ICC Future of Gas Proceedings

Hi, Scott Allen here, CUB’s Energy Policy Specialist. I’ll be serving as CUB’s point person in the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) Future of Gas process (FOG) until it concludes in early February 2026. This webpage is where I’ll be posting regular updates on what’s happening in the FOG and how you can get involved.

This is our opportunity to make our voice heard to shape the future of gas utility regulation in Illinois!

Background

In 2023, four of Illinois’ investor-owned gas utilities came to the ICC seeking rate increases. Environmental and consumer advocates contested the utilities’ requests and asked the ICC to order a process to study how Illinois will manage its shift away from gas use in buildings. The Commission responded with a Final Order initiating a series of public workshops to “explore issues tied to decarbonization of the gas system.”

The ICC kicked off these workshops in April 2024 and it’s already apparent that things are going to get contentious. Gas system decarbonization is a large and unprecedented undertaking that poses a serious challenge to the existing utility business model. So far, the fossil fuel industry’s resources and clout have been on full display in the workshop process. Several presenters have made dubious claims, but it’s as yet unclear to us how the FOG facilitators intend to filter out disinformation from parties that profit from the unsustainable status quo.  

Stay Tuned and Get Involved

CUB’s goal in this process is to demand that gas utility investments be redirected in a way that benefits ratepayers by ensuring an affordable transition to clean buildings. We encourage anybody who has time and interest in gas system decarbonization to get involved. The facilitators want to hear from community-based organizations about how their communities are affected by gas utilities, pollution, bill affordability, energy efficiency, and the like. The Future of Gas website has links to meeting recordings, agendas, slide presentations, written comments, and many other resources related to this proceeding. To get on the ICC distribution list and receive meeting invitations, fill out this form. Or you can stay up to date by regularly checking in right here.

Thanks,
Scott Allen