Natural gas supply prices dropped for about half of Illinois’ major gas utilities from December to January, but the prices are still at significantly high levels for the second consecutive winter. “We’re hoping that sometime in the new year we’ll see these price spikes ease for all customers, but the…...
Q&A: Electricity Price Spike in Central and Southern Illinois
What’s happening to Ameren customers? Since June 1, 2022, the price for electricity has more than doubled for Ameren customers across Central and Southern Illinois, and that’s expected to cost customers hundreds of dollars in higher power bills over the next year. What is Ameren’s electricity price? As of Jan.…...
Goodbye formula rates: CUB helps cut Ameren’s final “formula” hike by millions
In the final ruling under an anti-consumer “formula” rate-setting system, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) granted Ameren Illinois a $61 million electric delivery rate hike, after CUB and other consumer advocates helped knock about $22 million off the proposed increase. “While we’re glad Ameren didn’t get the $83 million rate…...
Natural gas prices ease in November, but they’re still REALLY high
Good news: For the first time in months, we’re seeing a decrease in natural gas prices. Bad news: November’s supply prices–while lower than October–are higher than they were for most utilities in 2021, and they’re about about double to quadruple what they were two years ago, according to filings with…...
Alert: CUB urges struggling consumers to call their utilities before key protections expire July 31
Amid high energy prices, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) is urging consumers who are struggling to pay their utility bills to call their utilities immediately to learn about protections available to stay connected to service. Some of those safeguards expire July 31. “It’s been a rough year for utility customers,…...
August update: Gas prices still at unprecedented highs, prepare for expensive winter
Illinois is entering its eighteenth month of elevated natural gas prices, with several utilities charging unprecedented highs of more than $1 a therm, according to pricing data filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Last winter was the most expensive in more than a decade, and it looks like the…...