Nicor permitted to raise gas rates, not as much as company wants, Illinois Commerce Commission says; opponents say it's too much

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Nicor is allowed to raise gas rates, but not as high as the company wants.

That's the recommendation from the Illinois Commerce Commission.

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Nicor wanted to bump up bills by 9%, about a $7 monthly increase for customers.

The commission says that's too steep.

It will vote on the rate hike next month.

Nicor would raise rates by $204 million, rather than the $314 million the company proposed.

Opponents say a new increase would be Nicor's fifth in eight years.

While a significant reduction, the recommendation falls short of the $153 million in cuts proposed by consumer advocates and the Office of the Illinois Attorney General, opponents said.