"Peoples Gas Rate Hike Reduced by Illinois Commerce Commission"

The Illinois Commerce Commission has slashed Peoples Gas' request for a rate increase and ordered an investigation into the utility's pipeline replacement program, which has seen costs balloon to almost six times the original estimate. While the exact impact on customers' bills is not yet known, the monthly increase is expected to be under $10. The decision also reined in rate hikes for suburban Nicor and North Shore Gas customers. Consumer advocates praised the commission's ruling, stating that it holds utilities accountable and signals that customers will no longer be treated as an ATM.