ICC Expanding Public Comment Opportunity on Peoples Gas General Rate Case

Springfield, IL - The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is providing Peoples Gas customers an additional opportunity to offer comments on the company's proposed general increase in rates at a public hearing on August 1, 2023, in Chicago. The hearing will begin at 6 pm at the University of Illinois-Chicago, Isadore and Sadie Dorin Forum, 725 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60608.

The ICC Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) who is presiding over the case in Docket No. 23-0069, as well as ICC Staff, will be onsite to accept the public comments. Representatives from Peoples Gas will also be present. The public are invited to submit verbal or written comments to the ALJ at the hearing. To ensure everyone wishing to speak is accommodated, verbal comments will be limited to three minutes per person. It should be noted that public comments may not be used to resolve disputed issues of fact in the formal proceeding. Commission staff will be available to answer procedural questions following the comment portion of the meeting.

For those unable to attend the hearing, public comments may also be filed with the ICC through its website in Docket No. 23-0069. Comments may also be left with an ICC Consumer Services Division Counselor by calling toll-free 1-800-524-0795 between 8:30 am and 5 pm. Monday through Friday.

Peoples Gas filed the petition for approval of a general rate increase with the Commission back in January 2023. A proposed order summarizing the case and making recommendations is expected to be filed by the ALJs in the fall, and a final order issued by the Commissioners must be issued before the end of the year.

The Commission operates under the direction of state law and statute. The ICC's mission is to balance the interests of consumers and utilities to ensure adequate, efficient, reliable, safe and least-cost public utility services.

If you are interested in reviewing Peoples Gas' petitions, you may do so by visiting the ICC's e-docket site at Documents for 23-0069.

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is a quasi-judicial body made up of five Commissioners. Through its Public Utility Program, the Commission oversees the provision of adequate, reliable, efficient and safe utility services at the least possible cost to Illinois citizens served by electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water and sewer public utility companies. Through its Transportation Regulatory Program, the Commission oversees public safety and consumer protection programs with regard to intrastate commercial motor carriers of general freight, household goods movers, relocation towers, safety towers, personal property warehouses and repossession agencies. The Commission's Rail Safety Program also inspects and regulates the general safety of railroad tracks, facilities and equipment in the state.

To learn more about the Commission, its offices and bureaus, click here. If you are a consumer who needs help resolving a utility dispute call 800-524-0795 or file an online complaint here. For a complaint related to transportation, call 217-782-6448.

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