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CUB’s report on gas market volatility: December

Jim Chilsen — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 17:27:11 +0000

Gas prices for eight of Illinois’ 9 major utilities are higher, compared with a year ago, led by Liberty Utilities, which is charging a supply price that is about 63 percent higher; Nicor Gas and Mt. Carmel, both charging a price about 56 percent higher; Peoples Gas, which has a price about 28 percent higher; and MidAmerican Energy, with a price about 27 percent higher, according to CUB’s review of December gas prices. Gas prices have been elevated because of colder-than-normal weather last winter and record gas exports (meaning profit-hungry companies sending gas outside the United States) increasing demand and tightening supply. The Energy Information Administration, predicts that prices will rise this winter, but factors such as milder weather are expected to lead to lower increases than previously expected. Market conditions impact the prices individual consumers pay to heat their homes. Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Here’s what CUB found in our review of prices in December. Compared with November, five utilities have higher rates: Consumers Gas (about 19 percent higher ), Illinois Gas (about 1 percent), MidAmerican (14 percent), North Shore Gas (17 percent), and Peoples Gas (18 percent). Three charged prices that were lower: Ameren Illinois (about 5 percent lower), Liberty Utilities (about 2 percent), and Mt. Carmel (about 13 percent). One utility, Nicor Gas, had the same price as in November. Compared with December 2024, this month’s prices were higher for eight utilities, ranging from about 10 percent higher for Illinois Gas to about 63 percent higher for Liberty Utilities. Only one utility was less than last December, with Ameren Gas at about 3 percent lower. See all December prices below. December Gas Prices Ameren Illinois– 44.07 cents per therm (DOWN about 3 percent from December 2024) Consumers Gas– 48.91 cents per therm (UP about 17 percent from December 2024) Illinois Gas– 49.23 cents per therm (UP about 10 percent from December 2024) Liberty Utilities– 40.70 cents per therm (UP about 63 percent from December 2024) MidAmerican Energy– 67.31 cents per therm (UP about 27 percent from December 2024) Mt. Carmel– 66.25 cents per therm (UP about 56 percent from December 2024) Nicor Gas– 39.00 cents per therm (UP about 56 percent from December 2024) North Shore Gas– 51.53 cents per therm (UP about 15 from December 2024) Peoples Gas– 40.63 cents per therm (UP about 28 percent from December 2024) Note: Your utility is determined by where you live, so you cannot switch from one utility to another. Under Illinois law, gas utilities are not allowed to profit off supply prices—they pass those costs from gas producers and marketers onto customers with no markup. State regulators annually review the utilities’ gas-management procedures to evaluate whether the companies did a reasonable job with their gas purchases, given market conditions, to hold down costs for consumers as much as possible. Regulators can order refunds, although that is rare. A few tips from CUB: Keep the lines of communication open with your utility. If you are having trouble affording your gas bills, it is vital that you […]

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CUB’s report on gas market volatility: November

Jim Chilsen — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 14:24:30 +0000

