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Setting up utilities in Chicago

In Chicago, ComEd delivers electricity, Peoples Gas delivers gas, the Chicago Department of Water Management runs water and sewer, and the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation handles trash pickup.

Moving to Chicago? Public Grid can set up your electric for you.

Your utilities in Chicago

Who to call for each service in Chicago, and how to start it.

ServiceProviderHow to start

Electric

ComEd

The electric company for Chicago and northern Illinois.

To start: ComEd doesn’t require a Social Security number. You can give a driver’s license number instead, and ComEd will also ask for your previous address.

Or let Public Grid set it up →
Start or stop service1 (800) 334-7661Start on comed.com (opens secure.comed.com in a new tab)
Read our ComEd guide

Gas

Peoples Gas

Peoples Gas delivers natural gas to residents and businesses in Chicago.

To start: Peoples Gas asks for your Social Security number and your previous address.

Customer service1 (866) 556-6001Start on peoplesgasdelivery.com (opens peoplesgasdelivery.com in a new tab)

Water & sewer

Chicago Department of Water Management

The City delivers Lake Michigan water and carries away wastewater.

To start: The water and sewer account is in the property owner’s name, and it moves to a new owner at closing.

Customer service1 (312) 744-4426chicago.gov (opens chicago.gov in a new tab)

Trash & recycling

Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation

The City collects household garbage and recycling in Chicago.

To start: There’s nothing to start if your building has four or fewer units.

Larger buildings arrange their own private trash pickup.

Customer service1 (312) 744-4611chicago.gov (opens chicago.gov in a new tab)

What Chicago homes pay for electricity

This is ComEd’s average for the homes it serves. Your own bill depends on your home’s size and how you heat it.

$112

ComEd’s average home bill, per month

19.3¢

ComEd’s average price per kilowatt-hour (kWh)

Estimate your ComEd bill

FAQ

Questions about moving to Chicago

Not if your building has four or fewer units. The City picks up trash there and adds a garbage fee to the property’s utility bill. Buildings with five or more units hire a private hauler, so ask your building manager.

It depends on your lease. The property owner is responsible for the water account. They can have the bills sent in your name, but they stay responsible for them.

Sources: ComEd, Peoples Gas, Chicago Department of Water Management, Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation, EIA.

Public Grid isn’t affiliated with these companies.

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