AARP Illinois Advocacy Saves Consumers Millions as ICC Slashes Nicor Gas Rate Hike

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 19, 2025

Contact: Monika Wnuk, AARP IL (773) 742-3743, mwnuk@aarp.org

AARP Illinois Advocacy Saves Consumers Millions as ICC Slashes Nicor Gas Rate Hike

CHICAGO, IL – The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) stopped the biggest gas rate hike in Illinois history Wednesday, cutting a proposed $314 million increase from Nicor Gas by 50 percent, pending a written verdict. The ICC’s ruling comes on the heels of months of public outcry and advocacy by AARP Illinois, including 35,000 petitions signed by AARP members.

The ruling also rejected Nicor’s request for excessive infrastructure spending and reduced Nicor’s proposed rate of return from 10.35% to the national average of 9.6%. While these reductions mark a meaningful victory for consumers, the ICC also approved an increase of the monthly customer charge from $19 to $23, which will continue to place a burden on Illinois households – and disproportionately on older adults living on fixed incomes – who are already struggling with the rising costs of electricity, food, and housing.

“While AARP Illinois commends the ICC for their decision to lower NICOR’s request for the largest gas rate increase in Illinois history, we remain concerned about rising costs of utilities across the state for families — especially older adults on fixed incomes. Ratepayers cannot continue to absorb increases year after year,” said AARP Illinois State Director Philippe Largent. “This win was a direct result of the power of 35,000 AARP Illinois members who signed our petition and made their concerns heard. Your advocacy truly mattered, and AARP Illinois will continue fighting for fair, affordable utility rates for all.”

The proposed increase is Nicor’s fifth rate hike in eight years and just one of the utility increases that Illinoisans are having to shoulder. AARP Illinois will continue to advocate for affordable and reliable utilities for customers across the state.

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AARP Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 1.7 million members in Illinois, AARP advocates for affordable utilities, financial security, and consumer protections, while providing trusted information and resources to help older adults thrive.