3 days ago
Consumer advocates protest natural gas rate hike
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Consumer advocates say a proposed natural gas rate increase by Nicor Gas is 'unjust and unreasonable.'
In a news release, AARP Illinois, Illinois PIRG and the Citizens Utility Board all condemned the proposed 9% increase, which would add $7.50 a month to a customer's monthly bill.
Nicor, the groups claim, is asking the Illinois Commerce Commission for its fifth increase in less than 10 years. The ask would equate to an additional $308.6 million, which the groups say is the 'highest gas increase in Illinois history.'
The groups allege the request is more than double what the company can justify under the law. They have uncovered more than $150 million in overcharges, including excessive executivebonuses and an exorbitant profit rate for their shareholders.
The Illinois Commerce Commission will hold a public forum on Nicor Gas' request on Monday, June 9 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park & Theater, 201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet.
Nicor Gas is primarily in the northern portion of the state however, it does serve a large portion of McLean Count as well as parts of Tazewell and Woodford counties.
A request for comment from Nicor Gas was not immediately returned.
'Northern Illinoisans have told us that they oppose the proposed increase from Nicor,' said AlHollenbeck of AARP Illinois. 'This hike, on top of several other utility hikes in recent years, disproportionately affects older adults on fixed incomes, who are already struggling to keep up with the ever-growing cost of living in the state. They simply cannot afford higher gas bills and AARP is committed to advocating on their behalf against this proposed rate hike.'
The ICC will issue a final ruling on Nicor's rate-hike request in November.
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