Get Chicago Electricity and Natural Gas Rates You'll Love

Make Direct Energy your electric company and natural gas supplier and trusted home protection provider.

How Do I Sign Up for Electricity and Natural Gas?

Your local utility is the standard provider for electricity and natural gas. But did you know you can shop for competitive providers like Direct Energy for more plan options? Electricity and natural gas deregulation allows customers to shop around for rates and plans so they can find the one that's perfect for their home and lifestyle. You can sign up for electricity or natural gas in just a few steps:

Create an account with your utility

If you haven't already, you'll need to create an account with your local utility. Unless you're moving, you should already have an account.

Check whether you're under contract

Check whether you are under contract with your current provider. If you are, make sure you won't be charged an early termination fee if you switch providers before your contract ends.

Have your utility bill on hand

You'll need your utility account information to enroll in a new plan with a competitive provider. If you're moving and haven't received a bill yet, you can contact your utility for your account number.

Shop for your perfect plan

Shop energy providers for the electricity or natural gas plan that fits your needs. After you sign up, your supplier will contact your local utility to complete the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will my power and/or gas be turned on?

The time it takes to turn on your electricity and/or natural gas varies based on when your local utility can connect your home. Be sure to leave yourself enough time to shop and sign up with your new provider, and check your utility's timeline to make sure you can get your electricity and/or natural gas turned on when you need it.

Are there fees associated with signing up?

Some utilities may charge a switching fee when you sign up with a new provider. Make sure to check with your local utility for more information.

See What Our Customers are Saying

Thank you Direct Energy for your affordable rates and your prompt service.

Posted by
Ed49
Pennsylvania
This energy plan allows me to quit without penalty, and its rate is comparatively low.

Posted by
anhmytran
Hartford, CT
Saved $40 this month alone!

Posted by
nhnitwit
Canterbury, NH

Why Choose Direct Energy

Refer a Friend

Save on your electric bill and help your friends do the same! When you refer your friends to Direct Energy, you'll both get a $50 VISA^® prepaid card when they sign up with us.

Track Your Usage

Our electricity usage insights tool shows you how much electricity you're using each month so you can anticipate your high-usage months.

Electricity and Natural Gas Plans

We offer a range of electricity and natural gas plans so you can find the perfect one for your home and lifestyle. Enter your zip code to see available plans in your area.

How Do I Shop for Electricity and Natural Gas?

Learn more about how you can shop for electricity and natural gas to find the best plan for you. Explore common billing terms, how to read plan documents, how to sign up and more.

Shopping for Electricity Shopping for Natural Gas

Refer Your Friends, Get Rewards

Get opportunities to earn even more rewards with our Refer-A-Friend program! When you refer your friends to Direct Energy using your unique customer referral code, you'll both get rewarded. For each friend you refer, you'll get a Direct Energy $50 Visa® Prepaid Card, and so will they! That's $50 more a month for you to spend on other things you love. It's a win for everyone.

Learn More

Manage Your Usage and Save

As a Direct Energy customer, you'll have access to our electricity usage insights tool that shows you how much electricity you're using each month so you can anticipate your high-usage periods.