Public utilities in Illinois are regulated by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), ensuring safe and reliable services.
* **Electricity:** The northern third of the state (including Chicago) is primarily served by **ComEd** (Commonwealth Edison). Central and southern Illinois are predominantly served by **Ameren Illinois**. Rural areas are often served by electric cooperatives. * **Natural Gas:** Major providers include **Nicor Gas** (northern Illinois suburbs), **Peoples Gas** (City of Chicago), **North Shore Gas**, and **Ameren Illinois** (downstate). * **Water:** Water services are generally managed at the municipal level. The City of Chicago Department of Water Management provides Lake Michigan water to the city and numerous surrounding suburbs. Downstate communities rely on local rivers, lakes, and extensive groundwater aquifers. * **Waste Management:** Private companies such as **Waste Management (WM)**, **Republic Services**, and **LRS (Lakeshore Recycling Systems)** handle residential and commercial waste, alongside municipal sanitation departments.