Shop Illinois electricity and natural gas plans

Searching for an energy plan that feels just right? Direct Energy is a retail electricity and natural gas supplier in Illinois offering straightforward plans and personalized service that’s all about you. Shop plans today and we’ll guide you toward the smartest fit. 

Empowering Illinois

From Chicago to Springfield and beyond, we’re proud to power the state of Illinois with a stress-free energy experience. Explore simple, straightforward electricity and natural gas plans, all designed with you in mind. Not sure what you’re looking for? We can point you in the right direction. Enter your ZIP code above to see available offers in your area.  

 

Chicago 

Find simple, straightforward electricity and natural gas plans in Chicago.  

Other offers in your area

Happy couple looking at phone
Happy couple looking at phone
Happy couple looking at phone

Exclusive Vivint savings 

 

Protect your whole home and your peace of mind with smart home security and automation solutions from Vivint. Eligible Direct Energy customers can enjoy exclusive savings on a new Vivint system. 

Learn about Vivint

Home protection plans 

 

Sooner or later, we all deal with common household repairs. From plumbing to appliances, we make it easy to prepare for the unexpected with home protection plans from NRG Protects. 

Shop protection plans

Give $50. Get $50. Repeat. 
 

For every friend you refer who becomes a Direct Energy customer, you’ll both get a Direct Energy $50 Visa® Prepaid Card. There’s no limit to how many times you can refer and earn! 

Learn how to refer

Better control over your usage 

 

Our simple online tools will help you monitor how much energy you use. With better insight into your usage, you can make smarter choices about managing it efficiently.

Direct your energy

Why Direct Energy?

With Direct Energy, you’ll get a straightforward approach to energy and home services. Through every step of your journey, we’re here with energy choices that put you in control.

Something for everyone

Choose from a variety of energy plans to find one that fits your needs. Not sure what you’re looking for? We’ll point you in the right direction.


Simple and direct

Count on us for straightforward energy plans and transparent pricing to make your energy experience a simple one.


A helping hand

We’re here for you during enrollment and throughout every step of your energy journey. Chat with us online or by phone to get the support you need.


Energy and beyond

Energy is just the beginning. Discover protection plans that cover common home repairs. Plus, get deals on home security and automation.

The big deal about energy choice 

In Illinois, you get to choose which company supplies your electricity and natural gas. And that has its perks! Let’s explore more on energy choice.  

Energy deregulation explained

In the old days, Illinois customers had little or no say in who powered their homes. People relied on a single utility company for electricity or natural gas. Then, energy deregulation, or energy choice, changed the game.

It puts the power in your hands by giving you the ability to choose your electricity and natural gas providers. Now, you aren’t stuck with limited options. You have the freedom to shop for the plans and rates that best fit your needs. 


Energy choice has powerful benefits

Thanks to energy choice, retail energy companies (like us) compete for your business. A little healthy competition means you get to enjoy some great benefits! 

  • More plan options
  • Opportunity to shop for competitive rates
  • Extra products and services
  • A personalized energy experience

Here’s how energy choice works in Illinois

1. Producers

They generate electricity and natural gas and sell it to suppliers.

2. Suppliers

Suppliers like Direct Energy purchase energy to meet your needs and give you options your utility doesn't.

3. You

You get to choose your energy supplier and a plan that makes the most sense for you. 

4. Delivery

Your local utility company continues to deliver energy to your home and handle your bill. Direct Energy will be listed on your bill as your supplier.

Meet your Illinois utility companies

After switching to Direct Energy, your local utility company still manages the flow of energy to your home and handles billing. Here are the major players in Illinois:

Electricity

Ameren
ameren.com 
1-888-777-3108 

COMED 
comed.com 
1-800-588-9477 

Natural Gas

Nicor Gas 
nicorgas.com 
1-888-642-6748 

North Shore Gas 
northshoregasdelivery.com 
1-866-295-0086

Peoples Gas 
peoplesgasdelivery.com 
1-866-295-0086 

What kind of energy plan is right for you? 

