Illinois Commerce Commission - Consumer Information - Plug In Illinois

Determine Your Electric Needs

Consider the following information about your electric usage:

Review your electric bill for the past year. Rates and usage can vary over a 12 month period.
How much energy did you use last year?
What are the rates for your electric service? Do the rates change depending on the time of the day or year?
If you are not familiar with the terms and conditions of your current utility service, ask your utility for a customer information booklet.

Checklist for Choosing a Supplier

	Retail Electric Supplier A	Retail Electric Supplier B
Has the supplier been granted a certificate of service authority by the ICC?
What is the price per kilowatt-hour?
What is the length of the agreement?
What are the terms of the agreement?
Will the price offered by the supplier remain the same throughout the length of the contract?
Is there a penalty for canceling an agreement before its term is up?
What steps must you take to switch suppliers?
Are there restrictions on how much electricity you use and when you use it?
Is the supplier’s price per kilowatt-hour the only charge, or are there other fees involved?
Is there a basic or limited service rate that is less expensive?
How will you be billed? Who provides the bill (or bills)? Does the supplier offer a billing plan (budget billing or deferred payment)?
Will notices that are required by law (disconnection, tree-trimming, claims, etc.) be sent to you if the bill is not provided by the utility?
What fuels will be used to generate the power? How do the supplier’s power sources affect the environment?
Are there any customer services, energy saving programs, or other incentives?
Are taxes included in the supplier’s price for generation supply?
Is time of use pricing offered?
Am I buying firm or interruptible electric service?
Contact Name and Phone Number?
Customer Service Hours?