Compare Utility Providers in Chicago, IL

Top 23 Electric Providers in Chicago

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Top 11 Natural Gas Providers in Chicago

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Top 11 Internet Providers in Chicago

*Not all internet providers and speeds available in all areas.

Solar Providers in Chicago

Water & Sewage Providers in Chicago

Top 8 Trash and Recycling Providers in Chicago

Utilities Summary for Chicago, IL

Electric Companies:	23
Natural Gas Companies:	11
Water & Sewage Providers:	1
Garbage, Trash & Recycling Providers:	8
Municipal Electricity:	No

Utilities For Your Home in Chicago

Moving to Chicago means joining one of the most vibrant, diverse, and dynamic cities in the country. Known as the “Windy City,” Chicago is rich in culture, architecture, food, and history. Popular neighborhoods include Lincoln Park with its green spaces and family-friendly vibe, Wicker Park with eclectic dining and nightlife, and Hyde Park, home to the University of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry. If you’re looking for luxury high-rises and lakefront views, the Gold Coast and Streeterville are popular picks, while Pilsen and Logan Square are cultural and artistic hubs.

As you get settled, one of your first steps will be setting up essential utilities like electricity, natural gas, water, trash, and internet. Chicago has a mix of regulated and deregulated markets, which means you’ll have choices in some areas and city-managed services in others.

Electricity in Chicago

Electricity in Chicago is delivered through ComEd (Commonwealth Edison), which maintains the infrastructure and power lines. However, because Illinois has a deregulated electricity market, you can choose a retail electric supplier for your actual energy supply. ComEd will remain your utility company regardless of which supplier you choose, and they also offer a handy mobile app to pay bills, report outages, and track usage.

Top 5 Electricity Providers in Chicago

#1 Constellation: Constellation consistently comes out on top in Chicago. With a long track record of reliability, strong BBB ratings, and a reputation as one of the largest providers in Illinois, they’re a safe choice for new residents. Customers frequently highlight their straightforward pricing, competitive fixed-rate plans, and access to 100% renewable electricity options. Their mobile app and online portal are well-built, making account management simple. Because they also serve as a gas supplier in Illinois, many households appreciate the option of bundling. Constellation earns the #1 spot for its blend of trustworthiness, stability, and plan variety.

#2 NRG Home: NRG ranks second thanks to its wide selection of plans and added perks like reward points and gift cards for signing up. Customers often like the extras, though pricing can sometimes be slightly higher than Constellation’s. BBB ratings and reviews sit in the mid-to-high range, and online sentiment points to an overall satisfactory experience for most customers. NRG’s mobile app and customer service responsiveness also stand out compared to some competitors. For those who value rewards programs and incentives, NRG is an appealing option.

#3 Spark Energy: Spark Energy lands in the middle of the pack. They’ve been in the Illinois market for years and offer straightforward fixed-rate plans that many customers appreciate for stability. Their BBB profile is mixed, with reviews highlighting competitive rates but occasional complaints about contract clarity and billing. On the positive side, Spark tends to be price competitive, which earns them favor with budget-conscious customers. For shoppers who prioritize low rates over extras, Spark is a solid option.

#4 Think Energy!: Think Energy! is known for its simple and transparent approach. They offer a smaller selection of plans compared to Constellation or NRG, but many customers value the lack of gimmicks. Online sentiment is generally positive, especially around easy-to-understand contracts, though some reviews mention limited plan variety. Their BBB rating is steady, and fees are usually in line with industry averages. Think Energy! works well for those who want a no-frills, reliable experience, but falls lower in the ranking because of its limited plan menu.

#5 Xoom Energy: Xoom Energy comes in fifth in this ranking. While they offer both electricity and gas plans in Chicago, customer reviews and Reddit discussions frequently raise concerns about billing issues and customer service challenges. Their BBB profile reflects similar complaints, though some customers report positive experiences with competitive pricing. Xoom’s plan options are diverse, including renewable energy choices, but the mixed reputation puts them behind more reliable competitors. For shoppers, Xoom can be a value play, but it comes with more risk compared to others on this list.

Why to Trust Our Rankings

• Grounded in public data. We use Illinois’ official shopping resources and oversight data, the Plug-In Illinois Complaint Scorecard and ComEd’s Price-to-Compare, as the backbone for our scores.
• Real customer voices, not anecdotes. We aggregated ~198 BBB customer reviews across the five suppliers we ranked (Constellation 44, NRG 60, Spark Energy 24, XOOM Energy 19, Think Energy 51) at the time of scoring to calibrate sentiment and recurring pain points.
• Local reality check. We also scanned 20+ Chicago/Illinois threads where residents share first-hand experiences with alternative electric suppliers, capturing themes like door-to-door enrollments, renewal surprises, and how offers compare to ComEd’s default rate.
• Chicago-specific rules baked in. We verify consumer protections like the 10-day rescission window for ARES enrollments and use Illinois’ own shopping guidance when we evaluate fine print.

