Illinois Utilities: Electricity and Natural Gas
Illinois has several major utilities that provide electricity and natural gas service across the state. Each utility covers specific service areas, and knowing the right provider and contact numbers is important for residents and businesses. Below is an overview of Illinois utilities, along with common customer questions.

Electric Utilities in Illinois
ComEd (Commonwealth Edison)
ComEd serves northern Illinois, including the Chicago metropolitan area. It is the largest electric utility in the state.
- Customer Service Phone: 1-800-334-7661
- Outage Reporting: 1-800-334-7661
Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois provides electric service to central and southern parts of Illinois.
- Customer Service Phone: 1-800-755-5000
- Outage Reporting: 1-800-755-5000
MidAmerican Energy (Western Illinois)
MidAmerican Energy serves customers in western Illinois near the Quad Cities region.
- Customer Service Phone: 1-888-427-5632
- Outage Reporting: 1-888-427-5632
Natural Gas Utilities in Illinois
Nicor Gas
Nicor Gas serves much of northern Illinois outside Chicago.
- Customer Service Phone: 1-888-642-6748
- Gas Emergency: 1-888-642-6748
Peoples Gas
Peoples Gas provides natural gas service within the city of Chicago.
- Customer Service Phone: 1-866-556-6001
- Gas Emergency: 1-866-556-6002
North Shore Gas
North Shore Gas serves Chicago’s northern suburbs along Lake Michigan.
- Customer Service Phone: 1-866-556-6004
- Gas Emergency: 1-866-556-6005
Ameren Illinois Gas
Ameren also operates natural gas service for central and southern Illinois.
- Customer Service Phone: 1-800-755-5000
- Gas Emergency: 1-800-755-5000
MidAmerican Gas
MidAmerican Energy also provides natural gas service in western Illinois.
- Customer Service Phone: 1-888-427-5632
- Gas Emergency: 1-888-427-5632
Top 5 Customer FAQs for Illinois Utilities
1. How do I start new utility service in Illinois?
Call the customer service number of your electric or gas utility to set up new service. Some utilities also offer online applications.
2. How do I report an outage or gas leak?
Electric outages can be reported through automated phone systems or online outage centers. Gas leaks must be reported immediately to the utility’s emergency number.
3. What payment options are available?
Illinois utilities generally accept online payments, mobile apps, automatic bank draft, phone payments, and in-person payment at authorized centers.
4. Can I choose my electricity or natural gas supplier in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois is a deregulated state, so customers can shop for supply rates from alternative suppliers. The utility still delivers the energy but supply pricing can be chosen.
5. What should I do if I have a billing dispute?
Contact your utility directly. If the issue is unresolved, customers can escalate to the Illinois Commerce Commission for further assistance.
Why Understanding Illinois Utilities Matters
Illinois customers benefit from multiple utility companies and deregulation. Businesses and households can reduce costs by comparing supply rates while maintaining reliable delivery from their local utility. ComEd, Ameren Illinois, Nicor Gas, and other providers remain essential for safe and dependable energy service across the state.


