Wiktor Wise
Chicago's electricity comes from a variety of sources, including coal, nuclear, natural gas, wind, and solar power. Illinois, the state in which Chicago is located, is the fifth-largest electricity producer in the US, and typically exports about one-fifth of the power it generates to other states. Illinois is the largest generator of electricity from nuclear power in the US, with nuclear power accounting for 53.3% of the state's electrical energy generation mix in 2024. The state also has the second-largest estimated recoverable coal reserves in the US, with coal being used for electricity generation in Illinois and exported to other states for the same purpose. In addition to these traditional energy sources, Illinois has been increasing its use of renewable energy sources, with wind and solar power being used more frequently.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Electricity Sources | Nuclear energy, natural gas, coal, wind, solar, biomass, petroleum & other gases, hydroelectric |
| Electricity Supplier | Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) |
| Electricity Provider | Integrys Energy Services |
| Power Plants | Illinois is projected to lose power plants that generate 9,661 megawatts by 2030 and an additional 5,227 megawatts between 2031 and 2045 |
| Power Imports | Chicago is expected to rely on power imports from other states by the end of the decade, including Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania |
| Renewable Energy | In 2023, renewable resources generated 14% of Illinois's total in-state electricity generation, with wind as the primary source |
| Electric Vehicle Charging | Illinois had 1,322 public electric vehicle charging locations in July 2024, with the largest number around the Chicago area |
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What You'll Learn
Chicago's electricity is supplied by Commonwealth Edison (ComEd)
Chicago's electricity is supplied by Commonwealth Edison, also known as ComEd. The company delivers electricity to the city and maintains its infrastructure. While ComEd is the main utility provider in the city, Chicago residents can choose their energy supplier. In 2013, the city switched most residents to Integrys Energy Services, which offered lower rates than ComEd. However, ComEd customers were given the option to opt out of the deal and remain with ComEd or choose another provider.
ComEd's energy sources are varied, with coal, nuclear, and natural gas being the top three sources of supply as of 2012. Wind, hydro, and other sources each accounted for 1% of the energy mix. ComEd's rates may be impacted by the need to invest in transmission line improvements to bring power to Chicago from other states, as the city is expected to rely more on imported electricity in the coming years.
The City of Chicago has shown a commitment to renewable energy by arranging with Integrys that no Chicago customer money will go to coal plant operators. Additionally, the Illinois Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Plan aims to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure and increase the number of electric vehicles in the state.
ComEd has faced challenges due to the retirement of power plants in the region, leading to a projected capacity gap. However, the company has delivered about 21,000 megawatts during peak consumption, showcasing its ability to meet high electricity demands.
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Power plants in Illinois provide 6% of US coal
Illinois is a major electricity generator and is the nation's fifth-largest electricity producer. The state exports about one-fifth of the power it generates to other states. Illinois is a key hub for crude oil and natural gas and has substantial coal reserves. Coal mines in Illinois provide 6% of the US's coal production. The state also has the second-largest estimated recoverable coal reserves in the nation, after Montana.
Illinois is the top producer of nuclear power in the US, accounting for about one-eighth of the nation's total nuclear power generation. In 2023, the state's six nuclear power plants, with 11 total reactors, produced 54% of Illinois's net electricity generation. The state also has a high capacity for wind power generation, ranking fifth in the nation in utility-scale wind power generating capacity.
Illinois exports about one-fourth of its mined coal to other countries, with 11 states receiving Illinois coal, primarily to generate electricity. The state consumes about one-fourth of its mined coal, most of which is used in the electric power sector. Illinois produces only bituminous coal, which has a high sulfur content. To meet federal Clean Air Act emissions regulations, many electric utilities burn Illinois coal in combination with lower-sulfur coal from other regions, such as Wyoming.
Illinois is also a significant producer of ethanol and biodiesel, with corn and soybeans being the state's most important crops. These crops are used as feedstock for many ethanol and biodiesel plants. The state's industrial sector, including agriculture, accounts for three-tenths of Illinois's total energy use.
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Illinois is the fifth-largest electricity producer in the US
The city of Chicago, the largest city in Illinois, has taken steps to increase the use of renewable energy sources. In 2013, the city chose to switch most residents to Integrys Energy Services, which offered an 11% savings to customers. Chicago also uses Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to ensure that an equivalent amount of renewable energy is added to the grid for every kilowatt-hour of electricity consumed. Additionally, the Illinois Department of Transportation has set a goal to have 1 million electric vehicles in the state by 2030 and expand charging infrastructure.
