Moving to Illinois: utilities and your first-month checklist
Which company serves your new address depends on where in Illinois it is. Each link below goes to that company's own page for starting service. Start it two to three weeks ahead, from the day you get the keys.
Electric companies in Illinois
Chicago and northern IllinoisAmeren Illinois
Central and southern Illinois (Peoria, Springfield, Champaign, Metro East)
Natural gas in Illinois
Northern Illinois outside the city of ChicagoPeoples Gas
City of ChicagoAmeren Illinois
Central and southern Illinois
Water in Illinois
Champaign, Peoria, Alton, Pekin, Chicago suburbs and other communitiesAqua
Kankakee, University Park and other Illinois communities (Aqua Illinois)
Choosing a supplier
Illinois lets some customers choose who supplies their electricity and gas. The wires and pipes stay with the utility. Compare on the state's own page before signing anything a door-to-door seller offers: official shopping page.
Help with the bills
If deposits or bills are a stretch, Illinois runs energy assistance: official assistance page. Ask the utility about deposit waivers too; many waive the deposit with a good payment letter from your old company.
Problems with a utility
The Illinois Commerce Commission regulates utilities in Illinois and takes complaints.
Your first month in a new state
- USPS: change your address: Start mail forwarding up to 30 days early. The real site is usps.com.
- Your new state's motor vehicle office: Driver's license, registration and title. Most states set a short deadline after you move, so check yours first.
- Register to vote: Routes you to the official registration for the new state.
- Medicaid, if you have it: Medicaid doesn't move with you. You apply again in the new state.
- Health insurance: A permanent move can open a special enrollment period.
- Social Security: Change your address once here; Medicare gets it from Social Security.
Utility companies and service areas checked October 2026. Service areas follow addresses, not county lines exactly: confirm with the company before you book.