The Illinois Commerce Commission will be holding a public hearing tomorrow at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Residents have been urged to come let their voices be heard about how they feel about the record-breaking gas rate hike proposal. In January, People Gas submitted a $402 million raised rate proposal. If approved, it would be the largest gas increase in the state’s history. More than 250,000 Chicagoans will be impacted.
Gas Rate Hike Is More Than People Can Afford
Since the company’s gas rate proposal was announced, many people living across the state have voiced their opinion. Such as Rick Simkin, who left a public comment on ICC’s website:
Peoples Gas has raised its Qualified Infrastructure Plant (QIP) charge beyond all promises and reasonable expectations. In 2013 Peoples Gas in 2013 claimed this would cost customers about $13 per year. If the cost increased with the inflation rate, this would be $16.76 now, or about $1.40/month. My January 2023 gas bill included a QIP charge of $22.23, a jump more than 15 times the rate of inflation.
The QIP charge is not serving its stated purposes nor is it serving customers. The law authorizing it should be repealed.
Simkin is not alone in this viewpoint. So far, there are over 100 comments left on the e-Docket P2023-0069. “I am against this proposed rate hike. Please stop this corporate fascist take over of America. This rate hike will exacerbate the massive inequality in this country,” Frank DiCristofano’s comment exclaims. Another person wrote about how their gas bill had already increased by over $200 since 2022. Many others voiced how the gas rate hike is not something they could do.
Proposed Increase
The Peoples Gas and Coke Company want to raise their gas rates by roughly 60% more than what consumers are already paying. This holds the possibility of raising gas bills by as little as $12 to $142 a year, according to CUB Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz.
“This is the most significant gas rate-hike battle Chicago consumers have ever faced, so we need a capacity crowd at this public forum,” she added. Furthermore, these increased prices will start in January 2024, if approved.
Individuals are still struggling to keep up with the increased prices of food, rent, and fuel that came after the COVID-19 pandemic. The last thing they need is to have more inflated prices on their gas bill. “We know that the effects of inflation and other economic pressures continue to impact Illinoisans, who do not need this added stress on their finances,” stated Philippe Largent, State Director of AARP Illinois.
Raise Your Voice
Additionally, AARP Chicago explained that the new gas rate proposal would increase consumers’ monthly bills too. This is the price a customer is charged before they ever turn on an appliance. Meaning instead of paying $30 a month for the luxury of having gas appliances, customers would pay $44.
“That’s why we are encouraging our members and all older adults to raise their voices before Peoples Gas raises their rates,” added Largent.
Opposing Views
On the contrary, Peoples Gas released a statement saying the claims about the gas rate are not true. In fact, the company is saying its customers will see a stark contrast between their current bills and what they would be charged next year should the proposed gas rate hike be approved.
In the statement, the company’s spokesman, David Schwartz, claimed the proposal “will be offset by declining natural gas prices.” He continued by adding this offset will leave consumers with “relatively flat” bills “for next year.”
Additionally, there will be representatives at the public forum “to talk with customers one-on-one about energy efficiency and bill assistance programs.”
Residents are encouraged to leave their comments on ICC’s website on Docket No. 23-0069 if they are unable to attend. Or they can call toll-free 1-800-524-0795 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Additionally, AARP sent out postcards for people to fill out if they are unable to attend the hearing or people can sign the petition on their website.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
AARP Illinois: Raise Your Voice Before Peoples Gas Raises Your Rates!
ICC: Case Details for 23-0069
Fox News: Chicago residents urged to speak out against $402M record gas rate hike proposal
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Alisdare Hickson‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Kenneth Spencer‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
