State electricity cost

How much does electricity cost in Illinois?

The average residential electricity rate in Illinois is 19.22¢ per kilowatt-hour (2026-07-ytd), the 36th-cheapest state average in the U.S. That is 2% above the unweighted average of the 51 state averages (18.88¢/kWh).

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.B (2026-09-24). This aggregate rate does not reproduce your utility's fixed charges, tax treatment, tiers or time-of-use schedule.

Example monthly bills at the Illinois average rate

Engine-generated energy-portion estimates for three usage levels. Enter your own kWh in the bill estimator for a personalized range.

Monthly usage	Estimated range	Most likely
500 kWh	$79.57–$118.40	$96.10
1,000 kWh	$159.14–$236.79	$192.20
1,500 kWh	$238.71–$355.19	$288.30

What appliances cost to run in Illinois

Each row prices that appliance's reference scenario at the Illinois state-average rate through the appliance-energy engine. Open a guide to adjust watts, hours, and usage.

Appliance	Reference scenario	kWh/month	Estimated/month
Central air conditioner	8 hours a day with moderate cycling	504.00	$96.87
Space heater	6 hours a day on 20 days in a month	144.00	$27.68
Electric water heater	Elements active about 3 hours a day	405.00	$77.84
Refrigerator	150 watts with a 35% compressor duty cycle	37.80	$7.27
EV home charging (Level 2)	About 2.5 charging hours a day (~50 miles)	468.00	$89.95
Pool pump	8 hours a day at full draw	264.00	$50.74
Electric dryer	45-minute cycles, twelve times per month	22.95	$4.41
Television	5 hours a day of mixed viewing	16.50	$3.17

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.B. Data vintage 2026-07-ytd.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average electricity rate in Illinois?

The published state-average residential rate for Illinois is 19.22 cents per kilowatt-hour (2026-07-ytd, EIA). Your utility's tariff can differ meaningfully once fixed charges, taxes, and rate tiers are applied.

Is electricity in Illinois cheap or expensive compared with other states?

Illinois has the 36th-cheapest state-average rate of the 51 averages we track, sitting 2% above the unweighted average of the 51 state averages (18.88¢/kWh).

Why is my actual Illinois bill different from these estimates?

These examples apply one state-average rate to assumed usage. Real bills add fixed monthly charges, taxes and fees, tiered or time-of-use pricing, and your household’s actual kilowatt-hours, which vary with weather and behavior.

Keep comparing

Wisconsin — next-cheapest state average (19.00¢/kWh)
Pennsylvania — next state average up (21.04¢/kWh)

All states, ranked · Appliance cost guides · Bill methodology · Data sources