Illinois Officials OK $69M Gas Rate Hike For Nicor

CUB Executive Director David Kolata claimed the increase illustrated how "the needs of consumers are being overshadowed by corporate interests."

"It's difficult, if not impossible, to stimulate a struggling economy if consumers are dumping more and more of their hard-earned cash into their natural gas bills," Kolata said. "As lawmakers struggle to put more money back into consumers' pockets, today's decision just takes more out."

Madigan expressed a similar sentiment Wednesday.

"I am disappointed in the size of the Nicor rate hike approved today by the Illinois Commerce Commission especially during these challenging economic times," Madigan said. "Such a large increase puts the interests of utilities ahead of consumers at a time when Illinois families can least afford it."

She said her office will review the commission's ruling and consider legal options available for Illinois consumers.

Nicor has defended its request, saying the company has sought rate increases only three times in 20 years.

"We kept our rate relief request to the minimum needed to maintain safe and reliable natural gas service to our more than 2 million customers," Martinez said.