this chart as a table (last 12 months)
| Month | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | 19.01 | 124.15 | 653 |
| October 2025 | 18.70 | 107.04 | 572 |
| November 2025 | 18.28 | 104.54 | 572 |
| December 2025 | 17.05 | 130.18 | 763 |
| January 2026 | 16.36 | 132.88 | 812 |
| February 2026 | 17.83 | 128.27 | 719 |
| March 2026 | 18.85 | 115.43 | 612 |
| April 2026 | 20.47 | 110.07 | 538 |
| May 2026 | 23.85 | 122.65 | 514 |
| June 2026 | 19.89 | 142.84 | 718 |
| July 2026 | 19.22 | 193.07 | 1005 |
| August 2026 | 19.32 | 171.18 | 886 |
Illinois vs the U.S. average
| Illinois | U.S. average | |
|---|---|---|
| Rate (August 2026) | 19.32¢/kWh | 18.16¢/kWh |
| Average monthly bill | $171.18 | $209.23 |
| Average monthly usage | 886 kWh | 1152 kWh |
| Rate change, 1 year | +7.2% | +3.4% |
| Rate change, 5 years | +50.4% | +30.5% |
Illinois's average residential rate of 19.32¢/kWh for August 2026 ranks 34th of 51 (1 = lowest). Over the past year the rate moved +7.2% (Illinois) versus +3.4% nationally; over five years, +50.4% versus +30.5% nationally. Average usage of 886 kWh/month compares with 1152 kWh nationally, which is why the bill and rate ranks can differ. For how Illinois's recent increase ranks against every other state (12-month, 3-year and 5-year changes), see electricity rate increases by state.
Largest utilities in Illinois
Average effective rates and bills for Illinois's largest utilities, from EIA Form 861-M (August 2026). Or find yours by ZIP code.
| Utility | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) | Residential customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Edison Co | 19.28 | 143.96 | 747 | 3,059,080 |
| Ameren Illinois Company | 19.42 | 204.63 | 1,054 | 634,558 |
| MidAmerican Energy Co | 16.41 | 117.98 | 719 | 73,380 |
Average bill = rate × average usage. Utilities with similar rates can show very different average bills because their customers' average usage differs (housing mix, heating fuel, climate).
Estimate a bill at Illinois rates
Worked example: 1,000 kWh at Illinois's average rate of 19.32¢/kWh is about $193.20. The state's actual average usage is 886 kWh/month, which is what produces the $171.18 average bill. These are average effective rates including all charges; your utility's tariff will differ.
Wondering what's behind rising rates nationally? See Why is my electric bill so high?, our data-led explainer on demand growth, data centers, and grid costs. Also: Illinois gas prices and why they are what they are, and the cheapest way to heat a home by fuel and state.
Source: EIA retail sales data (residential sector, monthly), published with roughly a two-month lag. Rate = revenue ÷ sales; bill = revenue ÷ customers. We do not project unpublished months. See methodology.