Electricity Rates in Illinois

Illinois has 60 out of 111 electricity suppliers reporting that they offer net metering to residents with personal solar panels. The state of Illinois has above average state level net metering regulations.

The average energy loss for companies in Illinois is 2.77%. This includes data from 23 companies, including Commonwealth Edison, MC Squared Energy Services, and City Water, Light and Power Springfield. With a nationwide average of 2.43%, Illinois is ranked as the 21st best state in the US.

In order to foster solar panel installs at private residences, all a state needs to do is pass legislation with solar related tax and rebate incentives. Illinois, unfortunately, has no statewide tax credits offered to residents who install solar panels. The state offers rebates of over $500 to consumers who wish to install private solar panels at their home. Unfortunately, homeowners in the state are only offered some optional tax exemptions for what they spend on solar installs. Citizens in the state do not have access to a sales tax exemption when purchasing solar panels.

Legislation enforced at the state level determines whether customers who are seeking renewable energy sources can easily find alternatives. Many states require green fuel sources to make up a percentage of the fuel used for electricity generation by suppliers in the state. These stipulations are referred to as Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). Illinois requires electricity companies to produce between 1-15% of their output from renewable fuel sources. Additionally, low income solar programs are another way a state can encourage renewable fuel sources and the state of Illinois is home to one such program.