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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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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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CUB’s monthly report on gas market volatility: Price spikes in April 2025

Jim Chilsen — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 10:03:36 +0000

April gas supply prices are elevated for most utilities, led by Peoples Gas, which is charging a supply rate that is more than 100 percent higher than last year; Illinois Gas, which is up by about 75 percent; and Nicor Gas, which is up by about 71 percent. “These numbers are particularly disappointing and disturbing, given that on the other side of the bill two utilities, Nicor and Ameren, are trying to increase delivery rates for next winter, which means their customers could have an even harder time affording their bills if gas supply prices remain elevated,” CUB Communications Director Jim Chilsen said. “We are challenging the delivery rate hikes, but with these supply price spikes we’re at the mercy of an extremely volatile gas market. I hope we have a warmer spring so these elevated prices don’t hurt as much.” Chilsen added that energy efficiency measures at home also can help blunt the impact of these supply increases. (See tips below.) The EIA’s Short Term Energy Outlook says gas prices could be up over the next two years. So why are prices up? Forbes reported in March that prices in the United States had soared because of high demand and constrained supply, thanks to multiple factors, including extreme weather, record liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to feed increased demand in Europe and Asia, and other global issues, such as the war in Ukraine. “This surge has significant implications for consumers, industries, and energy markets worldwide,” Forbes reported. Gas utilities in the state 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 April. Compared with last month (March 2025), prices were higher for five of 9 utilities: Ameren (about 5 percent higher than last month), Illinois Gas (about 28 percent), Peoples Gas (about 30 percent), Liberty Utilities (about 40 percent) and Nicor Gas (about 53 percent higher). These four utilities saw supply price decreases: North Shore Gas (about 0.7 percent lower), MidAmerican Energy (about 5.5 percent), Consumers Gas (about 29 percent) and Mt. Carmel (about 36 percent lower). Compared with April 2024, prices were higher for seven of 9 utilities, ranging from about about 9 percent higher for Ameren to about 103.6 percent higher for Peoples Gas. Of the two utilities with lower prices compared with last April, the price for Liberty Utilities was about 5 percent lower and the price for Consumers Gas was about 11 percent lower. Below, see the full list comparing the PGAs for this month with a year ago. April Gas Prices Ameren Illinois– 48.89 cents per therm (up about 9 percent from April 2024) Consumers Gas– 30.66 cents per therm (down about 11 percent from April 2024) Illinois Gas– 66.91 cents per therm (up about 75 percent from April 2024) Liberty Utilities– 60.5 cents per therm (down about 5 percent from April 2024) MidAmerican Energy– 57.79 cents per therm (up about 57 percent from April 2024) Mt. Carmel– 35.71 cents per therm (up about 25 percent from April 2024) Nicor Gas– 58.0 cents per therm (up about 71 percent […]

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CUB’s monthly report on gas market volatility: March 2025

Jim Chilsen — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 17:28:27 +0000

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 March. Compared with last month (February 2025), prices were higher for eight of 9 utilities: Ameren (about 0.24 percent higher), Illinois Gas (about 3.1 percent), Liberty Utilities (about 38.7 percent), MidAmerican Energy (about 10.6 percent), Mt. Carmel (about 11.7 percent), Nicor Gas (about 18.8 percent), North Shore Gas (about 13.8 percent) and Peoples Gas (about 4.5 percent). The lone utility that saw a price decrease was Consumers Gas, with an 11.3 percent decline since last month Compared with March 2024, prices were higher for six of 9 utilities, ranging from about 2.7 percent higher for Nicor to about 55.7 percent higher for Consumers Gas. Of the utilities with lower prices from a year ago, the drop ranged from about 1.7 percent lower for Ameren to about 36.4 percent lower for Liberty Utilities. Below, see the full list comparing the PGAs for this month with a year ago. March Gas Prices Ameren Illinois– 46.44 cents per therm (down about 1.7 percent from March 2024) Consumers Gas– 43.36 cents per therm (up about 55.7 percent from March 2024) Illinois Gas– 52.32 cents per therm (up about 47.5 percent from March 2024) Liberty Utilities– 43.35 cents per therm (down about 36.4 percent from March 2024) MidAmerican Energy– 61.17 cents per therm (up about 42.4 percent from March 2024) Mt. Carmel– 56.1 cents per therm (down about 29.8 percent from March 2024) Nicor Gas– 38.0 cents per therm (up about 2.7 percent from March 2024) North Shore Gas– 56.4 cents per therm (up about 45.4 percent from March 2024) Peoples Gas– 40.7 cents per therm (up about 20.1 percent from March 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. The gas utilities are allowed to profit off the delivery side of bills–and Nicor and Ameren Illinois are both pushing for rate hikes in 2025. If you are having trouble affording your gas bills, you are not alone! A few tips from CUB: See if you qualify for energy assistance. To apply or learn more about the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), visit this state of Illinois webpage. (Also, check out our Step by step guide to applying for LIHEAP.) 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 the company offers. Practice energy […]

