(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A consumer watchdog group is calling on the Illinois Commerce Commission to draw the line on the kinds of profits People’s Gas has been enjoying and not give the utility the rate increase it wants.
An administrative law judge recommends People’s Gas be given a $350 million dollar rate increase, not the $402 million dollar increase the utility wants, but the Citizens Utility Board said People’s Gas shouldn’t even get that.
"What this really is would be a smack in the face for Chicagoans who are already struggling to afford to heat their homes and this is a necessary service, not to mention the fact that People’s Gas has been enjoying six years of record profits," said CUB executive director Sarah Moskowitz.
CUB estimates the average natural gas bill in Chicago would rise $120 per year if the Illinois Commerce Commission approved the rate increase.
As of August, nearly 20% of People’s Gas customers were more than 30 days behind on their bills, according to CUB. In some zip codes, the watchdog group said more than 50% of people cannot pay their natural gas bills.
Moskowitz said the People's Gas pipeline replacement project has been mismanaged and is significantly over its budget and that People's Gas should not get a rate increase.
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