Illinois Commerce Commission

A new report by state regulators projects energy shortfalls will begin in northern Illinois by 2029 and the rest of the state by 2031 if lawmakers and grid operators don’t act.

As Illinoisans use more natural gas to heat their homes with colder weather hitting the region, Ameren says changes to the company’s local natural gas storage fields in the Metro East will help make it more efficient and save customers money in the long run.

Following the ICC’s approval of a $73 million rate increase for Ameren last month, the company’s residential customers can expect to see an average $3.65 increase on their monthly bills starting in January.

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.

The move comes after state regulators at the Illinois Commerce Commission approved the requested increase on Thursday. The five-member board approved a $110 million increase for the company, a 30% reduction from the company’s original request early this year.

State regulators will seek input from public on proposed rate increase. Illinois American Water, which serves 1.3 million people, is seeking a $152.4 million rate increase. Aqua Illinois, which serves 273,000 people, is seeking a $19.2 million increase.

Researchers say if state officials don’t curb utility spending, “Illinois is on course to maintain its entire gas system indefinitely.”

State regulators are once again considering massive electric utility spending plans that would affect the state’s climate goals – and 5.4 million electric customers’ monthly bills – after rejecting previous versions late last year.