Peoples Gas rate hike would hurt Chicagoans struggling to pay utility bills, advocates say

Hiola G. Alston, 79, who lives in Auburn Gresham, says, “I’m worried a little bit if I’m gonna be able to afford to have heat. I’ve got to have gas heat to keep my pipes from bursting. What do I do? Do I take in a roomer? Do I take in somebody to help me with this so I’ll be able to afford to stay in my house?” (Anthony Vazquez / Sun-Times)

Consumer advocates in Chicago say a proposed Peoples Gas rate hike would hit low-income households especially hard and are pushing for a smaller increase.

The Illinois Commerce Commission is expected to vote on the proposed increase at its next public meeting 11:30 a.m. Thursday at 160 N. La Salle St. Meetings are livestreamed on the commission’s icc.illinois.gov website.