There is no single executable Illinois business rate. Utility, customer class, load, contract start, term and inclusions determine which offers can be compared. The examples on this site are not current market prices.
| Account pathway | Starting point | Before requesting pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Nicor Gas / Peoples Gas / North Shore Gas | ICC describes choice programs for residential and small-commercial customers. | Confirm the account, current supplier list, enrollment and contract terms. |
| Ameren Illinois business gas | Separate business transportation pathway. | Read Rider T, conversion requirements and supplier responsibilities. |
| Other / municipal / cooperative | Do not infer an enrollment program from the city or electric utility. | Ask the actual gas distribution utility for tariff and account rules. |
Keep units consistent
A therm measures heat energy; a gas bill may also display a volume measurement and a conversion factor. Quote units must match the billed usage before calculating cost. The commodity price, monthly supplier fee, utility distribution charge and tax are separate components. If a quote uses a wholesale reference or a different energy unit, ask for an explicit conversion and the full delivered pricing formula rather than comparing the raw numbers.
Distinguish choice from transportation
The ICC describes small-customer choice programs in Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas territories. Ameren publishes a separate business gas transportation pathway. Transportation can involve supplier nominations, balancing, storage or other obligations beyond a simple commodity rate. Eligibility and timing follow the utility and account. Do not infer gas service options from your electric utility or treat every Illinois business as enrolled in the same program.
Stress-test winter exposure
Build a monthly usage profile rather than multiplying a mild month’s bill by twelve. Compare a base month, higher consumption at the same price, and higher consumption with a higher variable price. Fixed supply can reduce commodity price uncertainty while leaving weather-driven consumption uncertain. Document whether each price includes basis, transportation-related tasks and fees; missing inclusions can be larger than the difference between two advertised commodity prices.
An example gas budget
Illustrative inputs: 1,200 therms at $0.60 per therm and a $20 monthly supplier fee model to $740 for supply. If consumption rises 25%, the same price and fee model to $920. If only the commodity price rises 25%, the result is also $920 for this example, but both changes together would be $1,145. These are arithmetic scenarios, not quotes or predictions. Utility distribution charges and taxes still need a separate budget.
A renewal workflow that preserves your choices
Start by confirming the existing agreement and who may authorize a change. Gather comparable account and usage information privately, identify the intended delivery window and ask for bids with the same requirements. Document unresolved inclusions and compare a downside case where costs remain variable. Review the full agreement before an authorization. After a change, reconcile the first bill and supplier notice with the signed terms. A review request is not an enrollment instruction.
For multiple locations, keep account differences visible
Build an inventory by premises, utility, legal entity, commodity and contract end date. Add kWh or therms only where the units and periods match. Compare costs using usage-weighted rates, not an equal average of all offered prices. Coordinating procurement does not make all sites eligible for one product or guarantee a volume discount. A municipal electric location can remain in a broader operational review even when a standard retail supplier comparison is not the right action.
Work through the numbers privately
Use the worksheets to explore assumptions before sharing documents. No calculator values are attached to a review request.
Questions to resolve
What does a quote need before I can compare it?
The same service account and load assumptions, comparable delivery dates and term, all recurring costs, and a written schedule of inclusions and possible adjustments. Mark unknown amounts explicitly.
Does a lower unit rate guarantee a lower total bill?
No. Usage, fixed fees, utility delivery, demand, taxes and contract exclusions can change the result. Calculate the relevant components and review any remaining uncertainty.
Should I upload bills or account numbers to start?
No. The first-party review form asks for business contact, utility and the question. Documents and sensitive account details are not requested in the initial inquiry.
Sources & further checks
Primary references checked for this guide on October 15, 2026. Follow the source for current tariffs, eligibility and program terms; rates here are not live offers.