Gas prices for five of Illinois’ 9 major utilities are elevated, compared with a year ago, led by Liberty Utilities, which is charging a supply price that is about 120 percent higher; Nicor Gas, with a price about 39 percent higher, and Consumers Gas, which is charging a price that is about 30 percent higher; according to CUB’s review of November gas prices. Gas prices have been elevated because of colder-than-normal weather last winter and record gas exports (meaning profit-hungry companies sending gas outside the United States) increasing demand and tightening supply. The Energy Information Administration, predicted in October that prices will rise this winter, but increases in gas being put in storage in preparation for the cold season and gas production will lead to lower increases than previously expected. Market conditions impact the prices individual consumers pay to heat their homes. Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Here’s what CUB uncovered in our review of prices in November. Compared with October, four utilities have higher rates: Illinois Gas (about 6 percent), Mt. Carmel (about 16 percent), North Shore Gas (20 percent), and Peoples Gas (14 percent). Four charged prices that were lower: Ameren Illinois (about 2 percent), Consumers Gas (about 10 percent), Liberty Utilities (about 14 percent), and MidAmerican (3 percent). One utility, Nicor Gas, had the same price as in October. Compared with November 2024, this month’s prices were higher for five utilities, ranging from about 7 percent higher for Peoples Gas to about 120 percent higher for Liberty Utilities. Four utilities were less than last November, including Ameren Gas (about 5 percent), Illinois Gas (about 1 percent), and Mt. Carmel (about 12 percent). North Shore Gas’ price was just barely lower (0.1 percent) than last November. November Gas Prices Ameren Illinois– 46.50 cents per therm (DOWN about 5 percent from November 2024) Consumers Gas– 40.97 cents per therm (UP about 30 percent from November 2024) Illinois Gas– 48.70 cents per therm (DOWN about 1 percent from November 2024) Liberty Utilities– 41.40 cents per therm (UP about 120 percent from November 2024) MidAmerican Energy– 58.95 cents per therm (UP about 26 percent from November 2024) Mt. Carmel– 76.18 cents per therm (DOWN about 12 percent from November 2024) Nicor Gas– 39.00 cents per therm (UP about 39 percent from November 2024) North Shore Gas– 43.91 cents per therm (Just barely DOWN, about 0.1 from November 2024) Peoples Gas– 34.45 cents per therm (UP about 7 percent from November 2024) Note: Your utility is determined by where you live, so you cannot switch from one utility to another. Under Illinois law, gas utilities are not allowed to profit off supply prices—they pass those costs from gas producers and marketers onto customers with no markup. State regulators annually review the utilities’ gas-management procedures to evaluate whether the companies did a reasonable job with their gas purchases, given market conditions, to hold down costs for consumers as much as possible. Regulators can order refunds, although that is rare. A few tips from CUB: Keep the lines of communication open with your […]

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CUB’s report on gas market volatility: October

Elizabeth — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 21:31:41 +0000

Gas prices for six of Illinois’ 9 major utilities are elevated, compared with a year ago, led by Liberty Utilities, which is charging a supply price that is about 153 percent higher; Nicor Gas, with a price about 39 percent higher, and MidAmerican Energy, which is charging a price that is about 32 percent higher; according to CUB’s review of October gas prices. Gas prices have been on the rise, with colder-than-normal weather last winter and record gas exports (meaning profit-hungry companies sending gas outside the United States) increasing demand and tightening supply earlier this year. The Energy Information Administration, the statistical arm of the Department of Energy, says it expects wholesale prices to continue to rise into next year, amid “relatively flat” gas production and an increase in U.S. liquefied gas exports. Those market conditions impact the prices individual consumers pay to heat their homes. Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Here’s what CUB uncovered in our review of prices in October. Compared with September, six utilities have higher rates: Ameren Illinois (about 2 percent), Illinois Gas (about 10 percent), Mt. Carmel (about 96 percent), MidAmerican (3 percent), North Shore Gas (7 percent), and Peoples Gas (1 percent). Three charged prices that were lower: Liberty Utilities (about 3 percent), Nicor Gas (13 percent) and Consumers Gas (about 15 percent). Compared with October 2024, this month’s prices were higher for six utilities, ranging from about 1 percent higher for Peoples Gas to about 154 percent higher for Liberty Utilities. Three utilities were less than last October: Ameren Gas (about 4 percent), Illinois Gas (about 1 percent), and Mt. Carmel (21 percent). October Gas Prices Ameren Illinois– 47.28 cents per therm (DOWN about 4 percent from October 2024) Consumers Gas– 45.40 cents per therm (UP about 19.5 percent from October 2024) Illinois Gas– 45.88 cents per therm (DOWN about 0.3 percent from October 2024) Liberty Utilities– 48.04 cents per therm (UP about 153 percent from October 2024) MidAmerican Energy– 60.86 cents per therm (UP about 32 percent from October 2024) Mt. Carmel– 65.87 cents per therm (DOWN about 21 percent from October 2024) Nicor Gas– 39.00 cents per therm (UP about 39 percent from October 2024) North Shore Gas– 36.48 cents per therm (UP about 11 percent from October 2024) Peoples Gas– 30.25 cents per therm (UP about 1 percent from October 2024) Note: Your utility is determined by where you live, so you cannot switch from one utility to another. Under Illinois law, gas utilities are not allowed to profit off supply prices—they pass those costs from gas producers and marketers onto customers with no markup. State regulators annually review the utilities’ gas-management procedures to evaluate whether the companies did a reasonable job with their gas purchases, given market conditions, to hold down costs for consumers as much as possible. Regulators can order refunds, although that is rare. A few tips from CUB: Keep the lines of communication open with your utility. If you are having trouble affording your gas bills, it is vital that you contact your utility. […]

