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Peoples Gas

CUB applauds regulators for rejecting Peoples Gas “theatrics,” as ICC opposes latest bid to additional rate hike

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) Thursday unanimously derailed a request by Peoples Gas to claw back $134 million of disallowed funding for its pipeline-replacement program in 2024. If approved, the motion would have added about $8 million to the record $300 million rate hike the utility received last month. Peoples Gas executives threatened…...

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A look at December’s gas prices

Most gas companies are charging prices in December that are an average of 36 percent lower than last winter. The lone exception is North Shore Gas, which is actually charging 3 percent more than last year, giving another glimpse of the roller-coaster volatility of the gas market. Gas utilities file…...

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CUB Update: Illinois Commerce Commission announces new, expedited schedule for rate-hike decisions

Update: The final order on Nicor’s request for a $320 million rate hike has been delayed due to a late motion by some parties (not CUB) in the case. It’s likely the Nicor order will be moved to Nov. 16, with the other decisions in the gas cases (Peoples/North Shore…...

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November gas prices way down from last year (with hints of market volatility)

November gas prices continue the trend of being significantly lower than last winter–by a range of 25 to 66 percent. But once again there are some examples of the roller-coaster volatility of the gas market. Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with the Illinois Commerce…...

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CUB calls on ICC to reject record rate hike for Peoples Gas after agency official recommends big increase for utility

An administrative law judge for the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has issued a “proposed order” recommending that the ICC approve a record-high $350 million rate hike for Peoples Gas, awarding the company the vast bulk — 87 percent —of the $402 million increase it has sought from regulators.  The recommended…...

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October gas prices way down from last year–hoping for no prices spikes in the near future

As Illinois enters the first month of the winter heating season, October gas prices continue the trend of being significantly lower than the last two years, with some glaring examples of the volatility that makes consumers so uneasy.    Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with…...

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It’s time to consider your Fall gas efficiency upgrades: September 2023 gas prices

As we approach winter heating season, gas prices for September remain relatively stable, in contrast to the price spikes of a year ago.   There is one glaring exception: an 80 percent jump in price from August for Mt. Carmel, a public utility in southeastern Illinois, to 47.49 cents per therm.…...

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CUB asks Illinois consumers to support the Ethics in Energy Act

It’s bad enough that utilities join industry and trade groups that push bad, anti-consumer policy. But it’s even worse that consumers actually foot the bill for those activities.   That’s right, our monthly gas and electric bills help cover the utilities’ membership dues to groups that actively work against our interests. …...

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August gas prices are relatively low, but it’s always a good time to prepare for winter

Illinois utilities have filed their August gas prices with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and they’re fairly consistent with what we saw in July.  Seven utilities reported a slight increase from last month, at most roughly a 22% increase in price for Consumers Gas. We’re relieved that the supply rates…...

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Join the fight against $2.9 billion in rate hikes

By Eric DeBellis CUB General Counsel As you know, Laura Loyd and I (CUB’s legal team) are fighting a record six rate cases in 2023, and I just wanted to give you an update as to where we’re at in those battles. What’s left to do in these cases?  Now…...

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