Commercial Energy in Chicago, IL

Commercial electricity in Chicago averages approximately 9.6¢/kWh based on Illinois state data (EIA 2025 commercial sector averages). Your actual rate depends on your utility rate schedule, demand charges, power factor, and in deregulated markets, your chosen retail supplier. Contact ComEd or a licensed energy broker for current quotes.

The primary commercial electric utility in Chicago is ComEd (Commonwealth Edison, Exelon). Chicago is in a deregulated market — your utility handles wires/delivery while you can choose your own retail electricity supplier for the commodity portion of your bill.

Chicago businesses are eligible for federal incentives including the 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for solar and battery storage, the 179D tax deduction (up to $5.36/sqft for energy-efficient commercial buildings), and the 40% bonus depreciation for qualifying equipment in 2026. Illinois state incentives through DSIRE apply. Your utility — ComEd — may also offer direct rebates for qualifying commercial efficiency upgrades. Use our Incentive Finder for a personalized list.

Yes. Chicago Building Energy Use Benchmarking Ordinance applies to Buildings ≥50,000 sqft in Chicago. Enacted 2013. Commercial and multifamily buildings ≥50,000 sqft must benchmark annual energy use via ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and report to the City of Chicago. Non-compliance can result in financial penalties. Work with a qualified energy auditor or consultant to assess your building's current performance and compliance pathway.

Yes. C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing is available in Illinois. C-PACE allows Chicago commercial property owners to finance energy efficiency, solar, storage, and resiliency improvements with repayment attached to the property via a special assessment — enabling 100% upfront financing with repayment spread over 10–30 years.