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CUB’s report on gas-market volatility: September

Jim Chilsen — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 15:54:03 +0000

Gas prices for six of Illinois’ 9 major utilities are elevated, compared with a year ago, led by Liberty Utilities, which is charging a supply price that is about 157 percent higher; MidAmerican Energy, which is charging a price that is about 52 percent higher; and Nicor Gas, with a price about 41 percent higher, according to CUB’s review of September gas prices. Gas prices have been on the rise, with colder-than-normal weather last winter and record gas exports (meaning profit-hungry companies sending gas outside the United States) increasing demand and tightening supply earlier this year. The Energy Information Administration, the statistical arm of the Department of Energy, said it expects gas prices to be generally lower than earlier forecasts–but the EIA adds “tighter market balances” are predicted to cause “gradually increasing prices through the end of 2026.” Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Here’s what CUB uncovered in our review of prices in September. September Gas Prices Ameren Illinois– 46.25 cents per therm (DOWN about 12 percent from September 2024)Consumers Gas– 53.13 cents per therm (UP about 28 percent from September 2024)Illinois Gas– 41.62 cents per therm (DOWN about 6.5 percent from September 2024)Liberty Utilities– 49.45 cents per therm (UP about 157 percent from September 2024)MidAmerican Energy– 59.23 cents per therm (UP about 52 percent from September 2024)Mt. Carmel– 33.53 cents per therm (DOWN about 32 percent from September 2024)Nicor Gas– 45.00 cents per therm (UP about 41 percent from September 2024)North Shore Gas– 34.17 cents per therm (UP about 15 percent from September 2024)Peoples Gas– 30.05 cents per therm (UP about 5 percent from September 2024) Note: Your utility is determined by where you live, so you cannot switch from one utility to another. Under Illinois law, gas utilities are not allowed to profit off supply prices—they pass those costs from gas producers and marketers onto customers with no markup. State regulators annually review the utilities’ gas-management procedures to evaluate whether the companies did a reasonable job with their gas purchases, given market conditions, to hold down costs for consumers as much as possible. Regulators can order refunds, although that is rare. A few tips from CUB:

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CUB’s report on gas-market volatility: August

Jim Chilsen — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 22:02:43 +0000

