When it comes to energy, Illinois natural gas has a lot to offer. It is inexpensive and clean. The infrastructure in Illinois allows the state to transport natural gas quickly to other states. Illinois consumers have access to 75 energy providers, which includes both private and public utilities.
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is committed to providing consumers with the necessary information to make an informed choice about a natural gas supplier. However, Illinois’ gas prices continue to increase. Many Illinoisans are forced to spend hundreds more to warm their homes this winter.
Illinois residents have the option of purchasing electricity or natural gas from a range of energy providers such as ComEd and Nicor Gas. They can also switch suppliers or sign up for a fixed-rate contract. However, the cost of each plan differs, so customers should look around for the best price.
Historically, there was only one public utility company was available in Illinois however, the state’s deregulation has opened the market to a wide range of alternative providers. There are now a variety of options for small and large business customers as well as residential customers. Customers can choose to purchase natural gas from a different supplier like Just Energy. Customers can purchase natural gas from an alternative supplier such as Just Energy.
In recent times, Illinois natural gas production has fluctuated quite a bit. This is due to high demand and extreme weather events such as the polar vortex. Additionally the demand for gas was up across the nation and has led to increasing prices. A recent study conducted by the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) discovered that gas companies in Illinois are charging prices ranging from 60 percent to 159 percent more than they did in the previous year. CUB is trying to remove this charge from utility bills.
Presently, Illinois public utility companies are regulated by the Illinois Commerce Commission. They own power lines and pipelines, and are responsible to deliver natural gas and electricity. As a result, they have to pass the cost of these assets onto customers without any markup. Typically the gas supply charge accounts for about 75 percent of the bill for residential customers.
Customers may also see a commodity called “Natural Gas cost” on their bills. It is a pass-through amount that represents the gas’s wholesale price, transportation and storage costs, as well as the meter reading of the customer. These factors could affect the cost of gas but they’re only a small aspect of the reason behind the skyrocketing prices of gas in Illinois.
Natural gas is a green fuel source that can help reduce carbon emissions. Illinois has an extremely cold winter, and natural gas can help keep heating costs affordable. It’s a matter of doing a little research and a few comparisons to find great prices on electricity and natural gas for Illinois homeowners.
