Consumers

The Illinois Commerce Commission approved a $73 million natural gas rate increase for Ameren on Wednesday. It’s not yet known how much bills will go up with the decision.

The final decision on Ameren Illinois’ $128.8 million rate hike request for natural gas delivery services will be made by the Illinois Commerce Commission.

Ameren Illinois, based in Collinsville, made the request to state regulators to increase its natural gas services by $8 to $10 per month for typical customers.

Spending from consumers largely held up in the face of concerns of a recession or that it would just drop off, but there’s a limit to how much people are willing to shoulder higher costs.

With company profits cut, low-income customers in Illinois are set to receive new discounts on the utilities.