Chicago provides many lifestyle and career opportunities for anyone looking to maximize their Illinois experience when they move here. But, when preparing to move to the area, newcomers will need to establish new accounts for utilities and services that range from gas and electricity to internet providers. Knowing ahead of time, or at least upon arrival, where to go to connect with local utilities and service providers will make setting up your new life so much faster.
This guide will ease your moving process by providing information about top Chicago utilities and service providers for your move.
Related: Chicago Apartments with Skyline & Lake Views
Chicago Utilities & Service Providers
Chicago Utility Companies
Chicago Gas Company: Peoples Gas
Residents of Chicago can activate their gas service by contacting Peoples Gas via phone at 866-556-6001 or visiting their website to set up an account and start date. Based on our past experiences, we recommend calling and speaking to a representative directly for the quickest and best customer service experience.
Your gas bill includes special charges for delivery, storage, gas, efficiency programs, environmental cleanup, infrastructure, uncollectible expenses, and taxes. The utility company measures gas usage in hundred cubic feet, or CCFs, but they charge by heat content, or therms. As of August 2024, the price of gas in Chicago was $0.3710 per therm, not including the additional charges.
Pro tip: If your heating runs on gas, expect much larger bills in winter, or select the “Budget Billing” option to distribute those usage charges more evenly throughout the year.
Chicago Electricity Provider: Commonwealth Edison (ComEd)
The primary provider of electricity in the Chicago region is Commonwealth Edison, more commonly known as ComEd. To start your electricity service, you can call 1-800-334-7661 or visit the company’s website. Again, though, we recommend calling for a better customer experience.
Residential rates are based on your rate classification, which may be single- or multi-family service with or without space heat. Fixed-rate customers pay per kilowatt-hour (kWh), and their rate is adjusted seasonally. Customers may also opt for hourly pricing, which requires a more precise electric meter installation, but offers additional savings when conserving energy during peak usage times. Chicago residents paid $0.167/kWh in July 2024.
Chicago Water, Trash, & Recycle
As a renter, you may not need to worry about setting up an account for water, recycling, and trash. Many Chicago landlords cover these services, or fold the cost into your rent.
That said, if the need arises, the City of Chicago combines water, sewer, garbage, and recycling into one utility bill, and you can pay this bill at any local payment center, City Hall, or online.
The city charges approximately $4.70 per 1,000 gallons of water usage as of June 2024. Sewage charges are double that rate. The city also manages garbage collection services and charges $9.50/month per dwelling unit. These rates may differ depending on household size, whether the service is privately contracted, and any special considerations for your property.
Chicago Service Providers
Chicago Internet Providers
There are many internet providers to choose from in the Chicago area, each with a variety of rates depending on internet speed and network bandwidth. Some of the top providers include:
- Astound (formerly RCN): $20-$55/month
- AT&T: $55/month (plus tax)
- Google Fiber: $63/month
- Xfinity: $30-$95/month
Internet users looking to start or transfer internet service to one of these providers can contact them directly.
Cable Companies in Chicago
When you sign up for internet services, many providers will offer cable television add-ons with package discounts. Some companies that offer internet and TV combo deals include:
Customers seeking alternatives to traditional cable television may seek out streaming apps, such as Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+.
Other Services
Post Office
The easiest way to change your mailing address with the United States Postal Service (USPS) is to submit the address change form via their website. You can also visit your local Chicago post office in person. You may verify your identity online, but bring an acceptable photo ID if changing your address in person.
The post office may forward mail to your new address within 3 days of requesting an address change, but it can take up to 2 weeks to make the change. They typically continue forwarding your mail for 1 year.
311 for City Services
Dialing 311 in the Chicago area will put you in touch with general city services for many purposes, including, but not limited to:
- Reporting an abandoned vehicle
- Reporting building violations
- Reaching services for graffiti removal
- Alerting the city to potholes or non-working streetlights
- Requesting well-being checks
- Filing a rat complaint
311 services are also available through the 311 app, which allows you to create service requests and monitor their status.
City Stickers for Car Owners & Pet Registration
Chicago city residents need to obtain a city sticker for any cars they own and operate within city limits in order to avoid tickets and tow trucks. The fee for this sticker covers the Chicago Wheel Tax. If you reside in an area with a special parking zone designation, make sure your city sticker also contains your zone number, which allows you to park near your home.
You can purchase city stickers through the Office of the City Clerk with a copy of your state vehicle registration card and state-issued ID. Stickers cost about $55 for motorbikes and up to $160 for large passenger vehicles.
The city also offers dog registration through the City Clerk’s offices. You must register all dogs by 4 months of age, and you cannot board or enter dog-friendly parks without a registration emblem. The cost of registration is $5 annually for dogs that are spayed or neutered, and $50 for unsterilized dogs.
Looking for a Chicago Apartment to Rent?
Prior to needing utilities, you’ll need a place to live, and Chicago offers luxury apartment options in many of its best neighborhoods. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly community or one with a bustling nightlife, AptAmigo can help you find the perfect Chicago apartment. Contact us today to find out more about your rental possibilities, and work with a company you can trust to find you an amazing place to live in Chicago.
Learn more: Cost of Living in Chicago & Relocation Tips
Melanie Robinson is a writer and poet from Texas. You can learn more about her and her copywriting business on her website.
