Find electricity and natural gas plans in Chicago

You get to choose who supplies your energy, so make it count! Direct Energy is a retail electricity and natural gas supplier with something for everyone. Whatever your energy needs may be, we’ve got a plan to match. Enter your ZIP code to see available offers in your area.

Good energy starts here, Chicago

We’re here to empower you with all the information you need to make the smartest choices about your home’s energy. That starts with choosing the right electricity or natural gas plan—and we can help. Our plans were designed with you in mind, so you can count on us to guide you toward a great fit. 

Other offers in your area

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Exclusive Vivint savings 

 

Protect your whole home and your peace of mind with smart home security and automation solutions from Vivint. Eligible Direct Energy customers can enjoy exclusive savings on a new Vivint system. 

Learn about Vivint

Home protection plans 

 

Sooner or later, we all deal with common household repairs. From plumbing to appliances, we make it easy to prepare for the unexpected with home protection plans from NRG Protects. 

Shop protection plans

Give $50. Get $50. Repeat. 
 

For every friend you refer who becomes a Direct Energy customer, you’ll both get a Direct Energy $50 Visa® Prepaid Card. There’s no limit to how many times you can refer and earn! 

Learn how to refer

Better control over your usage 

 

Our simple online tools will help you monitor how much energy you use. With better insight into your usage, you can make smarter choices about managing it efficiently.

Direct your energy

Why Direct Energy?

With Direct Energy, you’ll get a straightforward approach to energy and home services. Through every step of your journey, we’re here with energy choices that put you in control.

Something for everyone

Choose from a variety of energy plans to find one that fits your needs. Not sure what you’re looking for? We’ll point you in the right direction.


Simple and direct

Count on us for straightforward energy plans and transparent pricing to make your energy experience a simple one.


A helping hand

We’re here for you during enrollment and throughout every step of your energy journey. Chat with us online or by phone to get the support you need.


Energy and beyond

Energy is just the beginning. Discover protection plans that cover common home repairs. Plus, get deals on home security and automation.

The big deal about energy choice 

In Chicago, you get to choose which company supplies your electricity and natural gas. And that has its perks! Let’s explore more on energy choice.

Energy deregulation explained

In the old days, Chicago customers had little or no say in who powered their homes. People relied on a single utility company for electricity or natural gas. Then, energy deregulation, or energy choice, changed the game.

It puts the power in your hands by giving you the ability to choose your electricity and natural gas providers. Now, you aren’t stuck with limited options. You have the freedom to shop for the plans and rates that best fit your needs. 


Energy choice has powerful benefits

Thanks to energy choice, retail energy companies (like us) compete for your business. A little healthy competition means you get to enjoy some great benefits! 

  • More plan options
  • Opportunity to shop for competitive rates
  • Extra products and services
  • A personalized energy experience

Here’s how energy choice works in Chicago

1. Producers

They generate electricity and natural gas and sell it to suppliers.

2. Suppliers

Suppliers like Direct Energy purchase energy to meet your needs and give you options your utility doesn't.

3. You

You get to choose your energy supplier and a plan that makes the most sense for you. 

4. Delivery

Your local utility company continues to deliver energy to your home and handle your bill. Direct Energy will be listed on your bill as your supplier.

Meet your Chicago utility companies

After switching to Direct Energy, your local utility company still manages the flow of energy to your home and handles billing. They’re the ones to call in case of an outage. Here are the major players in Chicago:

Electricity

COMED 
comed.com 
1-800-588-9477

Natural Gas

Peoples Gas 
peoplesgasdelivery.com
1-866-295-0086

What kind of energy plan is right for you? 

In Chicago, energy choice means you have more plan options to choose from. We have a little something for everyone, so it’s easy to find what you need. Here are a few plan types you might encounter:

Fixed-rate plans

 

With a fixed-rate plan, you’ll pay the same rate every month for the duration of your contract, even if prices increase. That means more predictable monthly bills, no surprise rate changes, and long-term price stability.

