Energy Calculators

Electricity rates in Illinois

The average residential electricity price in Illinois was 19.32¢/kWh in August 2026, 6.4% above the U.S. average of 18.16¢/kWh (EIA).

Average price (Aug 2026)
19.32¢/kWh
Change vs Aug 2025
+7.2%+1.29¢/kWh
Rank (1 = most expensive)
18thof 51
vs U.S. average
+6.4%+1.16¢/kWh

Illinois residential electricity price, last 12 months

Illinois vs U.S. average residential electricity price, last 12 monthsIllinois: 19.0¢ in Sep 2025, 19.3¢ in Aug 2026. Low 16.4¢, high 23.9¢.14.0¢16.0¢18.0¢20.0¢22.0¢24.0¢26.0¢Nov 2025Feb 2026May 2026Aug 2026
· cents per kWh
Show data table
MonthIllinoisU.S. average
Aug 202619.3¢18.2¢
Jul 202619.2¢18.3¢
Jun 202619.9¢18.4¢
May 202623.9¢18.4¢
Apr 202620.5¢18.9¢
Mar 202618.9¢18.6¢
Feb 202617.8¢17.6¢
Jan 202616.4¢17.4¢
Dec 202517.1¢17.1¢
Nov 202518.3¢17.8¢
Oct 202518.7¢17.9¢
Sep 202519.0¢18.1¢

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (Aug 2026). Retrieved November 5, 2026. About our data

What common appliances cost to run in Illinois

Worked examples at 19.32¢/kWh, the August 2026 average:

  • Running a 1,500 W space heater 6 hours a day for 30 days uses 270 kWh and costs about $52.16.
  • Running a 3,500 W central air conditioner 8 hours a day for 30 days uses 840 kWh and costs about $162.29.
  • Running a refrigerator using 500 kWh per year uses 500 kWh and costs about $96.60 a year.

Try your own appliance in the appliance cost calculator.

Typical monthly use and bill

Illinois residential customers used an average of 716 kWh a month in 2025 (EIA annual data). At 19.32¢/kWh, that works out to about $138.33 a month.

States with similar prices

Compare all 50 states and DC

Frequently asked questions

Is electricity expensive in Illinois?

Illinois ranked 18th most expensive of 51 (50 states and DC) in August 2026, at 19.32¢/kWh versus the U.S. average of 18.16¢/kWh.

How have Illinois electricity prices changed over the past year?

The average residential price rose from 18.03¢/kWh in August 2025 to 19.32¢/kWh in August 2026, a change of +7.2%.

What is a typical electric bill in Illinois?

Residential customers in Illinois used an average of 716 kWh a month in 2025. At 19.32¢/kWh that is about $138.33 a month. Use the electric bill calculator for your own usage.

Why might my Illinois rate differ from this average?

The state average blends every utility, rate plan and fixed charge in the state. Utilities, co-ops and municipal providers set different tariffs, and time-of-use or tiered plans change the price of each kWh. Divide your bill total by your kWh for your own average rate.

Data last updated: