If you’re wondering how to shop for business electricity supply in Illinois, you’re in the right place. We’ll help you learn how to plug in to Illinois electricity choice, how to compare IL business electricity rates and plans and the benefits of switching.
Whether you are a small, medium or large company, you could lower your electricity cost by switching your business electricity supply. Plus you’ll benefit from a fixed rate that helps you budget effectively.
Who’s Who and What’s What of Energy Choice in Illinois
Electricity energy choice has been in Illinois since 1997. And, nearly 75% of all commercial and industrial customers in Illinois have selected an alternative retail electric supplier.
Your utility company will deliver power to your business location and respond to any emergencies. Your retail electric supplier will supply
But it you aren’t familiar with it, here is some of the basic vocabulary of electricity choice in Illinois.
- ICC — The Illinois Commerce Commission. This government agency oversees rate setting for your utility, the Price to Compare (or SSO) and delivery rates. They also protect consumer interests.
- RES — Retail Electric Supplier. The ICC reviews and licenses electric suppliers in Illinois. You can get your electricity supply from your utility, or from an RES.
- EDS – electric distribution service (your utility)
- EGS – electric generation service (your RES provides this, or you can purchase power from the utility.)
- PTC or Price to Compare — If you don’t switch to a RES, you are served by your local utility under the Price to Compare. The PTC is the price of Basic Electric Service or Basic Generation Service plus the Purchased Electricity Adjustment Factor and the Purchased Electricity Charge (or Credit) plus the Transmission Service Charge.
- Fixed Rate — A fixed rate contract is just that, a fixed electricity supply rate for the term of your contract. During the term of your agreement, your price won’t change. You can only get a fixed rate by switching to a Retail Electric Supplier for your electric generation service.
Comparing Commercial Electricity Suppliers in Illinois
So you don’t have to purchase power through your local utility provider. What are your choices?
Electricity bills in Illinois consist of three parts: supply, for the energy generated; transmission, for transferring the electricity to your local utility provider; and distribution, or delivering the electricity to your location.
Residential customers can browse through all alternative energy suppliers through Plug In Illinois. After specifying the type of energy and plan you’ll need, the site serves you with a (very lengthy) list of plans and their rates. At this point, you can easily compare their rates vs. the price to compare (the default rate) for your utility.
For business electricity in Illinois, it’s not as easy.
Commercial customers don’t have this option. Instead, businesses searching for commercial electricity rates in Illinois must contact suppliers directly or check their websites for rates, if they are posted at all.
So how do you compare rates for your business?
How to Choose A Business Electricity Supplier in Illinois
You could find a list of commercial electricity suppliers online, and call each one to receive a quote. Then read each of their contracts, looking out for the fine print. Once you’ve picked a provider, you’ll need to request an updated energy price (because energy prices change constantly.) After you execute your electricity contract, you’ll want to mark your calendar to review options again 2-6 months before your contract expires.
We simplify business electricity shopping and handle it for you.
- We’ve teamed with a large national broker to offer you superior service and access to multiple suppliers.
- Your energy advisor will talk to you to understand your electricity usage and current contract terms.
- We’ll work to understand any future growth plans that may impact your electricity usage.
- Then we’ll work with the utility to get a copy of your historical electricity usage and start shopping commercial electricity options for you.
- We’ll present you with multiple options for your electricity supply.
- And once you’ve picked a commercial electricity supplier, we’ll stay in touch to manage your renewal.
There is no cost for our service. To get started call us toll-free at 844-814-5559. Or if you prefer, complete our business electricity quote request form.
What are the Benefits of Business Electricity Choice in Illinois?
The benefits of choosing an energy supplier in Illinois include:
- Savings — You could lower your monthly bill by locking in a rate below the utility price to compare.
- Security — You get budget certainty for your business, instead of a constantly changing utility rate that you can’t control.
- Options —Select from green energy plans or pick a short or long term fixed rate plan.
You get these benefits of IL electricity choice with no change to the reliability of your electricity service.
Will I Save Money vs. The Price to Compare?
The price to compare is different for each consumer and is impacted by your rate class and demand level.
Whether you save money or not by switching depends on your unique scenario for your business.
Our retail electricity experts will evaluate your electricity usage pattern to make recommendations and guide you through the switching process.
