Frequently Asked Questions
Is Direct Energy a part of my utility company?
No, Direct Energy is an approved supplier of electricity and natural gas in Illinois. We arrange the supply of electricity and natural gas for our customer, which is then delivered to you by your existing local utility.
If I switch electricity or natural gas suppliers, will the reliability of my service be affected?
No, by law, the utility is not allowed to provide different care levels to customers that have chosen an alternate supplier. You can rest assured that you will continue to receive the same level of electricity or natural gas delivery, emergency response and meter reading from your current utility. Your utility care provider will not change, just the supplier of your natural gas and electricity.
What is deregulation & how does it affect me?
Ameren, ComEd, and Nicor Gas have been your sole Illinois energy providers – they have been the suppliers of your electricity and natural gas and have been responsible for delivering it to your home. With the introduction of competition (deregulation), you now have the ability to choose your electricity and natural gas generation supplier. This means you have more options on what plans and rates you can choose from.
In what areas does Direct Energy provide service?
We currently offer electricity plans in the Ameren and ComEd utility service areas in Illinois. Additionally, we offer natural gas in the Nicor Gas utility area. We are regularly expanding our North American service territory, so please check back for updates that Direct Energy has entered your area.
If I choose Direct Energy, will my billing change?
You will continue to receive one monthly bill that is issued by your utility. Your utility bill will change slightly as you will be able to see the breakdown between the supply (our charges), the distribution and delivery portion (the utility's charges) on your bill.
What do I do if there is a service interruption?
Please call your local utility.
Ameren Emergency Contact: 800-755-5000
ComEd Emergency Contact: 800-EDISON1 (334-7661)
Nicor Gas Emergency Contact: 888-NICOR4U (642-6748)
Are there any costs to enroll with Direct Energy?
No, there are absolutely no costs to enroll.
Is it easy to switch to Direct Energy?
Absolutely, you have 2 options. You wil need to have your utility account number handy, which can be found on your bill.
- Enroll online via our website.
- Call our Customer Care Specialists at 1-866-266-2084.
What happens to my budget plan?
For customers who are already enrolled in the utility budget billing program, your utility will continue to provide you with a budget bill for the delivery portion of your bill. They will adjust your bill to reflect the utility charges only. We do not currently offer budget billing for the commodity portion of your bill.
