Green Mountain Energy Illinois FAQs

How long has Green Mountain Energy been doing business in Illinois?

In December 2012, Green Mountain Energy entered the ComEd service territory in Illinois as an alternative retail electric supplier (ARES) serving residential and business customers with cleaner energy. We are excited to serve Illinois residents and hope you’ll join us in our mission to change the way power is made.

Why should I choose Green Mountain Energy vs. my utility or other Alternative Retail Electric Suppliers?

As the longest serving renewable energy retailer in the United States, we're proud to be a green power pioneer. We believe in using wind, sun and water for good, something that sets us apart from other electricity suppliers.

When you choose Green Mountain Energy, you're doing more than just picking an electricity supplier – you are joining us in our mission to change the way power is made. We offer our customers innovative renewable energy products and excellent customer service, all while minimizing our own impact on the environment.

What is Green Mountain Energy doing to help the environment?

We offer Illinois residents the choice of cleaner electricity for their home, made from renewable sources like wind. Did you know that making electricity creates more CO2 than any other U.S. sector and is the #1 source of industrial air pollution in the U.S.?  By choosing a clean electricity plan, like Pollution FreeTM from Green Mountain Energy, you can help reduce your household’s share of CO2 emissions and help fight climate change. Choosing renewable electricity also supports the development and operation of new renewable, pollution-free generation facilities across the country.

To learn more about the environmental impact of our products and services and our sustainability initiatives, visit our interactive Sustainability Report.

What is the electricity price to compare?

Here is the current price to compare.

What are the current and historical variable prices?
How does billing work?

You'll still receive your bill from - and pay - your utility company. The only difference is, you'll see a line item for electricity supply charges from us. Learn more about the Green Mountain Energy electricity supply charges on your bill.

Will I get a separate electricity bill from Green Mountain Energy? Who do I pay?

Your billing process and schedule won't change. You'll continue to receive and pay only one electricity bill from your utility company, with Green Mountain Energy electricity charges appearing in the Electricity Supply Services section of the bill.

Why did my bill go up (or down) last month?

There are two main things that determine the amount of your invoice: the amount of electricity you use during the month and the rate you’re paying per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for that electricity, or:

  • # kWh used * cents per kWh rate = commodity charge

This information is located on the back page of your bill (see an example).

Why choose renewable energy?

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, making electricity creates more CO2 than any other U.S. sector and is the #1 cause of industrial air pollution in the U.S. Choosing a clean electricity plan from Green Mountain Energy helps support the development and continued operation of new renewable, pollution-free generation facilities.

Will the power go out while I’m waiting for my Green Mountain Energy service to begin? Do I have to install any equipment?

No. Electricity will continue to be delivered to your home just like it always has, no equipment installs required. Green Mountain Energy and your electric distribution company take care of all the arrangements. You won’t notice anything new, other than the Green Mountain Energy charges on your monthly electricity bill.

How soon will my service begin?

Your Green Mountain Energy electricity service will begin in one to two billing cycles, depending on your meter read date.

How do I become a Green Mountain Energy customer?

It’s easy to start powering your home with renewable energy! Just sign up online or call toll-free 855-454-6473. You will need your 10-digit ComEd account number to enroll. You can find your account number on your ComEd bill.

What is the benefit of choosing Pollution Free electricity?

By choosing Pollution Free electricity, you’re supporting the development and continued operation of more domestic wind energy sources. An Illinois household that uses 700 kWh per month can avoid about 13,000 pounds of CO2 by choosing the Pollution Free electricity plan for just one year. That’s as much CO2 as 1,300 young trees would absorb in one year, or as much as a car would produce in about 14,500 miles of driving.

Which kinds of plans are available to me?

We offer Illinois residents Pollution Free electricity, made from 100% renewable wind resources. Choose from flexible plan options to find the one that meets your needs.

Does “electric choice” mean I get to pick any utility I want?

Not quite. Electric choice means you can choose who supplies your electricity, not the utility that delivers it. By choosing who supplies your electricity, you have the ability to choose 100% renewable energy generated from sources like wind or solar.

Choose A Plan

Is Green Mountain Energy competing against my electric utility?

No. Your electric utility supports energy competition and encourages customers to choose a retail electric supplier that is right for them. The electric utility’s primary business role is energy delivery, and retail electric suppliers are in the business of energy supply generation. Even after you choose an electric supplier, your electric utility will still be there to read your meter, handle service calls, and provide emergency assistance.

What is aggregation, and how do I know if I am affected?

Some municipalities in Illinois have chosen to select a retail electric supplier on behalf of all residents and businesses. However, this doesn't stop you from choosing Green Mountain Energy. Check your current utility bill to view your supply service. You can learn more about aggregation at ComEd’s website.

What happens if I am a Green Mountain Energy customer and my town decides to aggregate?

We will continue to be your electricity supplier, and you won't have to do anything to keep your service with us. As a Green Mountain Energy customer, you will not be automatically included in your muncipality or county aggregation program. You may receive a different notice than your neighbors, explaining that your electric supply will not be included in the program, but no action is required on your part.

I am enrolled in my town’s municipal aggregation program. Can I choose Green Mountain Energy?

Absolutely! You're free to leave an aggregation at any time to choose Green Mountain Energy. Check with your municipality for information and instructions on leaving an aggregation program.

Where can I find more information about municipal aggregation?

Visit Plug In Illinois or the ComEd website.

Environmental Disclosure Label

Click here to view the quarterly environmental disclosure label.

Our customers have avoided

 

pounds of CO2

That’s like planting

 

new trees.