ComEd Utility: Service Territory, Rates & Electric Choice

When searching for ComEd utility, ComEd service territory, or Commonwealth Edison, consumers are often trying to answer a simple question: who supplies their electricity, who delivers it, and can they choose a different supplier?

For customers in the ComEd service territory, understanding that distinction is important. ComEd remains responsible for delivering electricity through its distribution system, while eligible customers can generally choose who supplies the electricity itself. Illinois' official electric-choice guidance confirms that customers in the ComEd service territory can choose among utility supply, alternative retail electric suppliers, and residential real-time pricing options.

That means comparing electricity plans is not simply about finding the lowest advertised rate. Customers should also consider contract length, rate structure, supply charges, delivery charges, fees, renewal terms, and expected electricity usage.

What Is ComEd?

ComEd, short for Commonwealth Edison, is the electric utility responsible for delivering electricity across its service territory.

The utility's role is primarily associated with the electric grid and delivery infrastructure. This includes the distribution network that brings electricity to homes and businesses and the service responsibilities associated with that network.

ComEd customers can also have a choice regarding the company that supplies their electricity. Choosing a different electricity supplier does not mean replacing the utility responsible for delivering electricity.

The Illinois Commerce Commission explains that electricity service has separate supply and delivery components. Customers in the ComEd service territory can choose the provider of the supply portion while the utility continues to provide delivery service.

What Is the ComEd Service Territory?

The ComEd service territory is the geographic area in which Commonwealth Edison operates its electric distribution system.

If your address is served by ComEd, the utility remains responsible for delivering electricity to your property regardless of which eligible supplier provides the electricity supply.

This distinction matters when shopping for electricity because consumers cannot simply select a different company to replace ComEd's distribution network.

What ComEd Handles

ComEd's utility responsibilities include services associated with electricity delivery, such as:

• Maintaining the local electric distribution system
• Delivering electricity to customers
• Responding to outages
• Maintaining poles, wires, meters, and related infrastructure
• Providing utility service and emergency support
• Applying applicable delivery charges

If there is an outage or another physical electricity-service problem, customers generally continue to contact their local utility rather than their retail electricity supplier.

What an Electricity Supplier Handles

An alternative retail electric supplier, or ARES, sells the electricity supply portion of the customer's service.

Depending on the offer, a supplier may provide:

• Fixed-rate electricity
• Variable-rate electricity
• Renewable electricity options
• Different contract lengths
• Promotional pricing
• Other electricity pricing structures

Suppliers must be certified and registered to provide service in the applicable market.

ComEd Delivery vs. Electricity Supply

One of the most important concepts for ComEd customers is the difference between delivery and supply.