The Illinois Commerce Commission is set to make a decision later this year on proposals from Peoples Gas and Nicor to raise gas rates, according to an April 1 report. Peoples Gas is seeking approval for a $202 million increase that would result in customers paying about $11 more per month, or roughly $130 annually. Nicor, which serves over two million customers in northern Illinois, has also requested permission for a $221 million rate hike, averaging less than $6 more per household each month.
The outcome of these proposals will affect the utility bills of many residents across the state. While Chicago City Council members have publicly discussed these potential hikes and community members have voiced concerns at council meetings, the final authority rests with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), not local government officials.
The ICC consists of five commissioners who regulate public utilities under guidance from the Illinois General Assembly. It operates as a quasi-judicial body that interprets laws and applies regulations. At recent meetings, only one person provided public comment directly to the ICC regarding these rate proposals, despite significant turnout at city council sessions.
Residents who wish to share their opinions with the ICC can do so through several channels: submitting comments on the ICC website for either proposal, calling 800-524-0795, or speaking at an open commission meeting. The next open meetings are scheduled for Thursday, April 2 and Thursday, April 9. To speak at a meeting in person or remotely, individuals must submit a public participation request form at least 24 hours before the meeting via instructions provided on the ICC’s website.
Advocacy groups such as Citizens Utility Board (CUB) are encouraging consumers to take action by following their campaigns for lower utility bills and signing petitions urging regulators not to approve further increases. More information is available through CUB’s action page online.
A version of this story was first published in Newswire’s April 1 issue—a weekly email newsletter covering Chicago government and civic engagement.
