Most major Illinois gas utilities are again increasing their prices, the continued aftershock of the extreme cold that hit the country back in February. Temperatures are now warm and consumers are using less natural gas, but it is still important to factor these high prices into your usage.
Most natural gas customers have seen their prices go up again in July. The price per therm you pay, also known as the Purchased Gas Adjustment, or PGA, is shown in the chart below. It includes PGAs from this month, last month and July 2020 for comparison. Hover your mouse over the graphic to show prices.
Most utilities increased the price per therm by a few cents. Mount Carmel, a small public utility located in southeastern Illinois, had the largest increase for the second month in a row. Last month’s 32.2 cents went up to 46.18 cents per therm, a 44 percent increase.
Ameren Illinois customers had a one-penny increase in its price, to 66.26 cents a therm. The price per therm for Peoples Gas went up to 62.77 cents, 5 cents more than in June. North Shore Gas had a similar increase, to 51.85 cents.
Illinois Gas recorded the lowest July price at 26.09 cents per therm. The small utility’s rate went up less than a penny from last month.
Liberty Utilities customers saw a 3 cent drop in price to 58.37 cents. Liberty is the only utility to report a decrease in price.
The price per therm for Nicor Gas held constant for the fourth month in a row at 53 cents.
The high prices we are seeing this summer are the lingering effects of record-low temperatures that hit parts of the United States in February, disrupting gas supply across the nation and causing deadly power outages in Texas.
Although summer temperatures are upon us, it is still important to be prudent with your natural gas usage. Visit CUB’s Gas page for more information on energy efficiency and tips to help you save on your bills.
And if you’re having trouble paying your bills, please contact your utility immediately. Consumer protections are in place to help consumers pay their bills and avoid disconnection. (Read our fact sheets in English and Spanish.)
