Expert brokerage services helping Illinois businesses reduce natural gas costs through deregulation
Illinois businesses can save 20-40% on natural gas by choosing an alternative supplier through the state's deregulated market. The Illinois Commerce Commission oversees supplier choice programs, allowing commercial customers to select from dozens of licensed suppliers while their local utility continues to deliver gas safely and reliably.
Illinois has been a leader in natural gas deregulation since the late 1990s. The state's competitive market allows commercial and industrial customers to choose their natural gas supplier while their local utility—such as Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, or Ameren Illinois—continues to handle delivery, billing, and emergency services.
This separation of supply and delivery creates competition among suppliers, driving down prices and giving businesses more control over their energy costs. Illinois businesses of all sizes can participate, from small retail shops to large manufacturing facilities.
In Illinois, the natural gas supply chain is divided into two components:
When you switch suppliers, only the supply portion of your bill changes. Your utility continues to deliver gas, read your meter, respond to emergencies, and often handle billing. The transition is seamless with no service interruption.
The major utilities offering supplier choice programs in Illinois include:
| Utility | Service Territory | Commercial Customers |
|---|---|---|
| Nicor Gas | Northern Illinois (suburbs) | ~200,000 |
| Peoples Gas | City of Chicago | ~50,000 |
| North Shore Gas | North Shore suburbs | ~10,000 |
| Ameren Illinois | Central/Southern Illinois | ~80,000 |
Illinois commercial customers who actively manage their natural gas procurement typically experience significant advantages:
Our brokerage services are available to commercial customers throughout Illinois. Click on a metro area for localized information:
Natural gas supplier choice in Illinois is regulated by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). The ICC licenses suppliers, establishes consumer protection rules, and handles complaints.
Key regulatory protections for Illinois commercial customers include:
Explore our educational resources specific to the Illinois market:
Complete guide to Illinois gas deregulation including regulatory history, eligibility requirements, and the switching process.
Proven strategies for Illinois businesses to reduce natural gas costs through supplier choice and efficiency.
Analysis of major natural gas suppliers serving Illinois commercial customers with comparison of rates and service.
Yes, all commercial and industrial customers in Illinois served by Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas, or Ameren Illinois can choose an alternative natural gas supplier. There are no minimum usage requirements for commercial customers.
The supplier switch typically takes effect at the start of your next billing cycle, usually within 30-60 days of enrollment. There is no service interruption during the transition.
In most cases, no. Illinois utilities typically offer consolidated billing where your supplier charges appear on your regular utility bill. Some suppliers may offer direct billing as an option.
Your gas service will not be interrupted. If a supplier exits the market, you'll automatically return to your utility's default supply service until you select a new supplier. The ICC requires suppliers to maintain financial security to protect customers.
This depends on your contract terms. Some suppliers offer contracts with no early termination fees, while others may charge a fee if you cancel before the contract ends. We help you understand all terms before signing.
Savings vary based on your current rate, usage volume, and market conditions. Illinois commercial customers typically save 20-40% compared to default utility rates. We provide a free analysis to estimate your specific savings potential.
Get a free, no-obligation rate analysis and discover your savings potential.