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CUB’s monthly report on gas market volatility: February 2025

Jim Chilsen — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 00:58:54 +0000

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 February. Compared with last month (January 2025), prices were higher for eight of 9 utilities: Ameren Illinois (about 1.8 percent higher), Illinois Gas (about 2.8 percent), MidAmerican (about 9.5 percent), North Shore Gas (about 10.9 percent), Nicor Gas (about 14.3 percent), Peoples Gas (about 16.4 percent), Consumers Gas (about 24.3 percent), and Liberty Utilities (about 24.4 percent). Mt. Carmel was the only utility that saw its price go down, by about 7.3 percent. Compared with February 2024, prices were higher for six of 9 utilities, ranging from 6.4 percent higher for Ameren Illinois to 43.5 percent higher for Consumers Gas. Of the utilities with lower prices from a year ago, the drop ranged from 1.9 percent lower for Mt. Carmel to 46.8 percent lower for Liberty Utilities. See the list below, comparing the PGAs for this month with a year ago. February Gas Prices Ameren Illinois– 46.32 cents per therm (up about 6.4 percent from February 2024) Consumers Gas– 48.89 cents per therm (up about 43.5 percent from February 2024) Illinois Gas– 50.77 cents per therm (up about 24.2 percent from February 2024) Liberty Utilities– 31.25 cents per therm (down about 46.8 percent from February 2024) MidAmerican Energy– 55.3 cents per therm (up about 12.6 percent from February 2024) Mt. Carmel– 50.24 cents per therm (down about 1.9 percent from February 2024) Nicor Gas– 32.00 cents per therm (down about 17.9 percent from February 2024) North Shore Gas– 49.57 cents per therm (up about 19.9 percent from February 2024) Peoples Gas– 38.94 cents per therm (up about 18.3 percent from February 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. A few tips from CUB: See if you qualify for energy assistance. To apply or learn more about the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), visit this state of Illinois webpage. (Also, check out our Step by step guide to applying for LIHEAP.) 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 the company offers. Practice energy efficiency at home. Your Winter To-Do List: Save Money, Keep the Chill Out Tips for staying safe, warm and energy-efficient during Illinois winters Save energy and money with these winter efficiency tips Beware of alternative supplier rip-offs. If a deal seems too good […]

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CUB’s monthly report on gas market volatility: January 2025

Jim Chilsen — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 16:03:41 +0000

