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2 clusters · 5 sources · 14 days · First seen · Last updated

US utility rate hike regulatory developments

Overview

Regulatory bodies in the Midwest are reviewing requests from utility companies to increase natural gas and energy rates.

In Illinois, administrative law judges recommended that the Illinois Commerce Commission reduce a proposed $144 million rate increase from Peoples Gas by 54 percent, suggesting a $66 million hike instead. This follows concerns from the Citizens Utility Board regarding a heating affordability crisis, noting that over 160,000 families are behind on gas bills.

In a separate Illinois development, the Illinois Commerce Commission approved an $82 million rate hike for Nicor Gas following a settlement with the attorney general’s office. This negotiated increase is expected to add approximately $2 per month to residential bills starting in November.

In Michigan, the Public Service Commission approved a $139.2 million annual increase for Consumers Energy, effective October 15. The company has also indicated its intent to seek further rate hikes in December, prompting the Michigan Attorney General to announce intervention to represent consumer interests.

Entities

Illinois Commerce Commission · Citizens Utility Board · Peoples Gas · Michigan Public Service Commission · Consumers Energy

Timeline

  1. [BUSINESS] 3 sources
    Consumers Energy and Nicor Gas face scrutiny over rate hike requests

    Consumers Energy in Michigan and Nicor Gas in Illinois are navigating new natural gas rate hike proceedings and settlements involving state attorneys general and regulatory commissions.

  2. [BUSINESS] 2 sources
    Peoples Gas rate hike recommended to be cut by 54 percent

    Illinois regulators have recommended slashing a proposed $144 million Peoples Gas rate hike to $66 million, though consumer advocates are calling for even deeper cuts to protect struggling households.

Sources

capitolfax.com · europesays.com · gcn.com · suburbanchicagoland.com · thevoice.us