Gas prices for eight major Illinois utilities remained elevated compared with a year ago, led by Peoples Gas, which is charging a supply price that is about 97 percent higher; Nicor Gas, which is charging a price about 59 percent higher; and North Shore Gas, with a price about 55 percent higher. Only Ameren Illinois’ gas price is lower, by 4.5 percent, compared with last June, according to CUB’s monthly review of gas prices.
The Energy Information Administration’s Short-term Energy Outlook has forecasted that prices could be elevated into 2026. Colder-than-normal winter weather in January and February as well as record gas exports (meaning profit-hungry companies sending gas outside the U.S.) have helped increase demand. Hopefully, Illinois consumers won’t be using as much gas this month because of warmer weather.
Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Here’s what CUB uncovered in our review of prices in June.
- Compared with last month, three of 9 utilities charged prices that were higher or the same: MidAmerican Energy (about 5.2 percent), Mt. Carmel (about 68.6 percent higher) and Nicor (no change). Six utilities charged lower rates, ranging from 2.5 percent (Consumers Gas) to 15.4 percent (North Shore Gas).
- Compared with June 2024, this month’s prices were higher for eight utilities, ranging from about 10.6 percent higher for Consumers Gas to about 96.9 percent higher for Peoples Gas. Only Ameren Gas was lower than last June, by 4.5 percent.
June Gas Prices
Ameren Illinois– 45.61 cents per therm (down about 4.5 percent from June 2024)
Consumers Gas– 55.92 cents per therm (up about 10.6 percent from June 2024)
Illinois Gas– 55.95 cents per therm (up about 27.1 percent from June 2024)
Liberty Utilities– 56.39 cents per therm (up about 28.3 percent from June 2024)
MidAmerican Energy– 61.46 cents per therm (up about 37.1 percent from June 2024)
Mt. Carmel– 31.21 cents per therm (up about 22.9 percent from June 2024)
Nicor Gas– 54.00 cents per therm (up about 58.8 percent from June 2024)
North Shore Gas– 52.98 cents per therm (up about 55 percent from June 2024)
Peoples Gas– 55.43 cents per therm (up about 96.9 percent from June 2024)
Note: Your utility is determined by where you live, so you cannot switch from one utility to another. Under Illinois law, gas utilities are not allowed to profit off supply prices—they pass those costs from gas producers and marketers onto customers with no markup. State regulators annually review the utilities’ gas-management procedures to evaluate whether the companies did a reasonable job with their gas purchases, given market conditions, to hold down costs for consumers as much as possible. Regulators can order refunds, although that is rare.
A few tips from CUB:
- Keep the lines of communication open with your utility. If you are having trouble affording your gas bills, it is vital that you contact your utility. Ask if you qualify for any energy assistance programs; see if you can set up a plan that gives you more time to pay off your bills; and inquire about no or low-cost energy efficiency programs the company offers.
- Practice energy efficiency at home. For tips and information about helpful energy efficiency programs offered by your utility, visit CUB’s Clean Energy page.
- Beware of alternative supplier rip-offs. If a deal seems too good to be true, there’s a good chance it is. If the utility supply price increases, remember that it’s due to market factors that also will increase alternative supplier prices. As volatile as gas utility prices are, your best bet for gas supply is likely with your utility and not with an alternative supplier. Read our tips. (Note: Only consumers in Northern Illinois have gas choice.)
- More helpful resources:
- CUB’s Gas page
- Historical gas prices
- CUB’s gas-price reports from 2024: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December. And 2025: January, February, March, April and May.
- If you can, consider moving away from gas: Visit our electrification page and order CUB’s free Better Heat Guide to learn how to make the transition to more efficient appliances, like electric heat pumps and induction stove tops.
