Illinois's big cities, bright lights, and endless waving seas of agricultural fields make it a great place to live. It's home to over 12.5 million people. However, the average electric bill is one reason behind the higher cost of living in the state. In June 2024, the average electric rate in Illinois was 16.15 cents per kWh, with an average monthly consumption of 720 kWh.
The average monthly electric bill in Illinois decreased from $112.74 in 2022 to $116.28 in June 2024. Jackery Solar Generators are reliable and efficient charging solutions for households. The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro and Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus support 99% of household appliances, such as ACs, space heaters, LED lights, etc. Thus, charging appliances with solar generators will help reduce high electricity bills.
What Is The Average Electric Bill in Illinois?
According to the latest June 2024 report from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average monthly electricity bill in Illinois is $116.28, with an average rate of 16.15 cents per kWh and a monthly consumption of 720 kWh.
Compared to Illinois, the average electric rate in the US is 16.41 cents per kWh, with a monthly consumption of 899 kWh and an average electric bill of $147.52 per month. Here's a table where we will compare the average rate and average bill of Illinois with the electricity bills of other US states.
State |
Avg. Bill |
Avg. Rate |
Monthly Usage |
Ranking |
Michigan |
$129.61 |
19.88 ¢/kWh |
652 kWh |
15 |
Utah |
$90.04 |
11.50 ¢/kWh |
783 kWh |
1 |
Colorado |
$105.25 |
15.21 ¢/kWh |
692 kWh |
3 |
Hawaii |
$218.61 |
42.45 ¢/kWh |
515 kWh |
50 |
Florida |
$154.31 |
13.89 ¢/kWh |
1111 kWh |
32 |
Georgia |
$170.20 |
15.53 ¢/kWh |
1096 kWh |
39 |
Indiana |
$141.45 |
14.89 ¢/kWh |
950 kWh |
27 |
Massachusetts |
$114.70 |
19.88 ¢/kWh |
577 kWh |
43 |
New York |
$145.09 |
24.51 ¢/kWh |
592 kWh |
21 |
What Are The Electricity Rates in Illinois?
The electricity rate in Illinois refers to the cost that customers pay for the electricity they use in cents per kWh. But what is the average electric bill in Illinois? The exact rate will depend on multiple factors, such as the type of plan, utility company, and any applicable fees or taxes. Illinois residents have a legal right to choose their electricity supplier.
The top electric providers in Illinois include Direct Energy, Constellation NewEnergy Inc., Reliant Energy Northeast LLC, Energy Harbor Corp., etc. The rate per kWh and contract length will depend on the electric provider you choose. Here's a table where we will compare the contract length and average rate per kWh of different electrical providers:
Provider |
Length |
Rate Per kWh |
SmartEnergy |
6 Month |
7.29 ¢ |
Direct Energy |
12 Month |
7.69 ¢ |
Direct Energy |
9 Month |
7.69 ¢ |
Direct Energy |
18 Month |
7.99 ¢ |
Constellation NewEnergy Inc. |
24 Month |
8.69 ¢ |
Note: The prices are subject to change. You must check the official website of the electric provider to get the latest information on the rate per kWh and contract length.
What Are The Types of Electric Plans in Illinois?
How much the average electric bill in Illinois will depend on the electric plan you choose and your electricity provider. When selecting the best electricity provider in Illinois, it is essential to understand the different types of plans available:
Fixed-Rate Plan: It's the most prevalent type of electricity rate in Illinois. Your electric rate will be locked in for a specific period of around 12-36 months. One benefit of a fixed rate plan is that it helps you prepare the budget more accurately since the rates won't fluctuate with market prices.
Variable-Rate Plan: As the name suggests, the rate will vary based on the market conditions. Although these plans may offer low rates at certain times, they come with the risk of higher electricity prices when the demand is high.
100% Green Energy Plan: If you care about the environment and do not mind paying extra, you may choose a 100% Green Energy Plan. You can offset energy usage by purchasing Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) that reflect the generation of renewable energy sources like wind or solar. When you choose the green plans, it ensures that energy consumption supports renewable energy projects.
Before you choose the best energy supplier in Illinois, you'll need to consider a few essential factors:
Price: The first step is to compare different electric rates and plans from each supplier and choose the one that best aligns with your needs and budget.
Company Size: Next, consider the total number of customers a company has. This is an indication of its size and stability. If the company has a larger customer base, it means they have more resources to meet the electricity demands.
Company History: The best way to understand reliability is to check the company's history. If the company has a long history of reliable service, it's a positive sign.
Read the Contract: Before choosing the electricity provider, you must read the agreement. Additionally, look for any hidden fees, contract length, cancelation clauses, or penalties.
Read Customer Reviews: Many customers often post reviews about the company. This is one of the great ways to get an idea of the reliability of each company and their customer service.