However, the transition to cleaner energy sources has presented some challenges. The retirement of fossil fuel plants and the projected capacity gap will force the Chicago region to rely on power from other states by the end of the decade. This will require billions in spending on new and upgraded power transmission lines. Additionally, rates for electricity in northern Illinois may rise due to the loss of surplus power generation. The state's Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) is expected to impact the electricity generation mix further, with CEJA barring the burning of fossil fuels for electricity after 2030.
Overall, Illinois plays a significant role in electricity production in the US, and the state is transitioning to cleaner energy sources. The city of Chicago, in particular, has taken steps to increase the use of renewable energy and reduce the reliance on coal. However, the transition comes with challenges, including the need for infrastructure upgrades and potential increases in electricity rates.
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Chicago will rely on power from other states by 2030
Illinois is the fifth-largest electricity producer in the US, and it typically sends about one-fifth of the power it generates to other states. In 2023, the state's six nuclear power plants produced 54% of the state's electricity net generation. Northern Illinois has the largest collection of nuclear plants in the country. In 2024, the electrical energy generation mix in Illinois was approximately 53.3% nuclear, 17.2% natural gas, 14.5% coal, 13.1% wind, 1.5% solar, 0.1% biomass, 0.1% petroleum & other gases, less than 0.1% hydroelectric, and 0.1% other.
Chicago, located in northeastern Illinois, is home to one-fifth of the state's population. The city has committed to cutting its greenhouse gas emissions by 62% by 2040. As part of this effort, Chicago plans to power its public buildings and operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025. The city's two airports, its central library, and its Jardine Water Purification Plant will run partially on solar energy.
However, the elimination of carbon-emitting power plants in Illinois over the next 20 years will leave the Chicago area without enough generating capacity to meet its needs. This is due to the closing of fossil fuel plants, driven by poor economics and the state's Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). As a result, the Chicago region will likely have to import electricity from other states by 2030, according to a report by PJM Interconnection, the power-grid manager for a multistate region from northern Illinois to the mid-Atlantic. LS Power, a major gas-plant operator in the area, has also said it is likely to retire some of its plants before 2030. These plants are critical to meeting peak demand.
To address the capacity gap, billions in spending on new and upgraded power transmission lines will be required to bring power to Chicago from Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. While it is possible that additions of wind and solar facilities under CEJA may help to meet demand, this will depend on various factors, including the amount of solar energy, wind energy, and battery storage added to the power grid.
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Chicago uses renewable energy certificates (RECs)
Chicago, as part of Illinois, uses electricity generated from a variety of sources. Illinois is the nation's fifth-largest electricity producer, with nuclear energy being the largest source of electricity, accounting for 53.3% of the state's net generation in 2024. Other sources include natural gas (17.2%), coal (14.5%), wind (13.1%), solar (1.5%), biomass (0.1%), petroleum and other gases (0.1%), and hydroelectric power (less than 0.1%).
Illinois has been increasing its use of renewable energy sources, with renewable resources generating 14% of the state's total in-state electricity generation in 2023, more than double the amount from a decade earlier. Wind power is the primary renewable resource used for electric power generation in the state, accounting for 85% of the state's renewable generation in 2023.
To support and encourage the use of renewable energy, Chicago and the rest of Illinois use Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). RECs are a market-based instrument that represents the property rights to the environmental, social, and other non-power attributes of renewable electricity generation. They are used to account for, track, and assign ownership to renewable electricity generation and use.
RECs are created when a megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable energy is generated and added to the electricity grid. They can be issued by power companies, small energy producers, or third-party companies that facilitate the trading of RECs. These certificates can be bought, sold, or traded directly by power companies, individuals with residential energy systems (such as solar panels), and energy consumers who want to use renewable energy.
The use of RECs provides several benefits. They give certified proof to customers that they are using energy from renewable sources, help reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change, drive demand for and investment in renewable energy, and provide flexibility to customers by allowing them to use renewable energy without having to invest in their own generation facilities.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2023, nuclear energy accounted for 53.3% of Illinois's electricity generation, with the state generating more electricity from nuclear energy than any other state.
Other sources include natural gas (17.2%), coal (14.5%), wind (13.1%), solar (1.5%), biomass (0.1%), petroleum and other gases (0.1%), and hydroelectric power (less than 0.1%).
No, Chicago is not self-sufficient in terms of electricity. Illinois typically sends about one-fifth of the power it generates to other states, and it is projected that Chicago will rely on power from other states by the end of the decade.
The transition away from fossil fuels may cause electricity rates in northern Illinois to rise, as the region has enjoyed relatively low rates due to a surplus of in-state power generation.
Yes, wind and solar power are renewable energy sources that contribute to Chicago's electricity supply. In 2023, wind power provided 85% of the state's renewable generation, and solar power accounted for 13% of the state's renewable electricity.
