Gas prices for eight of Illinois’ 9 major utilities remained elevated compared with a year ago, led by Nicor Gas, with a supply price that is about 50 percent higher; Liberty Utilities, with a price about 45 percent higher; and Peoples Gas, with a price about 38 percent higher. Only Ameren Illinois’ gas price is lower, by 5.6 percent, compared with last July, according to CUB’s review of gas prices set to take effect on July 1.
The Energy Information Administration’s Short-term Energy Outlook has forecasted that prices could be elevated into 2026. Colder-than-normal winter weather in the early part of the year as well as record gas exports (meaning profit-hungry companies sending gas outside the U.S.) have helped increase demand. The impact of elevated prices is less now, in the summer, but consumers could be in for a more expensive winter.
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 July.
- Compared with last month, five utilities charged lower rates: Ameren Illinois (about 1 percent lower), MidAmerican (4.2 percent), Liberty Utilities (9.06 percent), Peoples Gas (10.9 percent) and North Shore Gas (19.8 percent) . Three charged prices that were higher: Illinois Gas (about 1.5 percent higher), Consumers Gas (about 23.8 percent) and Mt. Carmel (about 26.1 percent). Nicor saw no change.
- Compared with July 2024, this month’s prices were higher for eight utilities, ranging from about 7.6 percent higher for Consumers Gas to about 50 percent higher for Nicor Gas. Only Ameren Gas was less than last July, by 5.6 percent.
July Gas Prices
Ameren Illinois– 45.15 cents per therm (DOWN about 5.6 percent from July 2024)
Consumers Gas– 69.21 cents per therm (UP about 7.6 percent from July 2024)
Illinois Gas– 56.77 cents per therm (UP about 18.2 percent from July 2024)
Liberty Utilities– 51.28 cents per therm (UP about 45.2 percent from July 2024)
MidAmerican Energy– 58.90 cents per therm (UP about 28.2 percent from July 2024)
Mt. Carmel– 39.35 cents per therm (UP about 10.3 percent from July 2024)
Nicor Gas– 54.00 cents per therm (UP about 50 percent from July 2024)
North Shore Gas– 42.49 cents per therm (UP about 16.8 percent from July 2024)
Peoples Gas– 49.51 cents per therm (UP about 38 percent from July 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. 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, May and June.
- 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.
