CUB's Center for Rate-hike Fighters
After reviewing this page, tell the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) NO to unjustified utility rate hikes by filing a comment with the ICC online (use the corresponding docket numbers, listed in parenthesis) or calling the ICC
at 1-800-524-0795.
$326 million increase
$273 million increaseComEd
$273 million increaseComEd
ComEd (10-0467): The ICC granted ComEd a $155.7 million rate increase on May 24. Even though consumer advocates helped to reduce the increase to less than half what ComEd wanted, CUB and the Illinois Attorney General's office had filed testimony proving that ComEd's increase should be wiped out completely, and customers should instead be given a $40 million rate cut. So, CUB is appealing the ICC's decision.
CUB and the Attorney General's office are hoping for the same success they achieved in appealing the $273 million ComEd was granted in 2008. In that case, consumer advocates won a major victory at the Illinois Appellate Court in September of 2010. The court's ruling will have a profound impact on ALL future rate cases. ComEd has appealed the ruling before the Illinois Supreme Court.
Rate Hike LegislationComEd
In the spring 2011 legislative session, ComEd and Ameren successfully pushed a proposal that would give them more than $1 billion in higher rates. CUB joined the Illinois Attorney General's office in opposing SB 1652, as written. CUB supported parts of the bill that called for high-tech upgrades to the power grid, but there were major checkbook issues that remained unresolved. For example, the legislation would have authorized ComEd to get a 10.25 percent profit margin, which CUB called exorbitant. The bill passed the General Assembly, but without veto-proof majorities. In September, Gov. Quinn vetoed the measure, setting the stage for a battle during the fall veto session.
$287 million refundNicor Gas
Nicor Gas (02-0067): CUB is fighting for a $287 million refund, accusing Nicor of wrongly profiting off consumers at a time when they paid record-high heating prices earlier this decade. CUB is hoping the ICC makes a ruling on the case in 2011.
$120 million increasePeoples/North Shore Gas
Peoples (11-0281) and North Shore (11-0280) Gas: Peoples Gas has asked for a $111.6 million rate hike, and sister company North Shore Gas has asked for an $8.4 million increase. A decision on the case is expected in January 2012. Read CUB's talking points.
$90 million increaseAmeren
Ameren (Electric: 11-0279, Gas: 11-0282): In February 2011, Ameren filed for a $111 million rate hike, which has since been reduced to $90 million—$49.7 million for gas delivery and $40.2 million for electric service. CUB and the Illinois Attorney General's office filed testimony showing the company actually owes its customers a $2.2 million rate cut. A decision on the case is expected in January 2012. Visit CUB's Stop Ameren Center to see how you can help CUB fight the increase.
Total: $2 billion in utility cases!
Help us fight for you! Call the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), at 1-800-524-0795, or file an online comment to tell state regulators NO to these rate hikes. Also, contribute to CUB's rate-hike defense fund. Help us battle an army of utility lawyers.