The Energy You Live By
Powering Illinois Homes with Affordable, Reliable Natural Gas
In Illinois, natural gas isn’t just an energy source—it’s a household necessity. Nearly 8 out of 10 homes depend on it for heat, cooking, and daily comfort. Why? Because it’s more affordable, more reliable, and cleaner than you might think.
Save More with Natural Gas
Families across Illinois save thousands each year with natural gas. According to government data:
Natural gas heating costs 75% less than electric heating on average during winter – just $602 vs. $1,054.
If families were forced to switch, energy bills would rise by an average of $2,631 per household, costing Illinois families a total of $124 billion more in energy bills.
For many working families already struggling with rising costs, natural gas keeps energy within reach.
Reliable Energy When It Matters Most
When severe winter storms hit, Illinois’s natural gas system stays strong. Unlike the electric grid, which faces rising strain from surging demand, no natural gas customers lost service during major storms like the 2019 Polar Vortex or Winter Storm Elliot.
Natural gas also powers Illinois’s underground energy storage, equivalent to 38.9 million megawatt-hours – enough to power 3.5 million homes for a full year. That’s reliable, resilient backup when you need it most
Cleaner Energy for Today – and Tomorrow
You might be surprised: natural gas is helping Illinois reduce emissions. As natural gas use grew, emissions fell dramatically:
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) ↓ 76%
Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) ↓ 96%
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) ↓ 63%
And homes using natural gas appliances emit 37% fewer greenhouse gases over their full energy lifecycle than all-electric homes.
Trusted by Homes, Farms, and Businesses Alike
Discover the facts behind affordability, reliability, and energy choice in Illinois. Our latest report breaks it down—what’s at stake, who’s impacted, and why it matters.
$41.5 Billion
Annual output of Illinois’s chemical manufacturing sector, the state’s second-largest manufacturing industry, which relies heavily on natural gas. This sector supports over 46,000 direct jobs and 184,900 related jobs
$51.1 Billion
Annual agriculture-related GDP in Illinois, much of which depends on natural gas for vital activities like grain drying. With over 70,000 farms across 27 million acres, this sector is both energy-intensive and economically critical
25%
The portion of all natural gas consumed in Illinois that’s used by the manufacturing sector—including critical processes in chemicals, metals, and food production
94%
Of restaurant operators say that banning natural gas would harm their business. Nearly all restaurant owners who rely on it say losing access would damage food quality, raise costs, and threaten their ability to stay open
be a voice for energy
Support Reliable, Affordable Energy for Illinois
Natural gas supports the energy needs of Illinois families, businesses, and communities—and its role is more important than ever. Stay informed and be part of the conversation about how to keep energy affordable, reliable, and rooted in common sense.
Sign up to receive updates on energy policy, new resources, and how you can help protect energy choice and affordability in your community
Add Your Voice to the Energy Movement
Sign Up and Let Your Name Reach Springfield: Join our coalition to ensure your voice is heard in energy policy discussions across the State of Illinois.