Renewable energy plans

 

Doing good for the planet can be as simple as choosing a renewable energy plan, where electricity is generated from renewable sources like wind and solar. If renewable energy plans are available in your area, you can use them to support renewable energy innovation, contributing to a cleaner and greener future for all.

Variable-rate plans

 

Craving more flexibility? With a variable-rate plan, the price you pay for electricity can go up or down from month to month. 

Plans with extras

 

Sometimes, you may come across an energy plan offering a little something extra. Be on the lookout for plans with special perks like an Amazon Prime membership — on us!

Chicago has unmatched energy

Welcome to the Windy City, where the pulse of the past beats in harmony with the rhythm of modern culture. Chicago is a melting pot of diverse influences, shaped by waves of immigrants, industrial prowess and a powerful spirit of resilience. Around every corner, on any given afternoon, the city’s rich tapestry of history and culture is on proud display. Deep dish, blues, baseball—Chi-town has it all! 

History and facts

  • The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed much of the city, but it also paved the way for its rebirth and growth. Chicago quickly rebuilt, adopting new building codes and constructing skyscrapers with steel frames, earning it the title of "City of Architects." 
  • Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry contains the world’s largest pinball machine and a miniature castle. 
  • Think Chicago got its nickname because of the weather? Think again! The Windy City was inspired by residents’ storied history of bragging about the city’s achievements—or being “full of hot air.”  
  • The world's first Ferris wheel was unveiled at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Designed by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., it stood 264 feet tall and could carry 2,160 passengers. 
  • Chicago is considered the birthplace of the blues. Legendary musicians like Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wol, and Buddy Guy helped establish Chicago as the blues capital of the world. 
  • The Chicago River is the only river in the world that flows backward. In 1900, engineers reversed the flow of the river to prevent sewage from contaminating Lake Michigan, which serves as the city's source of drinking water.

Business is booming 

  • Chicago is a major financial hub, home to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME Group), one of the largest futures and options exchanges in the world.
  • Chicago’s manufacturing roots run deep, dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when the city was a leading producer of steel, machinery and other industrial goods.  
  • The city is a must for food lovers. Chicago is known for an incredible culinary scene that reflects its multicultural heritage. From deep dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs to Michelin-starred restaurants and international cuisine, the Windy City offers something for every palate.
  • Chicago is a hub for healthcare and biotechnology, with world-class hospitals, research institutions and biotech companies. The city's medical district, located on the Near West Side, is one of the largest in the country, providing cutting-edge medical care, research, and innovation. 

Frequently asked questions

Show all answers

It depends on your utility's timeframe to process requests to switch, but it usually takes up to 1-2 billing cycles.

We don’t charge enrollment fees. However, some utilities and suppliers may charge a switching fee when you sign up with a new supplier. Check with them for more information. 

Give us a call, email us or chat with us online through our website. We’re always happy to help. Check out our Contact Us page for detailed contact information. 

Direct Energy and your utility work together to provide services for your specific area. Direct Energy is a competitive electricity supplier. You can shop for your own energy plans with suppliers like us to find the right rate and plan for you.

Your local utility is responsible for delivering electricity to your home and reading your electricity meter. They are also responsible for sending your electricity bills. In some areas, your utility may also compete in the market, selling its own rates and plans to customers.  

In the event of a power outage, contact your local utility company. Their contact information is typically found on your electricity bill.

Yes! In select markets, customers can choose renewable energy plans that empower them to support environmentally friendly energy sources like wind or solar.

Opting for a renewable energy plan helps reduce carbon emissions and supports the development of sustainable energy sources, contributing to a cleaner and greener future.

Need help placing an order?
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Northeast and Midwest customers: Contact us


Questions about your current service?
Texas customers: call us at 1-888-305-3828
Northeast and Midwest customers: Contact us