This guide covers who provides each service in the Chicago metro area and what you need to get started. Plan to contact each provider at least a few business days before your move-in date.
Natural Gas
Gas service in the Chicago area is split between two providers depending on whether you're moving inside city limits or to the suburbs.
City of Chicago — Peoples Gas
Peoples Gas is the sole natural gas provider within the City of Chicago. Start service online or by phone. You'll need your new address, move-in date, and a form of ID.
| Phone | 866-556-6001 |
| Website | peoplesgasdelivery.com |
Chicago Suburbs — Nicor Gas
Nicor Gas serves the northern and western suburbs. Start service online or by phone. Have your move-in date, address, and billing info ready. If transferring service from another address, you can handle both in the same call.
| Phone | 888-642-6748 |
| Website | nicorgas.com |
If your new home is near the city-suburb boundary, check with your real estate attorney or the listing agent — the gas provider is noted on the property's utility records and is typically disclosed during the closing process.
Electric
All of Chicagoland — ComEd
ComEd (Commonwealth Edison) serves the entire Chicago metro area for electricity. New service can be started online in minutes. Have your address, Social Security number or ITIN, and move-in date ready. First-time customers without Illinois credit history may be required to pay a security deposit.
| Phone | 800-334-7661 |
| Website | comed.com |
Internet
Availability varies by address across the metro. Xfinity and AT&T are the two most common providers; check your specific address on each provider's website before committing to a plan.
Xfinity (Comcast)
Xfinity has the broadest cable internet coverage across Chicago and the suburbs. Enter your address at xfinity.com to confirm availability and compare plans. Installation is typically scheduled within a few days, or a self-install kit is available for eligible addresses.
| Phone | 800-934-6489 |
| Website | xfinity.com |
AT&T Internet
AT&T offers fiber internet in many Chicago neighborhoods and select suburban areas. If fiber is available at your address, it's often the faster option. Check availability at att.com, then order online or by phone. Equipment typically ships within a few business days.
| Phone | 800-288-2020 |
| Website | att.com/internet |
Astound Broadband (formerly RCN)
Astound (formerly RCN) serves Chicago and several close-in suburbs and competes directly with Xfinity in many neighborhoods. Check availability at astound.com, then order online or by phone. Installation is typically scheduled within a few days.
| Phone | 800-746-4726 |
| Website | astound.com |
Water & Trash
Water and garbage collection in the Chicago area are handled by individual municipalities, not a single regional provider. In most cases your real estate attorney or title company will alert your city or village to the ownership change at closing, prompting them to transfer the utility account into your name.
If you're buying in the City of Chicago, water accounts are managed through the Chicago Department of Finance. In suburban communities, contact your local village or city hall shortly before your close date to confirm the transfer process and whether any deposits or account setup fees apply.
Trash pickup in Chicago is provided by the city free of charge for single-family homes and two-flats. Many suburbs include garbage collection in their utility bills; others contract with private haulers that you'll need to set up separately. Ask your agent or attorney which applies to your new address.
Questions about your move?
We're happy to point you in the right direction on utilities, timing, and anything else that comes up in the weeks around closing.