Illinois has an energy market that is deregulated. This allows you to choose your natural gas provider, regardless of whether you are an investor-owned utility company or a consumer. This lets you get your energy supply directly to your home or business without worrying about the contract with a utility. You can also contact your utility company to inquire about energy assistance programs and to establish payment plans. You can also look into alternatives to energy. The Illinois Energy Association is an organization that develops positions for industry and advocates for policies on energy-related legislative issues.
Illinois Natural Gas Suppliers residents have the option to choose between 19 public utilities that provide natural gas delivery. Many of these companies provide additional information on their gas bills through the choice program.
An alternative supplier can also be purchased to supply your natural gas. An alternative gas supplier is an energy company that provides natural gas to customers at a lower cost than the public utility. The rates of an alternative gas provider are not regulated by ICC however they are subject to the same state tax and local taxes. These rates can vary depending on the method of gas purchase. If you’re not certain which gas provider you should go with, consult your local utility for more information.
The Illinois Commerce Commission maintains an extensive database of complaints regarding alternative gas suppliers. The complaints are classified into three categories, including sales, marketing and customer service. However the alternative gas provider is not required to supply natural gas to a customer if the customer has relocated out of Illinois or is not enrolled in the transportation service program. If a customer decides to switch gas providers and wants to switch gas suppliers, they must notify the utility of the change at least 10 business days notice.
Natural gas prices are determined by the cost of the gas commodity. Gas supply charges are the cost of natural gas used in a month. The amount of the charge may vary from month to month however, it will typically make up around seventy five percent of a homeowner’s annual bill. The cost will also include taxes and storage costs.
Illinois is the central crossroads for more than a dozen interstate natural gas pipelines. Illinois’ energy infrastructure comprises of approximately 1,170 miles worth of pipeline, 28 vast storage areas, and more than twelve utility companies. Illinois has more than one trillion cubic feet of natural gas. About a third of Illinoispower generation capacity is made up of natural gas. Since natural gas is more efficient and has a lower environmental impact and is a key part in Illinois the clean-energy revolution. It’s also a low-cost alternative to other fuels.
The Illinois Commerce Commission also keeps the list of complaints that have been filed regarding alternative suppliers. The Citizens Utility Board (CUB), has also campaigned to curb excessive expenditure on infrastructure by Illinois gas utilities. If you are concerned about your gas bill, you may be able to contact your utility to find out if you are eligible for energy assistance programs or to create prepay payment plans.