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So what am I paying to heat my home in 2024?

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) issued rulings last November that reduced record rate hikes proposed by Illinois’ major gas utilities by $240 million. As a result of those rulings, Illinois’ major gas utilities are charging new delivery rates in 2024. Read our breakdown below, and check out our Q&A on…...

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What you need to know about January 2024 gas prices in Illinois

Most gas companies are charging prices in the new year that are an average of 46 percent lower than last January, but month-to-month prices still show signs of the gas market’s instability.  Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).  Below…...

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A look at December’s gas prices

Most gas companies are charging prices in December that are an average of 36 percent lower than last winter. The lone exception is North Shore Gas, which is actually charging 3 percent more than last year, giving another glimpse of the roller-coaster volatility of the gas market. Gas utilities file…...

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CUB Update: Illinois Commerce Commission announces new, expedited schedule for rate-hike decisions

Update: The final order on Nicor’s request for a $320 million rate hike has been delayed due to a late motion by some parties (not CUB) in the case. It’s likely the Nicor order will be moved to Nov. 16, with the other decisions in the gas cases (Peoples/North Shore…...

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CUB asks Illinois consumers to support the Ethics in Energy Act

It’s bad enough that utilities join industry and trade groups that push bad, anti-consumer policy. But it’s even worse that consumers actually foot the bill for those activities.   That’s right, our monthly gas and electric bills help cover the utilities’ membership dues to groups that actively work against our interests. …...

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Join the fight against $2.9 billion in rate hikes

By Eric DeBellis CUB General Counsel As you know, Laura Loyd and I (CUB’s legal team) are fighting a record six rate cases in 2023, and I just wanted to give you an update as to where we’re at in those battles. What’s left to do in these cases?  Now…...

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March gas prices plunge for some companies (finally)

CUB is glad to report that gas supply rates are continuing to decrease–even plunging for some companies–after almost two years of elevated prices.  Nicor, Illinois’ largest gas utility, is charging under 50 cents per therm for the first time in two years, and the supply price for Peoples Gas and…...

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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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Consumer victory: Advocates praise passage of HB 4281 in Illinois

The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) is joining with Illinois officials in praising the state General Assembly for unanimously passing legislation that prevents a misleading marketing tactic that has tricked consumers for years and in some cases caused them to pay hundreds of dollars in extra costs. Last week, the Illinois…...

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Consumer advocates secure utility protections after hard winter

Throughout the pandemic, consumer advocates, state regulators and utilities have negotiated consumer protections to try to keep people connected to service. The following is a summary of the latest protections, broken down by the major utilities in the state, according to the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). After reading this, CUB…...

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