If you want to switch electricity providers in Illinois, all you need to do is compare offers from the leading energy providers and then choose the one that helps you save the most on your electricity bills.
How to Lower Your Electric Bill in Illinois?
With the cost of electricity bills going up because of weather fluctuations, Illinois residents are looking for different ways to lower their monthly electricity bills. Here are some of the best ways to save money:
Using Energy-Efficient Appliances
Household appliances that are Energy Star-rated draw less energy from the utility grid. Thus, they help you lower your monthly consumption and save money. You can invest in a programmable thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature to prevent extra consumption of the appliances.
Upgrade Lighting
You can also invest in efficient LED lighting, which emits less heat and can save up to 75% of electricity. Upgrading home lighting is one way to lower total electricity consumption.
Transfer to Solar Energy
Solar panel systems can generally reduce or eliminate electricity bills in Illinois. The solar solution can help with long-term budgeting and improved savings. An average Illinois resident will pay around $116.28 per month on electricity bills, which adds up to $1395.36 per year. If you use solar generators to power your household appliances, you can save $1395.36 per year.
Jackery Solar Generators are reliable solutions that are designed to charge most household appliances. Unlike solar panel systems for home, the portable Jackery Solar Generators do not require any complex installation. The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus, for example, can charge 99% of household appliances to help you lower your reliance on the utility grid.
Jackery Solar Generators for Lowering Your Electric Bills
Jackery is a reliable brand that manufactures portable solar generators, solar panels, and power stations. The Jackery Solar Generators combine portable Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations and foldable Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels to collect, convert, and supply energy to electrical appliances.
Sunlight falls on the monocrystalline silicon solar cells of the Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels and is converted to DC electricity. The DC current is passed to the Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations, where the pure sine wave inverter converts it into AC electricity to charge most electrical appliances.
The Jackery Solar Generators feature stable and safe LiFePO4 and NMC batteries to charge small and large household appliances. They are easy to set up. All you need to do is connect the appliances to the Jackery Explorer Portable Power Stations and start charging them anytime, anywhere. These home battery backups can be charged with an AC outlet, car charger, and Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels.
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro
The large Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro features a stable NMC battery of 3024 Wh capacity that can power up to 99% of household appliances. It can be fully recharged with 6*Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels in only 3.5 hours and with a wall outlet in 2.4 hours. It acts as an ideal emergency battery backup power source during extended power outages and blackouts.
|
Solar Generator 3000 Pro |
Capacity |
3024 Wh |
Battery Cell |
NMC |
Cycle Life |
2000 cycles to 70%+ capacity |
Recharging Methods |
Solar Recharging: 3.5 H (6*Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels) Car Recharging: 35 H Wall Recharging: 2.4 H |
Output Ports |
AC Output (x1): 120 V~ 60 Hz 25 A Max AC Output (x3): 120 V~ 60 Hz 20 A Maximum USB-C Output (x2): 100 W Maximum, 5 V⎓3 A, 9 V⎓3 A, 12 V⎓3 A, 15 V⎓3 A, 20 V⎓5 A |
Working Hours |
Air Fryer (1500 W): 1.7 H Coffee Maker (1000 W): 2.5 H Air Conditioner (1000 W): 2.5 H Microwave (1050 W): 2.4 H Kettle (850 W): 3 H Electric Oven (800 W): 3.2 H |
Customer Review |
“I recently purchased the Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro and couldn’t be happier! This generator is world-class, easy to use, and works like a charm!” — CalNevBob. |
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus is an expandable battery-powered generator with a 2042.8 Wh capacity. It also supports 99% of home appliances, reducing Illinois's high electricity bills. You can fully recharge the LiFePO4 battery in under 2 hours using 6*Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels. If you want more power for your household needs, consider expanding the battery capacity from 2 kWh to 24 kWh with the help of Jackery Battery Pack 2000 Plus.
|
Solar Generator 2000 Plus |
Capacity |
2-24 kWh |
Battery Cell |
LiFePO4 |
Cycle Life |
4000 cycles to 70%+ capacity |
Recharging Methods |
Solar Recharging: 2 H (6*Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels) Car Recharging: 25 H Wall Recharging: 2 H |
Output Ports |
AC Output (×4) 120 V~ 60 Hz, 20 A Maximum AC Output (×1) 120 V~ 60 Hz, 25 A Maximum USB-A Output (x2): Quick Charge 3.0, 18 W Maximum USB-C Output (x2): 100 W Maximum, (5 V, 9 V, 12 V, 15 V, 20 V up to 5 A) |
Working Hours |
Air Fryer (1500 W): 1.1 H Coffee Maker (1000 W): 1.7 H Air Conditioner (1000 W): 1.7 H Microwave (1050 W): 1.6 H Kettle (850 W): 2 H Electric Oven (800 W): 2.1 H |
Customer Review |
“We use this for the basics: fridge, 3 lights in the living room, and a light in our kitchen. In addition to charging various devices. It gets the job done.” — Michelle H. |
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh)
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh) is a whole-home battery backup solution with a LiFePO4 battery of 4085.6 Wh. The kit consists of 1*Jackery Explorer 2000 Plus Portable Power Station, 1*Jackery Battery Pack 2000 Plus, and two Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels. The high output power ensures that essential home appliances remain powered for long hours, thereby reducing the high electricity bills in Illinois.