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 January. Compared with last month, six of 9 major utilities are charging prices that are higher: Ameren (about 0.2 percent higher); Liberty Utilities (about 0.3 percent); Peoples Gas (about 5.4 percent); Illinois Gas (about 10.2 percent); Nicor Gas (about 12 percent); and Mt. Carmel (about 27.6 percent). Prices are lower for three utilities: North Shore Gas (about 0.4 percent lower); MidAmerican Energy (about 4.4 percent); and Consumers Gas (about 6.1 percent). Compared with January 2024, seven out of 9 utilities are charging prices that are higher, ranging from about 4.9 percent higher (Peoples Gas) to about 36.3 percent higher (Mt. Carmel). North Shore Gas, the sister company to Peoples Gas, is charging a price that’s about 8.6 percent higher. The two utilities charging lower prices are Nicor Gas (about 17.7 percent lower) and Liberty Utilities (about 22.2 percent). See the list below, comparing the PGAs for this month with a year ago. January Gas Prices Ameren Illinois– 45.50 cents per therm (up about 7.4 percent from January 2024) Consumers Gas– 39.34 cents per therm (up about 30.2 percent from January 2024) Illinois Gas– 49.40 cents per therm (up about 32.8 percent from January 2024) Liberty Utilities– 25.12 cents per therm (down about 22.2 percent from January 2024) MidAmerican Energy– 50.51 cents per therm (up about 16.1 percent from January 2024) Mt. Carmel– 54.22 cents per therm (up about 36.3 percent from January 2024) Nicor Gas– 28.00 cents per therm (down about 17.7 percent from January 2024) North Shore Gas– 44.71 cents per therm (up about 8.6 percent from January 2024) Peoples Gas– 33.45 cents per therm (up about 4.9 percent from January 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. A few tips from CUB: See if you qualify for energy assistance. To apply or learn more about the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), visit this state of Illinois webpage. (Also, check out our Step by step guide to applying for LIHEAP.) 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 the company offers. Practice energy efficiency at home. Your Winter To-Do List: Save Money, Keep the Chill Out Tips for staying safe, warm and energy-efficient during Illinois winters Save energy and money with these winter efficiency tips […]

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CUB’s monthly report on gas market volatility: December

Jim Chilsen — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 17:22:24 +0000

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 December. Compared with last month, five of 9 major utilities are charging prices that are lower, ranging from about 1.2 percent lower (Peoples Gas) to about 51.1 percent lower (Mt. Carmel). Nicor Gas’ price dropped by about 10.7 percent, Illinois Gas by 8.6 percent and Ameren Illinois by 7 percent. Prices were higher for four utilities: North Shore Gas (2.1 percent); Liberty Utilities (9.1 percent), MidAmerican (13.1 percent); and Consumers Gas (33.3 percent). Compared with December 2023, six out of 9 utilities are charging prices that are lower, ranging from about 2.2 percent (Illinois Gas) to about 40.8 percent (Liberty Utilities) lower. Nicor Gas is charging a supply rate that’s about 32.4 percent lower than last year, while Peoples Gas is charging a supply price that’s about 10.4 percent lower. The three utilities charging higher prices saw increases of about 6.2 percent (Ameren), 7.7 percent (Consumers Gas) and 34.9 percent (MidAmerican). See the list below, comparing the PGAs for December with the PGAs from December of 2023. December Gas Prices Ameren Illinois– 45.40 cents per therm (up about 6.2 percent from December 2023) Consumers Gas– 41.91 cents per therm (up about 7.7 percent from December 2023) Illinois Gas– 44.82 cents per therm (down about 2.2 percent from December 2023) Liberty Utilities– 25.04 cents per therm (down about 40.8 percent from December 2023) MidAmerican Energy– 52.82 cents per therm (up about 34.9 percent from December 2023) Mt. Carmel– 42.51 cents per therm (down about 27.7 percent from December 2023) Nicor Gas– 25.00 cents per therm (down about 32.4 percent from December 2023) North Shore Gas– 44.9 cents per therm (down about 4.4 percent from December 2023) Peoples Gas– 31.73 cents per therm (down about 10.4 percent from December 2023) 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 ensure the companies did a reasonable job with their gas purchases, given market conditions, to hold down costs for consumers as much as possible. A few tips from CUB: See if you qualify for energy assistance. The application process for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) opens again in October. To apply or learn more, visit this state of Illinois webpage. (Also, check out our Step by step guide to applying for LIHEAP.) 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 to give you a longer time to pay off your bills; and inquire about no or low-cost energy efficiency programs the company offers. Practice energy efficiency at home. Your Winter To-Do List: Save Money, […]

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