ILLINOIS (WCIA) — A utility watchdog said they will challenge a $134 million gas rate hike, proposed by Ameren Illinois.

The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) said that Ameren has already earned $111 million in gas rate hikes since 2021. And, the new proposal would increase “key delivery charges by more than 20 percent,” according to CUB Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz.

CUB said that the proposed hike would increase the customer charge by about 24%, to $25.16 per month, and the per therm (unit of heat energy) distribution charge by about 28% to
56.207 cents per therm.

In response to the proposed hikes, CUB is calling on the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to reduce the utility’s spending and to consider the environmental impact that gas has on the environment.

“It is essential that Illinois begin to plan for the long-term transition away from gas to
heating alternatives that are cheaper, cleaner and safer,” Moskowitz said.

CUB said that customers who are having trouble paying their bills should contact their utility company to learn about payment plans. Customers can also contact the Help Illinois Families call center, at 1-833-711-0374 to learn more about the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).