Overview
- State commissioners approved a $168 million increase after Nicor sought $314 million, trimming the request by about 47%.
- The order sets the company’s allowed return on equity at 9.6% instead of the 10.35% Nicor proposed.
- Households will see bill increases beginning in December; the full request was estimated to add about $7.50 to an average monthly bill.
- The commission also pared a proposed Ameren increase and directed a review of gas line extension allowances that shift costs to existing customers.
- Consumer and environmental groups welcomed the ruling as progress toward affordability and cleaner options, while warning of continued winter bill strain.