SR0672 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0672 LRB096 21403 MJR 37683 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The rising cost of utilities, including the cost of natural gas, poses an increased burden on the citizens and families of the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are deeply concerned about the impact of utility rate increases upon the citizens of this State; and

WHEREAS, The Citizens Utility Board is a non-profit, nonpartisan organization created by the General Assembly in 1983 to represent the interests of residential utility customers across the State; and

WHEREAS, The Citizens Utility Board has filed to a petition for rehearing with the Illinois Commerce Commission related to a $69.8 million increase for Peoples Gas and an extra $13.8 million increase for North Shore Gas; and

WHEREAS, Both the Citizens Utility Board and the Illinois Attorney General's Office have objected to these increases, contending that the increased rates are excessive, unnecessary, and illegal; and

WHEREAS, According to the Citizens Utility Board, the rate increases will translate into a roughly $50 to $70 yearly increase in the average customer's bill; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the Illinois Commerce Commission to reevaluate the rate increases for Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas; and be it further

RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to the Illinois Commerce Commission.