Gas prices for seven of Illinois’ 9 major utilities remained elevated compared with a year ago, led by Liberty Utilities, which is charging a supply price that is about 208 percent higher; Nicor Gas, which is charging a price about 44 percent higher; and Peoples Gas, with a price about 16 percent higher. According to CUB’s monthly review of gas prices, only two utilities were charging less than last August: Ameren Gas (12.9 percent) and Consumers Gas (19.1 percent). The Energy Information Administration’s Short-term Energy Outlook has forecasted that prices could be elevated into 2026. Colder-than-normal winter weather in the early part of the year as well as record gas exports (meaning profit-hungry companies sending gas outside the U.S.) have helped increase demand. The impact of elevated prices is less now, but consumers could be in for a more expensive winter. Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Here’s what CUB uncovered in our review of prices in August. Compared with last month, seven utilities charged lower rates: Ameren Illinois (about 5.4 percent lower), Consumers Gas (about 21.4 percent), Illinois Gas (about 9.7 percent lower, MidAmerican (2.7 percent), Nicor Gas (3.7 percent), Peoples Gas (12.7 percent) and North Shore Gas (15.4 percent). Two charged prices that were higher: Liberty Utilities (30.5 percent) and Mt. Carmel (about 1 percent). Compared with August 2024, this month’s prices were higher for seven utilities, ranging from about 7 percent higher for Illinois Gas to about 208 percent higher for Liberty Utilities. Only two utilities were less than last August: Ameren Gas (12.9 percent) and Consumers Gas (19.1percent). August Gas Prices Ameren Illinois–42.70 cents per therm (DOWN about 12.9 percent from August 2024) Consumers Gas–54.37 cents per therm (DOWN about 19.1 percent from August 2024) Illinois Gas–51.27 cents per therm (UP about 7 percent from August 2024) Liberty Utilities–66.90 cents per therm (UP about 208 percent from August 2024) MidAmerican Energy–57.29 cents per therm (UP about 45.7 percent from August 2024) Mt. Carmel–39.68 cents per therm (UP about 13.2 percent from August 2024) Nicor Gas–52.00 cents per therm (UP about 44.4 percent from August 2024) North Shore Gas–35.94 cents per therm (UP about 14.4 percent from August 2024) Peoples Gas–43.15 cents per therm (UP about 16.3 percent from August 2024) Note: Your utility is determined by where you live, so you cannot switch from one utility to another. Under Illinois law, gas utilities are not allowed to profit off supply prices—they pass those costs from gas producers and marketers onto customers with no markup. State regulators annually review the utilities’ gas-management procedures to evaluate whether the companies did a reasonable job with their gas purchases, given market conditions, to hold down costs for consumers as much as possible. Regulators can order refunds, although that is rare. A few tips from CUB: Keep the lines of communication open with your utility. If you are having trouble affording your gas bills, it is vital that you contact your utility. Ask if you qualify for any energy assistance programs; see if you can set up a plan that […]

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CUB’s report on gas-market volatility: July

Jim Chilsen — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 14:55:17 +0000

Gas prices for eight of Illinois’ 9 major utilities remained elevated compared with a year ago, led by Nicor Gas, with a supply price that is about 50 percent higher; Liberty Utilities, with a price about 45 percent higher; and Peoples Gas, with a price about 38 percent higher. Only Ameren Illinois’ gas price is lower, by 5.6 percent, compared with last July, according to CUB’s review of gas prices set to take effect on July 1. The Energy Information Administration’s Short-term Energy Outlook has forecasted that prices could be elevated into 2026. Colder-than-normal winter weather in the early part of the year as well as record gas exports (meaning profit-hungry companies sending gas outside the U.S.) have helped increase demand. The impact of elevated prices is less now, in the summer, but consumers could be in for a more expensive winter. Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Here’s what CUB uncovered in our review of prices in July. Compared with last month, five utilities charged lower rates: Ameren Illinois (about 1 percent lower), MidAmerican (4.2 percent), Liberty Utilities (9.06 percent), Peoples Gas (10.9 percent) and North Shore Gas (19.8 percent) . Three charged prices that were higher: Illinois Gas (about 1.5 percent higher), Consumers Gas (about 23.8 percent) and Mt. Carmel (about 26.1 percent). Nicor saw no change. Compared with July 2024, this month’s prices were higher for eight utilities, ranging from about 7.6 percent higher for Consumers Gas to about 50 percent higher for Nicor Gas. Only Ameren Gas was less than last July, by 5.6 percent. July Gas Prices Ameren Illinois– 45.15 cents per therm (DOWN about 5.6 percent from July 2024) Consumers Gas– 69.21 cents per therm (UP about 7.6 percent from July 2024) Illinois Gas– 56.77 cents per therm (UP about 18.2 percent from July 2024) Liberty Utilities– 51.28 cents per therm (UP about 45.2 percent from July 2024) MidAmerican Energy– 58.90 cents per therm (UP about 28.2 percent from July 2024) Mt. Carmel– 39.35 cents per therm (UP about 10.3 percent from July 2024) Nicor Gas– 54.00 cents per therm (UP about 50 percent from July 2024) North Shore Gas– 42.49 cents per therm (UP about 16.8 percent from July 2024) Peoples Gas– 49.51 cents per therm (UP about 38 percent from July 2024) Note: Your utility is determined by where you live, so you cannot switch from one utility to another. Under Illinois law, gas utilities are not allowed to profit off supply prices—they pass those costs from gas producers and marketers onto customers with no markup. State regulators annually review the utilities’ gas-management procedures to evaluate whether the companies did a reasonable job with their gas purchases, given market conditions, to hold down costs for consumers as much as possible. Regulators can order refunds, although that is rare. A few tips from CUB: Keep the lines of communication open with your utility. If you are having trouble affording your gas bills, it is vital that you contact your utility. Ask if you qualify for any energy assistance programs; see if you […]

