“Illinois Commerce Commission’s Hearing on Peoples Gas Pipe Replacement Project Sparks Concerns of Potential Rate Hikes for Consumers”

CHICAGO (WLS) — The controversial Peoples Gas pipe replacement program was the subject of a hearing Wednesday in Chicago.

The Illinois Commerce Commission heard arguments from both sides Wednesday as they decide how the project should resume.

The ABC7 I-Team has been covering the story for years and how it could affect consumers’ gas bills.

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The Illinois Commerce Commission put the project on hold in 2023 due to concerns over costs, and it launched an investigation.

Consumer advocacy groups say the rising costs of the project could get passed onto the consumer in rate hikes.

According to the watchdog group Citizens Utility Board, the initially estimated cost of $1 billion several years ago has now skyrocketed to over $12 billion. However, Peoples Gas contends that the current cost is around $10.5 billion.

Critics say even though a special fee on bills went away, consumers will see rate increases.

Peoples Gas stated in a press release on Wednesday that some of the energy pipelines in Chicago have been in place since the 1800s and are in urgent need of replacement. The company asserts that safety experts are in agreement with the necessity of the proposed plan.

The ICC’s ruling on the future of the project will not be until sometime in February.