When you’re shopping for electricity and natural gas plans in Illinois, energy choice means you’ll have lots of options to choose from. We have a little something for everyone, so it’s easy to find what you need. Here are a few plan types you might encounter:  

Fixed-rate plans

 

With a fixed-rate plan, you’ll pay the same rate every month for the duration of your contract, even if prices increase. That means more predictable monthly bills, no surprise rate changes, and long-term price stability.

Renewable energy plans

 

Doing good for the planet can be as simple as choosing a renewable energy plan, where electricity is generated from renewable sources like wind and solar. If renewable energy plans are available in your area, you can use them to support renewable energy innovation, contributing to a cleaner and greener future for all.

Variable-rate plans

 

Craving more flexibility? With a variable-rate plan, the price you pay for electricity can go up or down from month to month. 

Plans with extras

 

Sometimes, you may come across an energy plan offering a little something extra. Be on the lookout for plans with special perks like an Amazon Prime membership — on us!

Illinois shines bright

Welcome to the Land of Lincoln, where big cities buzz with energy, small towns exude charm and the heartland of America beats strong. From the towering skyscrapers of Chicago to the quiet plains outside the hustle and bustle of the city, there’s lots to love about the Prairie State. Illinois is a melting pot of culture, history and endless adventures, and we’re proud to power it! 

History and facts

  • You’ll hear Illinois referred to as "The Land of Lincoln" because it is the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Lincoln spent much of his early political career in Illinois and is buried in Springfield.
  • The Chicago Cubs are one of the oldest and most beloved baseball teams in Major League Baseball. They play their home games at Wrigley Field, the second-oldest ballpark in the league and a cherished Chicago landmark.
  • In the 1940s, an icon was born: Chicago deep dish pizza. Famous for its extra thick crust, generous (to put it mildly) layers of cheese, tomato sauce and heaps of toppings, this beloved culinary tradition never goes out of style.
  • Official state snack? Popcorn! Ask for it Chicago-style: a salty-sweet mix of popcorn covered in cheese and caramel.  

Business is booming 

  • Numerous Fortune 500 companies headquarter in Illinois, including Boeing, Caterpillar, Walgreens Boots Alliance and McDonald's. These companies contribute significantly to the state's economy and employ thousands of workers across various sectors. 
  • Illinois is a major agricultural producer, known for its fertile soil and diverse crops. The state ranks among the top producers of corn, soybeans, hogs and cattle in the United States. 
  • Small businesses play a crucial role in Illinois's economy. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, as of 2020, small businesses employed 2.5 million people, or 45.1% of the state’s private workforce. 

Frequently asked questions

Show all answers

It depends on your utility's timeframe to process requests to switch, but it usually takes up to 1-2 billing cycles.

We don’t charge enrollment fees. However, some utilities and suppliers may charge a switching fee when you sign up with a new supplier. Check with them for more information. 

Give us a call, email us or chat with us online through our website. We’re always happy to help. Check out our Contact Us page for detailed contact information. 

Direct Energy and your utility work together to provide services for your specific area. Direct Energy is a competitive electricity supplier. You can shop for your own energy plans with suppliers like us to find the right rate and plan for you.

Your local utility is responsible for delivering electricity to your home and reading your electricity meter. They are also responsible for sending your electricity bills. In some areas, your utility may also compete in the market, selling its own rates and plans to customers.  

In the event of a power outage, contact your local utility company. Their contact information is typically found on your electricity bill.

Yes! In select markets, customers can choose renewable energy plans that empower them to support environmentally friendly energy sources like wind or solar.

Opting for a renewable energy plan helps reduce carbon emissions and supports the development of sustainable energy sources, contributing to a cleaner and greener future.

Need help placing an order?
Texas customers: call us at 1-855-461-1926
Northeast and Midwest customers: Contact us


Questions about your current service?
Texas customers: call us at 1-888-305-3828
Northeast and Midwest customers: Contact us