|
Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh) |
Capacity |
2-24 kWh |
Battery Cell |
LiFePO4 |
Cycle Life |
4000 cycles to 70%+ capacity |
Recharging Methods |
Solar Recharging: 2 H (6*Jackery SolarSaga 200W Solar Panels) Car Recharging: 25 H Wall Recharging: 2 H |
Output Ports |
AC Output (×4) 120 V~ 60 Hz, 20 A Maximum AC Output (×1) 120 V~ 60 Hz, 25 A Maximum USB-A Output (x2): Quick Charge 3.0, 18 W Maximum USB-C Output (x2): 100 W Maximum, (5 V, 9 V, 12 V, 15 V, 20 V up to 5 A) |
Working Hours |
Air Fryer (1500 W): 2.3 H Coffee Maker (1000 W): 3.4 H Air Conditioner (1000 W): 3.4 H Microwave (1050 W): 3.3 H Kettle (850 W): 4 H Electric Oven (800 W): 4.3 H |
Customer Review |
“I’m impressed with the quality and design (even the packaging) of the Jackery products and am looking forward to replacing a gas-guzzling generator(s).” — Randall MacPherson. |
How Much Does It Cost to Live in Illinois?
According to data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Illinois's average cost of living ranks 17th among the lowest to highest states. On average, Illinois residents spend around $49,588 per year on living expenses.
Here are the common utilities on which Illinois residents spend their monthly income:
Groceries and Food: Illinois residents spend an average of $5529 per year or $438 per month on food and groceries.
Transportation: This includes vehicle maintenance and gas prices, which impact the overall cost of transportation. A single adult with no children might pay around $5300, though the prices might fluctuate over time.
Healthcare: The specific healthcare in Illinois will vary depending on certain factors, such as individual circumstances and insurance coverage. It is important to research healthcare providers and insurance companies to estimate monthly costs accurately.
Tax: Illinois's flat income tax rate is 4.95%. The state tax rate combines a state sales tax and additional local sales taxes imposed by municipalities and counties. It is around 6.25%, with local sales tax rates ranging between 0.25% and $4.75%.
Illinois residents use different amounts of each service and pay different utility costs. Here's a table revealing some averages to help you estimate your monthly utility spending in Illinois.
Utility |
Average Illinois Bill |
Electricity |
$116.28 |
Gas |
$97 |
Cable & Internet |
$111 |
Water |
$26 |
Note: The monthly spending on each utility will vary depending on the lifestyle of the residents and how much service they use.
Illinois Average Electric Bill FAQs
What size of solar generator do I need for my house in Illinois?
The size of a solar generator for an Illinois home will depend on the number of electrical appliances you are charging, their wattage consumption, and the time for which you want to charge them. Here, we will calculate the working hours of the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus when charging AC (1000 W), TV (150 W), and lamp (100 W) at the same time.
Working Time = Battery Capacity in Wh * 0.85 / Wattage Consumption of Appliances = 2042.8 Wh * 0.85 / 1250 W = 1.3 H.
We have multiplied the battery capacity of the solar generator by 0.85 as there will be some power loss when charging the appliances with solar generators.
Why are electric bills so high in Illinois?
Electricity providers are increasing their rates to improve the infrastructure and ensure reliable and safe power service. They have also increased rates to cover the operational and maintenance costs rising due to inflation and other factors.
How much has electricity gone up in Illinois?
According to the data revealed by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Chicago's (the largest city in Illinois) electricity rate increased from 16.20 cents per kWh (in July 2023) to 16.70 cents per kWh (in July 2024), which affected the electricity bills of Illinois residents.
What is the best electric rate in Illinois?
Illinois residents are automatically enrolled in an energy plan from the utility company and are charged a default rate. Ameren Illinois is the default utility for most of the state. Residents can compare top energy suppliers in Illinois and choose the one that offers the cheapest cost and best plan.
What state has the most expensive electric bills?
Hawaii has the highest average electricity bills, with an average electric rate of 42.45 cents per kWh.
Final Thoughts
Electricity bills are increasing for Illinois residents, meaning it's time for everyone to look for alternative ways to power household appliances. Solar generators and power stations are becoming an increasingly popular choice for most homeowners to reduce their average electric bill in Illinois.
Jackery Solar Generators are portable and robust charging solutions for those looking to invest in renewable energy sources. The Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro and Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus are capable of charging 99% of household appliances, including refrigerators, ACs, space heaters, TVs, and more.
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