# US utility rate hike regulatory developments > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-utility-rate-hike-regulatory-developments > Updated: 2026-10-21T01:40:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. 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. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-21: 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. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/consumers-energy-and-nicor-gas-face-scrutiny-over-rate-hike-requests ### 2026-10-08: 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. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/peoples-gas-rate-hike-recommended-to-be-cut-by-54-percent --- Cite as: US utility rate hike regulatory developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-utility-rate-hike-regulatory-developments