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State electricity cost

How much does electricity cost in Illinois?

The average residential electricity rate in Illinois is 18.15¢ per kilowatt-hour (2026-04-ytd), the 34th-cheapest state average in the U.S. That is 2% below the unweighted average of the 51 state averages (18.54¢/kWh).

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.B (2026-06-25). State averages are not household tariffs: taxes, fixed charges, and tiered or time-of-use pricing are not included.

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 usageEstimated rangeMost likely
500 kWh$75.14–$111.80$90.75
1,000 kWh$150.28–$223.61$181.50
1,500 kWh$225.42–$335.41$272.25

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.

ApplianceReference scenariokWh/monthEstimated/month
Central air conditioner8 hours a day with moderate cycling504.00$91.48
Space heater6 hours a day on 20 days in a month144.00$26.14
Electric water heaterElements active about 3 hours a day405.00$73.51
Refrigerator150 watts with a 35% compressor duty cycle37.80$6.86
EV home charging (Level 2)About 2.5 charging hours a day (~50 miles)468.00$84.94
Pool pump8 hours a day at full draw264.00$47.92
Electric dryer45-minute cycles, twelve times per month22.95$4.17
Television5 hours a day of mixed viewing16.50$2.99

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.B. Data vintage 2026-04-ytd.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average electricity rate in Illinois?
The published state-average residential rate for Illinois is 18.15 cents per kilowatt-hour (2026-04-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 34th-cheapest state-average rate of the 51 averages we track, sitting 2% below the unweighted average of the 51 state averages (18.54¢/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

  • Delaware — next-cheapest state average (17.11¢/kWh)
  • Ohio — next state average up (18.18¢/kWh)

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