Market Guide

Commercial Building Energy Requirements in Chicago

Utility rates, compliance regulations, and benchmarking requirements for commercial real estate in Chicago, Illinois.

Average Commercial Utility Rates

$0.14Electric Rate

$0.14/kWh

$0.95Gas Rate

$0.95/therm

Rising

Up 8% YoY; ComEd capacity charges and infrastructure riders increasing

Energy Regulations & Compliance

Chicago Energy Benchmarking Ordinance

Active

Annual energy benchmarking via ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager for commercial and residential properties.

Threshold

50,000 sqft

Deadline

June 1 annually

Penalty

Fines of $100 to $1,000 per violation

Chicago Building Performance Standards

Expanding

GHG reduction targets for large buildings, with initial compliance periods beginning in 2026.

Threshold

50,000 sqft

Deadline

2026 (first compliance period)

Penalty

Under development

Compliance Timeline

June 1 annually

Chicago Energy Benchmarking Ordinance — 50,000 sqft

2026 (first compliance period)

Chicago Building Performance Standards — 50,000 sqft

Utility Providers

ComEd

Electric

🔥

Peoples Gas

Gas

Benchmarking Requirements

Benchmarking is required

Building Threshold

50,000 sqft

Filing Deadline

June 1 annually

Related Articles

See how Conduit manages utility data for Chicago portfolios

Centralize bills, automate accruals, and stay ahead of Chicago Energy Benchmarking Ordinance compliance across your IL portfolio.

Request a Demo →