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Elevated prices: CUB’s June report on gas market volatility

Elizabeth — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 16:04:32 +0000

Gas prices for eight major Illinois utilities remained elevated compared with a year ago, led by Peoples Gas, which is charging a supply price that is about 97 percent higher; Nicor Gas, which is charging a price about 59 percent higher; and North Shore Gas, with a price about 55 percent higher. Only Ameren Illinois’ gas price is lower, by 4.5 percent, compared with last June, according to CUB’s monthly review of gas prices. The Energy Information Administration’s Short-term Energy Outlook has forecasted that prices could be elevated into 2026. Colder-than-normal winter weather in January and February as well as record gas exports (meaning profit-hungry companies sending gas outside the U.S.) have helped increase demand. Hopefully, Illinois consumers won’t be using as much gas this month because of warmer weather. Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Here’s what CUB uncovered in our review of prices in June. Compared with last month, three of 9 utilities charged prices that were higher or the same: MidAmerican Energy (about 5.2 percent), Mt. Carmel (about 68.6 percent higher) and Nicor (no change). Six utilities charged lower rates, ranging from 2.5 percent (Consumers Gas) to 15.4 percent (North Shore Gas). Compared with June 2024, this month’s prices were higher for eight utilities, ranging from about 10.6 percent higher for Consumers Gas to about 96.9 percent higher for Peoples Gas. Only Ameren Gas was lower than last June, by 4.5 percent. June Gas Prices Ameren Illinois– 45.61 cents per therm (down about 4.5 percent from June 2024) Consumers Gas– 55.92 cents per therm (up about 10.6 percent from June 2024) Illinois Gas– 55.95 cents per therm (up about 27.1 percent from June 2024) Liberty Utilities– 56.39 cents per therm (up about 28.3 percent from June 2024) MidAmerican Energy– 61.46 cents per therm (up about 37.1 percent from June 2024) Mt. Carmel– 31.21 cents per therm (up about 22.9 percent from June 2024) Nicor Gas– 54.00 cents per therm (up about 58.8 percent from June 2024) North Shore Gas– 52.98 cents per therm (up about 55 percent from June 2024) Peoples Gas– 55.43 cents per therm (up about 96.9 percent from June 2024) Note: Your utility is determined by where you live, so you cannot switch from one utility to another. Under Illinois law, gas utilities are not allowed to profit off supply prices—they pass those costs from gas producers and marketers onto customers with no markup. State regulators annually review the utilities’ gas-management procedures to evaluate whether the companies did a reasonable job with their gas purchases, given market conditions, to hold down costs for consumers as much as possible. Regulators can order refunds, although that is rare. A few tips from CUB: Keep the lines of communication open with your utility. If you are having trouble affording your gas bills, it is vital that you contact your utility. Ask if you qualify for any energy assistance programs; see if you can set up a plan that gives you more time to pay off your bills; and inquire about no or low-cost energy efficiency programs […]

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As Ameren Rolls in Profits and Pushes for Higher Rates, Consumer Groups Call for Cutting Ameren’s Gas Rate-Hike Request by Two-thirds

