Nicor Gas has received approval to raise its delivery rates on customers by about $167 million, which is about half of the utility’s initial request of $314 million.

“It’s really important to know that this request was made with a lot of careful thought and consideration,” said Jennifer Golz, a spokesperson for Nicor Gas.

How much more customers will be charged and how soon it will start is still unclear, though the company said early estimates indicate an increase of less than $4.25 per month or less than 5% annually on a total bill for "a typical residential customer."

Nicor Gas initially requested a rate hike of $314.3 million, but on Wednesday, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved a lower rate increase, cutting $146.5 million from that number.

“The ICC’s responsibility i

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