Electricity Basics

Deregulation in Electricity

In the past, one company provided all parts of your electricity service, namely generation, transmission, distribution, and retail sales. However, new legislation deemed that these aspects of electricty service can be provided by more than a single company. This process is generally referred to as Power or Electricity Deregulation, which is meant to spur competition.

With electricity competition, competitive electricity suppliers (REP) sell electricity to you and handle customer service and billing. An REP will compete for your business by offering a variety of different pricing options, renewable energy options, added customer service benefits, or other incentives.

Transmission and Distribution of Electricity

Regardless of which supplier you choose, the actual delivery of the electricity ('transmission and distribution') is still provided by your local Transmission and Distribution Service Provider, (TDSP). Your TDSP will continue to be responsible for maintaining the poles, wires, and meter that deliver and measure the electricity consumed by your home or business, for reading your meter and providing amount of electricity that you consume to your supplier, and for restoring service when there is a power outage.

Your choice of supplier does not affect the reliability of your transmission and distribution service or how quickly your power will be restored following an outage caused by a storm or other event. The Illinois Commerce Commission continues to regulate TDSPs by setting the rates for transmission and distribution service, setting reliability and safety standards, and ensuring that all customers and suppliers are treated the same when it comes to the delivery of electricity to your home or business.

Repairs and Emergencies

If you experience an emergency related to your electricity service or a power outage, call the number printed on your electric bill for repairs and emergencies. The local TDSP will repair your service or restore your power just as they will your neighbors' service - regardless of your supplier. There is no special treatment or priority in service restoration for customers of any particular supplier.