Elizabeth — Wed, 14 May 2025 16:22:39 +0000

Ameren Illinois’ push to win the largest shareholder profit rate of any major gas utility in the state is unjust and unreasonable, and its $134 million rate-hike request is about triple what the utility can justify under the law, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB), Illinois PIRG and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) said Wednesday, citing testimony filed by consumer advocates. [Note: Since this release was distributed, Ameren has adjusted its rate-hike request to about $128.8 million.] In testimony filed this month, CUB urged the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to reject $55.8 million in overcharges buried in Ameren’s rate-hike proposal – including an exorbitant profit rate for shareholders and the utility’s attempt to force customers to bankroll legal fees connected to its serial rate-hike requests. When the Illinois Attorney General’s Office recommendations are taken into consideration, the requested cuts amount to $85.3 million, or about two-thirds–and the recommended reductions exceed this hefty margin when testimony from other consumer advocates is taken into account. “In recent years, Ameren has repeatedly sought rate hikes and enjoyed skyrocketing profits, yet the company is back at the table again, pushing for its gas customers to cover an outrageous profit rate for its shareholders,” said CUB Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz, who called on consumers to sign a petition to rein in Ameren’s rate hike at CUBActionCenter.com. “Expert testimony by consumer advocates shows that Ameren’s rate hike is at least triple what the company can possibly justify. We urge the ICC to stand up for gas customers and slash Ameren’s rate-hike request.” This would be Ameren’s fourth rate hike since 2018. In that time, the gas utility has raised delivery rates by $202 million, or 50 percent. In that same time period (2018-2024), the utility’s parent company, Ameren, has increased profits by 45 percent for a total of $6.9 billion, and Ameren Illinois’ gas segment has seen its profits more than double. In January, Ameren Illinois filed for a $134.4 million (now $131.1 million) gas rate hike (Docket #25-0084). The request began an 11-month rate case before the ICC. The proposal would raise average monthly residential customer bills by roughly 12 to 13 percent, or $8 to $10 per month, according to Ameren’s public notice. In the rate case, CUB, the Illinois Industrial Energy Consumers (IIEC) group and Federal Executive Agencies partnered to commission expert analysis from Brubaker & Associates, Inc., a Missouri-based consulting firm that specializes in utility regulation. Through the testimony filed May 8, CUB makes several recommendations to slash the rate hike, including: Return on Equity. Ameren has proposed an exorbitant increase in its “return on equity” (ROE)—or profit rate for shareholders—from about 9.44 percent to 10.7 percent. That would give the company the highest ROE among major gas utilities in Illinois. CUB argues for a more reasonable 9.45 percent ROE, which would reduce the rate hike by $30.6 million. In the rate-setting process, ROE is the most important component of a utility’s “rate of return,” which is the rate at which the utility recovers the cost of financing physical assets, such as gas meters and pipes. Capital Structure. CUB’s expert testimony also found problems […]

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Elevated prices: CUB’s May report on gas market volatility

Jim Chilsen — Thu, 01 May 2025 10:36:53 +0000

In May, prices for all 9 major Illinois gas utilities were higher than they were a year ago, led by Peoples Gas, which is charging customers a supply price that is about 116 percent higher; North Shore Gas, with a price about 81 percent higher and Nicor Gas, with a price that is up about 59 percent. Gas prices have been moving up in recent months. The Energy Information Administration’s Short-term Energy Outlook forecasts that prices could be elevated through 2026. Colder-than-normal winter weather in January and February, as well as record gas exports (meaning profit-hungry companies sending gas outside the U.S.) have helped increase demand and prices. Hopefully, Illinois consumers won’t be using as much gas this month because of warmer weather. Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Here’s what CUB uncovered in our review of prices in May. Compared with last month, five of 9 utilities charged prices that were higher: Consumers Gas (about 87 percent higher), North Shore Gas and Peoples Gas (about 11.8 percent), MidAmerican Energy (about 1.1 percent), and Liberty Utilities (about 1 percent). These four utilities saw supply price decreases: Mt. Carmel (about 48 percent lower), Illinois Gas (about 9.9 percent), Nicor (about 6.9 percent), and Ameren (about 0.8 percent). Compared with May 2024, this month’s prices were higher for all nine utilities, ranging from about 3 percent higher for Ameren to about 116 percent higher for Peoples Gas. May Gas Prices Ameren Illinois– 48.49 cents per therm (up about 3 percent from May 2024) Consumers Gas– 57.33 cents per therm (up about 45.5 percent from May 2024) Illinois Gas– 60.26 cents per therm (up about 42.4 percent from May 2024) Liberty Utilities– 61.12 cents per therm (up about 5.3 percent from May 2024) MidAmerican Energy– 58.45 cents per therm (up about 60.1 percent from May 2024) Mt. Carmel– 18.51 cents per therm (up about 20 percent from May 2024) Nicor Gas– 54.00 cents per therm (up about 58.8 percent from May 2024) North Shore Gas– 62.61 cents per therm (up about 80.9 percent from May 2024) Peoples Gas– 59.00 cents per therm (up about 116.3 percent from May 2024) Note: Your utility is determined by where you live, so you cannot switch from one utility to another. Under Illinois law, gas utilities are not allowed to profit off supply prices—they pass those costs from gas producers and marketers onto customers with no markup. State regulators annually review the utilities’ gas-management procedures to evaluate whether the companies did a reasonable job with their gas purchases, given market conditions, to hold down costs for consumers as much as possible. Tips about your gas bill: See if you qualify for energy assistance. The application process for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is open. To apply or learn more, visit www.helpillinoisfamilies.com or call the Help Illinois Families Assistance Line at 1-833-711-0374. Keep the lines of communication open with your utility. If you are having trouble affording your gas bills, it is vital that you contact your utility. Ask if you qualify for any […]

