Based on its experience combatting high utility costs over the past year, the consumer watchdog Citizens Utility Board (CUB) of Illinois has issued its list of what looks to be major threats to utility affordability in 2026. “As consumers struggle with high prices across the board for everyday necessities like…...
Regulatory opinion favors cutting Ameren gas rate hike by $44 million, half the reduction consumers are due, watchdogs say
A $128.8 million gas rate hike proposed by Ameren Illinois would shrink by about one-third, under a recommendation pending before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). But consumer advocates said Thursday that state regulators should cut much deeper when they issue a final ruling on the threat of another stinging increase…...
CUB’s 2025 State Capitol agenda: Fighting high bills, ridiculous charges, secret votes and supplier overcharges
By Bryan McDaniel CUB’s Director of Governmental Affairs The thing about consumer advocates is that we never give up. That’s why year after year, we’re advocating for strong, pro-consumer policy in the halls of the State Capitol. Here’s a summary of what we’re working on. Senate Bill 75: The Water…...
Casework Roundup: Enough! Gas utility pushes for record rate hike
The ink was barely dry on rate hikes granted electric and water utilities in 2024 when Nicor Gas and Ameren Illinois proposed new gas increases for 2025—including one that would be the largest gas increase in Illinois history. Also, Peoples Gas has filed papers with state regulators indicating it might…...
CUB Urges ICC to Cut Ameren Rate-Hike Request
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) pushed back on a recommendation by state regulatory judges that the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) grant Ameren Illinois an electric rate hike of $315 million, saying the judges had overlooked key examples of overspending by the utility. The Proposed Order, submitted on Oct. 8 by three ICC…...
CUB identifies millions in overcharges, wasteful spending in utility grid plans
As Commonwealth Edison and Ameren Illinois push to raise rates to upgrade the power grid, CUB has filed expert testimony and briefs, identifying overcharges and wasteful spending in the companies’ proposed plans. Take action: Sign our petition urging the ICC to rein in Ameren and ComEd. File a public comment…...
Casework Roundup: A report from CUB’s General Counsel
By Eric DeBellis CUB General Counsel As usual, we’re busy juggling a heavy caseload before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) concerning the state’s biggest utilities: ComEd, Ameren, Peoples Gas, Illinois American and Aqua Illinois. Here’s a summary of where we’re at: Electric Cases Background: Back in December, the ICC slashed…...
CUB calls on ICC to reject record rate hike for Peoples Gas after agency official recommends big increase for utility
An administrative law judge for the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has issued a “proposed order” recommending that the ICC approve a record-high $350 million rate hike for Peoples Gas, awarding the company the vast bulk — 87 percent —of the $402 million increase it has sought from regulators. The recommended…...
Regulators say NO to Peoples, Nicor Gas
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has ordered a $15.4 million refund for Peoples Gas customers and most recently a refund of more than $31 million for Nicor Gas customers, two votes that may signal a tougher stance towards utilities whose rampant spending has helped spark a heating-affordability crisis in Illinois.…...
Legal update: CUB testimony on record rate hikes urges $1.6 billion in reductions
By: Eric DeBellis General Counsel CUB’s legal team has been working nonstop the past month, filing expert testimony with state regulators to oppose a record six utility rate hikes, exposing the proposed increases as unjust and unreasonable and urging state regulators to cut them by a combined total of at…...
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