Illinois - Alternative Retail Electric Supplier (ARES) — required surety bond in Illinois. Apply online in minutes.
An Illinois Alternative Retail Electric Supplier (ARES) bond is a surety bond required by the Illinois Commerce Commission for companies seeking to sell retail electricity in a deregulated market. It guarantees that the supplier will comply with state regulations, consumer protection rules, and all applicable licensing requirements. If the supplier fails to meet its obligations, the bond provides a financial remedy for harmed consumers or the state.
Any business or individual applying for an ARES license to sell retail electric power directly to Illinois consumers or commercial customers must obtain this bond. This includes energy brokers, independent power marketers, and competitive electricity retailers operating in Illinois's deregulated energy market. Requirements can vary based on the applicant's business structure and scope of operations.
The Illinois Commerce Commission requires this bond to protect electricity consumers from financial harm caused by supplier misconduct, fraud, or failure to deliver contracted services. It ensures that licensed suppliers operate ethically and in accordance with state law, providing accountability in a competitive retail energy market. The bond acts as a financial guarantee that the supplier will honor its commitments to customers and regulators.
Applying for your Illinois ARES bond is simple — just click the Apply Now button to access our secure online application, which typically takes about five minutes to complete. Once approved, your bond documents will be delivered directly to your email so you can submit them to the Illinois Commerce Commission. For questions at any step, call Noah Insurance Agency at 814-718-0060.
The premium you pay depends on factors such as the required bond amount, your credit history, and business financials. Because bond amounts and rates vary, we recommend clicking Apply Now to receive an exact quote tailored to your situation, or call us at 814-718-0060.
Once your application is submitted and approved, your bond is typically delivered by email. Exact timing can vary, so apply online today and our team will work to get your bond to you as quickly as possible.
If a valid claim is filed and paid by the surety, you are ultimately responsible for reimbursing the surety company for that amount. A surety bond is not insurance for the principal — it is a financial guarantee of your compliance, so it's critical to operate within all regulatory requirements.
Yes, ARES bonds must remain active and in good standing for as long as you hold your Illinois retail electric supplier license. Renewal frequency and specific requirements can vary, so we recommend confirming renewal terms with the Illinois Commerce Commission and setting reminders well in advance of any expiration date.
Send us a note or call 814-718-0060 — a licensed agent will confirm the bond amount and requirements for you.
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