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 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. For tips and information about helpful energy efficiency programs offered by your utility, visit CUB’s Clean Energy page.
- Beware of alternative supplier rip-offs. If a deal seems too good to be true, there’s a good chance it is. If the utility supply price increases, remember that it’s due to market factors that also will increase alternative supplier prices. As volatile as gas utility prices are, your best bet for gas supply is likely with your utility and not with an alternative supplier. Read our tips. (Note: Only consumers in Northern Illinois have gas choice.)
- 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.)
- More helpful resources:
- CUB’s Gas page
- Historical gas prices
- CUB’s gas-price reports from 2024: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December. And 2025: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October.
- If you want to consider moving away from gas, visit our electrification page and order CUB’s free Better Heat Guide to learn how to make the transition to more efficient appliances, like electric heat pumps and induction stove tops.