See the full methodology we use for retail electric providers

Tips for Choosing a Provider

• Review whether a fixed-rate or variable-rate plan better suits your needs.
• Check for early termination fees if you’re unsure about how long you’ll stay in your home.
• Compare renewable energy options if sustainability matters to you.

Energy Conservation & Rebates

ComEd offers several energy efficiency rebates:

• Smart thermostat rebate: up to $100.
• Rebates for ENERGY STAR® appliances like refrigerators, washers, and dryers.
• Discounts on home energy assessments and weatherization improvements.
• Lighting and HVAC system rebates (amounts vary, often $50–$500 depending on equipment).

Natural Gas in Chicago

Natural gas in Chicago is distributed by Peoples Gas, which manages pipelines and delivery. Like electricity, Illinois also allows you to choose an alternative gas supplier. Peoples Gas offers a mobile app for billing, usage tracking, and service requests.

Top Natural Gas Providers in Chicago

1. Constellation: Offers competitive gas rates and fixed-term plans for price stability.
2. Spark Energy: Known for customer rewards and budget-friendly plans.
3. Just Energy: Provides natural gas and green energy options, with loyalty rewards.
4. Ambit Energy: Offers straightforward plans and opportunities to bundle gas and electric.

Tips for Choosing a Provider

• Compare rates carefully against the Peoples Gas utility rate.
• Look at contract lengths and cancellation fees.
• Consider whether you want renewable natural gas or carbon offset programs.

Energy Conservation & Rebates

Peoples Gas provides a range of rebates for efficiency upgrades:

• Up to $500 for installing an efficient furnace or boiler.
• Rebates on water heaters ($150–$300).
• Free home energy assessments that may include LED bulbs, faucet aerators, and water-saving showerheads.

Water in Chicago

Water service is provided exclusively by the City of Chicago Department of Water Management. The city sources its water from Lake Michigan, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, and is known for its high-quality treatment system.

Conservation & Rebates

Chicago has participated in water-saving rebate programs, including incentives for replacing old toilets with WaterSense models (around $50 rebate). Residents are also encouraged to adopt rain barrels, efficient irrigation systems, and water-saving appliances.

Trash & Recycling in Chicago

Trash and recycling services are managed by the City of Chicago’s Bureau of Sanitation. Service includes weekly trash pickup and biweekly recycling collection.

• Mobile App: The city offers the CHICAGO 311 app, which allows you to report missed pickups, request bulk item removal, and report recycling issues.
• Recycling: Chicago’s Blue Cart Recycling Program accepts paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, and glass. Proper sorting is required to reduce contamination.
• Sustainability: Yard waste can be collected for composting during spring and fall clean-up events.

Best Internet Providers in Chicago

Chicago has strong internet coverage, with options for fiber, cable, and 5G home internet. The right provider depends on whether you want the fastest speeds, the lowest price, or mobile bundling options.

1. AT&T: Offers fiber service with speeds up to 5 Gbps in many neighborhoods, about 89% of Chicago. Great for streaming and remote work.
2. Xfinity: Widely available to over 97% of the city with cable internet, flexible bundles, and extensive Wi-Fi hotspot access.
3. Astound Broadband (RCN): Popular for fast speeds at competitive prices, especially in central and north side neighborhoods. Limited availability in about 49% of the ChiTown area.
4. T-Mobile 5G Home: A wireless home internet option that’s easy to set up and portable.
5. Verizon 5G Home: Offers competitive speeds and pricing for households looking for wireless broadband.

Conservation, Sustainability, & Green Energy Programs

Chicago is deeply committed to sustainability. The city has a Climate Action Plan that includes goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and expanding renewable energy adoption.

• Chicago Energy Benchmarking Ordinance: Helps track building energy use to promote efficiency.
• Renew Chicago Home Retrofit Program: Provides financing for energy-saving home upgrades.
• Our Roots Chicago Program: Expands green space to cool neighborhoods and reduce emissions.

Financial Assistance for Utility Bills in Chicago

Chicago offers multiple resources to help residents manage their utility bills, especially during difficult times.

• LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Provides grants for heating and electricity costs.
• Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP): Caps monthly energy bills based on income.
• Peoples Gas Share the Warmth Program: Matches customer donations to help those struggling with heating costs.
• ComEd CARE Programs: Offers bill assistance, flexible payment options, and hardship grants.
• City of Chicago Utility Billing Relief (UBR): Provides debt forgiveness and lower monthly payments for qualifying households on city water bills.

Chicago Internet Connectivity

Fastest Internet Providers in Chicago

Chicago Drinking Water Quality Information

Clean drinking water is essential for maintaining good health and overall well-being. Safe, contaminant-free water helps prevent the spread of diseases, supports proper hydration, and ensures the body's vital functions operate smoothly.