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gas bills

February continues trend of lower gas prices–but they’re still higher than 2021

Some good news: Gas prices for February continue the downward trend we’ve been seeing the last few months. Plus, recently the Energy Information Administration, the statistical arm of the U.S. Energy Department, eased its prediction on how much more Midwest natural gas customers could pay on average this winter–from 29…...

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Joint Statement from Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the Citizens Utility Board

Today, Peoples Gas is expected to file for a $402 million rate-hike request, which represents close to a 60% increase over the rates approved by state regulators  in 2015. As part of the rate-hike filing, Peoples Gas has indicated that it is including the $207 million the utility is currently…...

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Statement from CUB Executive Director David Kolata on another record Nicor Gas rate-hike request

CUB statement on $321 million Nicor Gas rate-hike request: Nicor’s rate-hike request is a gut punch to consumers who are in their second consecutive winter of painfully high gas bills. Enough is enough. CUB will review Nicor’s excessive request and we will fight every penny the utility can’t justify. (Sign…...

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January gas prices still way up–will we see some relief in 2023?

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…...

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December natural gas prices fall for many utilities–although they’re still painfully high

For the second straight month, natural gas prices have dropped for all or most of Illinois’ utilities. But most gas customers are still paying about double or worse than they did just two years ago for the volatile fossil fuel. “Nobody has a crystal ball, but we’re thankful for this…...

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Consumer alert: CUB releases tips on surviving expensive winter

With consumers facing higher heating bills this winter due to skyrocketing natural gas prices and aggressive utility spending, CUB released tips to help consumers get through an expensive winter. The watchdog has set up a special online resource, CUBHelpCenter.com, which explains why gas bills are high and offers safety and…...

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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…...

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Winter heating season is here, and so are painfully high October gas prices

We’re officially at the start of  the heating season and Illinois faces a painful winter. One report estimates a 17 percent jump in heating costs this winter, and another says 1 in 6 Americans are already struggling to keep up with their utility bills.  “All indications are that gas bills…...

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September gas prices are out, prepare for winter heating season now

We’re officially one month from winter heating season. Based on future prices, we’re looking at a painful winter, especially as 1 in 6 Americans are struggling to keep up with their utility bills.  About 80 percent of Illinois homes heat with natural gas, and the past winter was their most…...

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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…...

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