Peoples Gas announced Monday it was seeking a rate hike that could increase customers’ average monthly bills by $10 to $11.
The utility company said it filed a request with the Illinois Commerce Commission to establish new rates beginning in 2027. In a news release, Peoples Gas explained the hike is “critical to ensuring ongoing safety and reliability” as it replaces more than 1,000 miles of old iron pipes from Chicago’s heating system.
The Citizens Utility Board issued a statement, saying, in part, “the utility’s bid for yet another rate hike is unconscionable.”
“Peoples Gas just received the biggest gas hike in Illinois history in 2023, and it’s all the more outrageous that this new cash-grab comes as Chicago descends into one of the coldest months of the year and far too many families can’t afford to pay Peoples Gas bills amid rising costs for other necessities like prescriptions and groceries…” the statement continued, in part.
The Illinois Commerce Commission is expected to take 11 months to review the filing made by Peoples Gas, the utility said.