Article Summary

Nicor Gas and Ameren Illinois customers will likely see a rate increase on their bills next year, pending a final decision from state regulators in the coming weeks.

An administrative judge recommended that regulators increase rates. Ameren customers would see a roughly $5.80 increase in bills per month under the proposal. Nicor said bills would go up around 5% to 6%.

The companies say that the increases are necessary to pay for safety upgrades and system maintenance, but advocates accuse them of unnecessary profiteering.

The cases are set against a backdrop of uncertainty as utilities and regulators weigh the future of the natural gas industry.

This summary was written by the reporters and editors who worked on this story.

Customers across Illinois could face increas

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