ICC Approves Rate Hike For Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas Customers
(CBS) -- People's Gas and North Shore Gas customers can expect to see an increase in their monthly heating bills, reports WBBM's Mariam Sobh.
That is because the Illinois Commerce Commission has approved a rate hike that will go into effect February 1.
"A winter rate hike is like getting a cold slap in the face," said Jim Chilsen with the Citizens Utility Board. "Chicago gas customers are already paying their highest bills of the year in the winter and now they find out that those bills are about to get even higher, so that is a big deal."
The rate hike affects customers in Chicago and the North Shore area. Chilsen says CUB is reviewing the ruling and plans to file a petition to challenge a portion of the rate increase.
A spokeswoman for the Integrys group, the parent company for both Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas, released a statement saying, "The ICC's decision allows for a moderate increase in rates to recover our cost increases. Under the order, an average Peoples Gas residential heating customer could pay approximately $2.70 to $2.75 more per month through new rates. An average North Shore Gas residential heating customer could pay approximately $1.05 to $1.10 more per month."