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Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition research shows a “painful history” of aggressive gas hikes

Jim Chilsen — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 21:36:54 +0000

In a little more than a decade, Illinois’ three major gas utilities have raised delivery rates by close to $1.5 billion, almost doubling what customers pay–and aggressive utility spending threatens to make it even worse for consumers in years to come, according to research by members of the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition, including Illinois PIRG and CUB. “These statistics outline a painful history for gas customers, and they serve as a warning that it could get even worse if Illinois doesn’t rein in out-of-control spending by gas utilities and start planning for a managed transition to cheaper, cleaner forms of heat in years to come,” said Jim Chilsen, CUB director of communications. He added that this year’s Illinois Commerce Commission ruling on the Peoples Gas pipeline-replacement program was a significant step in the right direction. The core of the problem with escalating gas bills is aggressive spending by gas utilities on massive capital projects (the companies are incentivized by their rate structure to overspend). Here’s what consumers have faced with Illinois’ three top gas utilities, according to ICJC research. Nicor Gas… Has raised rates by 114 percent since 2017 – totaling $747 million. (Before this stretch, Nicor had raised rates by less than 30 percent over more than two decades.) Has raised rates more than any major utility in Illinois, even ComEd. Wants yet another rate hike–what would be a state-record $309 million increase. Wants to increase its shareholder profit rate to an outrageous 10.35 percent. Ameren Illinois… Has raised gas rates by $202 million, or 50 percent, since 2018. Wants to raise rates yet again, this time by $134 million. Wants to increase its profit rate for shareholders to an outrageous 10.7 percent. Peoples Gas… Has raised rates by $499 million, or 98 percent, since 2011–including a state-record $303 million rate hike in 2023. (Peoples is expected to file for yet another rate hike either this year or next.) Has raked in record profits seven out of the last eight years, thanks to its over-budget, behind-schedule pipe-replacement program. (State regulators recently ordered Peoples to reform the program to cost-effectively focus on replacing the riskiest pipes.) And it could get much worse if utilities across the state are allowed to spend at the pace they want. An analysis released by Groundwork Data and the Building Decarbonization Coalition in May 2024 found that if policymakers allow the status quo to continue, delivery charges–what the utilities charge consumer to deliver gas to their homes–could grow by four to five times by 2050. (See page 72 of the report. Also, here’s a summary of the report.) It’s sobering to think that the grim statistics above only deal with gas delivery charges–not supply. Gas is a volatile commodity, so when supply prices spike again, like they did in 2021, customers will be socked with a double whammy–high supply and delivery rates, driving more people into crisis. Given that gas is so unsustainably expensive, CUB is glad that the ICC has been reining in the gas utilities in recent years, including the most recent ruling on the troubled Peoples Gas pipe-replacement program. We’re also pleased […]

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