spot_imgspot_img

Report: Gas bills could double within 15 years if Illinois regulators don’t intervene

(The Center Square) – A new report says gas bills for many Illinoisans could skyrocket unless state regulators intervene in a pipe replacement program

Peoples Gas and its System Modernization Program has been under fire for cost overruns and delays. The Illinois Commerce Commission paused most spending on the program pending a state investigation.

The nonprofit Citizens Utility Board has released a report that says the cost of Peoples Gas’ program has climbed to nearly $11 billion, far beyond the original $2 billion estimate. Jim Chilsen, CUB director of communications, said if the program isn’t overhauled, there will be rounds of record-breaking rate hikes for 15 years.

“That would double the annual charges for the average customer from about $1,200 to $2,400 by 2040,” said Chilsen.

Peoples customers would continue to incur charges associated with the pipe-replacement program for another 75 years after the utility currently estimates it will finish revamping its system of gas mains, according to the report.

Abe Scarr, state director of the consumer watchdog Illinois Public Interest Research Group, said there is no transparency with Peoples’ pipe replacement program.

“Peoples Gas will not even commit to ensuring that its billions of dollars of spending going forward is cost effective, and that’s just absurd,” said Scarr. “A utility should always be able to demonstrate that the benefits of their investments are greater than the costs.”

In a statement to The Center Square, a Peoples Gas spokesman said CUB’s claims are false, saying in part: “Natural gas heating remains the most affordable way to stay safe and warm, by far. At the same time CUB is claiming to care about affordability, they fully support measures that would force Chicagoans to go ‘all electric’ – a move that would DOUBLE or TRIPLE heating bills.”

The Illinois Commerce Commission expects to wrap up an investigation into the program in January.

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_imgspot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Ohio Supreme Court orders Yost to review Voters Bill of Rights.

(The Center Square) – The Ohio Supreme Court unanimously...

Noncitizen student charged with voter fraud in Michigan; ballot likely counted

(The Center Square) – A noncitizen Chinese student at...

Higgins is clear favorite in crowded 3rd Congressional District field

(The Center Square) — Louisiana's 3rd Congressional District has...

Half of all Georgia voters have already cast their ballots

(The Center Square) – Just over two weeks after...

Marijuana home delivery to begin in Arizona

(The Center Square) – Arizonans can now have marijuana...

Pentagon releases $29.8 billion cost of secret military intelligence budget

(The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Defense...

More like this
Related

Ohio Supreme Court orders Yost to review Voters Bill of Rights.

(The Center Square) – The Ohio Supreme Court unanimously...

Noncitizen student charged with voter fraud in Michigan; ballot likely counted

(The Center Square) – A noncitizen Chinese student at...

Higgins is clear favorite in crowded 3rd Congressional District field

(The Center Square) — Louisiana's 3rd Congressional District has...