Electricity Cost in Illinois (July 2026)
Electricity in Illinois costs 19.22 cents per kWh on average for homes in July 2026 – 5% above the US average of 18.31¢. That is the 35th cheapest of 51 states and DC. A home using 900 kWh pays about $172.98 a month in energy charges.
Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, July 2026, released September 24, 2026. Dollar figures below are computed from this rate.
Monthly electric bill in Illinois by usage
| Monthly usage | Illinois bill | At US average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 kWh | $96.10 | $91.55 | +$4.55 |
| 900 kWh | $172.98 | $164.79 | +$8.19 |
| 1,200 kWh | $230.64 | $219.72 | +$10.92 |
| 1,500 kWh | $288.30 | $274.65 | +$13.65 |
Energy charge only: kWh × 19.22¢. Fixed fees and taxes are not included.
In 2024 the average Illinois household used 693 kWh a month (below the US average of 863) and paid $109.99, which included fees (15.87¢ per kWh over that year). At the July 2026 rate, that same usage would run about $133.19.
What appliances cost to run in Illinois
| Appliance | Watts | Use | Per month | vs US average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Space heater | 1,500 | 6 h/day | $52.62 | +$2.49 |
| Window AC | 900 | 8 h/day | $42.10 | +$1.99 |
| Portable AC | 1,200 | 8 h/day | $56.13 | +$2.66 |
| Central AC | 3,500 | 8 h/day | $163.71 | +$7.75 |
| Refrigerator | 150 | 8 h/day | $7.02 | +$0.33 |
| Chest freezer | 100 | 8 h/day | $4.68 | +$0.22 |
| Dehumidifier | 500 | 6 h/day | $17.54 | +$0.83 |
| Electric water heater | 4,500 | 3 h/day | $78.93 | +$3.74 |
| Clothes dryer | 3,000 | 1 h/day | $17.54 | +$0.83 |
| Dishwasher | 1,200 | 1 h/day | $7.02 | +$0.33 |
| Washing machine | 400 | 1 h/day | $2.34 | +$0.11 |
| Electric oven | 2,400 | 1 h/day | $14.03 | +$0.66 |
| Gaming PC | 400 | 4 h/day | $9.35 | +$0.44 |
| TV | 100 | 5 h/day | $2.92 | +$0.14 |
| Ceiling fan | 60 | 8 h/day | $2.81 | +$0.13 |
| Hot tub | 1,500 | 4 h/day | $35.08 | +$1.66 |
| Pool pump | 1,500 | 8 h/day | $70.16 | +$3.32 |
| EV Level 2 charger | 7,200 | 2 h/day | $84.19 | +$3.99 |
| Electric blanket | 100 | 8 h/day | $4.68 | +$0.22 |
| Mini split | 1,000 | 8 h/day | $46.77 | +$2.21 |
Typical wattage and daily hours from our appliance pages; month = 30.42 days; rate 19.22¢/kWh.
In Illinois, one electric dryer costs about $17.54 a month and a space heater used 6 hours a day about $52.62. Every kWh you save is worth 19.22 cents here, so efficiency upgrades pay back faster than the national norm.
Has the price changed in Illinois?
The residential rate moved from 17.22¢ in July 2025 to 19.22¢ in July 2026: +2.00¢ per kWh (+11.6%). Nationally the change was +0.86¢ (+4.9%). For a 900 kWh month that is an extra $18.00 compared with a year earlier.
Compare with other states
- Delaware: 18.48¢/kWh (0.74¢ cheaper)
- Wisconsin: 19.06¢/kWh (0.16¢ cheaper)
- Ohio: 19.45¢/kWh (0.23¢ pricier)
- Maryland: 21.41¢/kWh (2.19¢ pricier)
- Cheapest in the US: Louisiana at 12.72¢/kWh – 900 kWh would cost $114.48 instead of $172.98.
Illinois is in the East North Central region. Cheaper in the region: Indiana, Wisconsin. All: Indiana (16.73¢), Wisconsin (19.06¢), Ohio (19.45¢), Michigan (23.05¢).
Ways to cut your bill in Illinois
- Run your own numbers in the electricity cost calculator.
- Compare heating options at 19.22¢/kWh with the heat pump vs furnace calculator.
- See what it costs to charge an electric car in Illinois.
- Estimate savings from solar panels: each kWh produced offsets 19.22 cents.
Frequently asked questions
How much is electricity per kWh in Illinois?
The average residential rate in Illinois was 19.22 cents per kWh in July 2026. That is 5% above the US average of 18.31 cents, and ranks Illinois 35th cheapest of 51 (50 states plus DC).
What is the average electric bill in Illinois?
In 2024, the average Illinois home used 693 kWh a month and paid $109.99, versus $142.26 nationally. At today's 19.22¢ rate, the same 693 kWh would cost about $133.19 in energy charges.
Is electricity getting more expensive in Illinois?
Yes. The residential price was 19.22¢ in July 2026 compared with 17.22¢ in July 2025, a change of +2.00¢ (+11.6%). The US average moved +0.86¢ over the same period.
How much does a 1,000 kWh month cost in Illinois?
About $192.20 in energy charges at 19.22¢/kWh, compared with $183.10 at the US average. Fixed customer charges and taxes on your utility bill come on top.
Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.A (July 2026); EIA Electric Sales, Revenue, and Average Price (2024).