Average Electric Bill in Illinois — May 2026
The average residential electric bill in Illinois is $123/mo as of May 2026, at an average price of 23.85¢/kWh — +28.4% versus a year earlier.
Illinois combines the two forces behind the current bill story. It is partly inside the PJM Interconnection footprint, so capacity prices already fixed at auction through 2029 flow into residential bills here — increases that are contract results, not forecasts. And its retail market is deregulated, so the supply portion of the bill is shoppable rather than take-it-or-leave-it. As of May 2026, the residential average price is +28.4% versus a year ago. ComEd in PJM; Ameren territory in MISO.
Illinois at a glance
Price history (last 12 months)
| Month | Avg residential price |
|---|---|
| May 2026 | 23.85¢/kWh |
| April 2026 | 20.47¢/kWh |
| March 2026 | 18.86¢/kWh |
| February 2026 | 17.83¢/kWh |
| January 2026 | 16.36¢/kWh |
| December 2025 | 17.07¢/kWh |
| November 2025 | 18.31¢/kWh |
| October 2025 | 18.74¢/kWh |
| September 2025 | 19.05¢/kWh |
| August 2025 | 18.06¢/kWh |
| July 2025 | 17.22¢/kWh |
| June 2025 | 18.29¢/kWh |
| May 2025 | 18.58¢/kWh |
Residential average retail price by month. Source: U.S. EIA (public domain).
Why your bill is rising
Illinois is in the PJM Interconnection footprint, and PJM capacity prices for the next delivery years have already cleared at auction. These are contract results, not forecasts — they flow into residential bills as a capacity charge, on top of whatever fuel and distribution costs do.
Only part of Illinois is in PJM: ComEd in PJM; Ameren territory in MISO.
- locked2026/2027 delivery year (Jun 2026 - May 2027)+0.41¢/kWh · ≈+$2.11/mo
Monthly impact at the state-average usage of 514 kWh/mo.
Locked PJM capacity change vs the 2025/2026 auction ($269.92/MW-day) already in the bill, RTO-wide clearing price converted at a 60% system load factor. Several utility zones cleared higher - treat as a floor. Applies only to the PJM-served part of Illinois. source · 2025-07-22
- locked2027/2028 delivery year (Jun 2027 - May 2028)+0.44¢/kWh · ≈+$2.26/mo
Monthly impact at the state-average usage of 514 kWh/mo.
Locked PJM capacity change vs the 2025/2026 auction ($269.92/MW-day) already in the bill, RTO-wide clearing price converted at a 60% system load factor. Several utility zones cleared higher - treat as a floor. Applies only to the PJM-served part of Illinois. source · 2025-12-17
- locked2028/2029 delivery year (Jun 2028 - May 2029)+0.38¢/kWh · ≈+$1.95/mo
Monthly impact at the state-average usage of 514 kWh/mo.
Locked PJM capacity change vs the 2025/2026 auction ($269.92/MW-day) already in the bill, RTO-wide clearing price converted at a 60% system load factor. Several utility zones cleared higher - treat as a floor. Applies only to the PJM-served part of Illinois. source · 2026-07-14
- trendIf the last 12 months' trend continues+6.76¢/kWh · ≈+$34.75/mo
Monthly impact at the state-average usage of 514 kWh/mo.
Extends the observed year-over-year residential price change (EIA) one more year. Context, not a promise - fuel and distribution costs can move either way. source · 2026-05
Not sure if your own bill jump is price, usage, or both? Our diagnostic guide walks through both checks, and if your bill roughly doubled, see the six causes we check in order.
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Illinois average: $123/mo at 23.85¢/kWh (+28.4% YoY)
Your bill is 22.3% above the state average (≈629 kWh/mo at the state average price).
Where your bill is headed:
- locked2027/2028 delivery year (Jun 2027 - May 2028)+$0.19/mo
- locked2028/2029 delivery year (Jun 2028 - May 2029)-$0.19/mo
- trendIf the last 12 months' trend continues+$42.52/mo
“Locked” = PJM capacity auction prices already cleared (a floor - several utility zones cleared higher). “Trend” = the observed 12-month EIA trend extended, not a promise.
Three ways to fight it:
- Switch your plan. Illinois lets residents pick their electricity supplier. Plan comparison coming soon.
- Find your energy hogs. See what each appliance actually costs to run at Illinois rates: cost-to-run guides.
- Get a home energy audit. DOE guide to professional and DIY audits.
Estimate only, based on official data as of May 2026 (U.S. EIA residential averages; PJM auction results). Your actual plan price differs.
Get the Illinois rate alert
One email a month when the Illinois numbers update from the EIA refresh - price, average bill and trend, sourced and dated.
Can you switch plans in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois has a deregulated retail electricity market, so residents can choose their electricity supplier — the supply portion of the bill is shoppable. ComEd in PJM; Ameren territory in MISO.
Plan comparison partners coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the average electric bill in Illinois?
- The average residential electric bill in Illinois is $123/mo as of May 2026, at an average price of 23.85¢/kWh (+28.4% versus a year earlier), per official U.S. EIA data.
- Why are electric bills changing in Illinois?
- Illinois is partly in the PJM Interconnection footprint, where capacity prices for upcoming delivery years have already cleared at auction - a contract result, not a forecast, that flows into residential bills as a capacity charge on top of fuel and distribution costs.
- Can I switch electricity suppliers in Illinois?
- Yes. Illinois has a deregulated retail electricity market, so residents can choose their electricity supplier. ComEd in PJM; Ameren territory in MISO.
Estimate only, based on official data as of May 2026. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, residential retail sales (public domain), refreshed monthly. PJM capacity figures are Base Residual Auction clearing prices. Your actual plan price differs.