What is the QIP surcharge? The Qualified Infrastructure Plant, or QIP, fee is charged by Ameren Illinois, Nicor Gas and Peoples Gas, the three biggest gas utilities in Illinois. It covers certain costs associated with replacing natural gas pipes and other work on the utilities’ gas delivery system. You may…...
Consumer Coalition launches campaign to eliminate gas utility surcharge
A coalition of consumer, environmental, and community advocates along with legislative champions have announced legislation to end a gas utility surcharge contributing to higher heating bills across the state. (Take action against this surcharge!) The coalition, which includes CUB, pointed to numerous examples of rapidly rising bills from one end…...
Illinois gas utilities ring in the new year with higher rates
Illinois’ major gas utilities are kicking off 2021 by raising the price per therm for January. This across-the-board increase is on track with predictions made by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) at the beginning of this heating season. The price per therm you’re paying for natural gas in January, also…...
Consumer advocates fight for extended COVID-19 protections for utility customers
After a historic agreement between consumer advocates and Illinois’ major utilities, state regulators are now considering the most comprehensive COVID-19 utility relief measures in the country. This plan could serve as a national model for helping utility customers struggling to pay their bills during the worst economic crisis since the…...
They’re getting richer: the ongoing battle against high utility bills
Crain’s Chicago Business reports that in the first quarter of the year—a relatively warm winter—Peoples Gas still made a record $97.6 million. That’s after two straight years of record annual profits. “It wasn’t long ago when Peoples’ profit over an entire year wouldn’t approach the nearly $100 million it collected…...
Federal legislation gives Illinois $41 million boost in energy assistance
Illinois has received more than $41 million in extra assistance to help low-income consumers pay their electric and gas bills during the pandemic, thanks to the federal stimulus package that passed earlier this spring. The $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a wide-ranging package designed…...
CUB’s weekly e-newsletter: What’s up with your gas utility?
In this week’s e-newsletter, CUB’s policy and legal teams update you on how Illinois’ major gas utilities are trying to make you pay more. Read the summaries below and sign CUB’s petition against the utilities’ profit grabs. Ameren Illinois filed a $102 million natural gas rate hike with the Illinois Commerce…...
Struggling to pay your bills? These resources can help
With uncertain times come uncertain finances. Due to the public health emergency, you may have been laid off, your hours may have been cut, or you may have accrued unexpected medical expenses. Whatever the reason, paying your utility bills shouldn’t cause additional financial stress. These programs may be able to…...
