Even though the Illinois Commerce Commission approved a rate hike for Peoples Energy last week that would add an average of $48 a year to its customers' gas bills, a combination of factors could result in Chicago residents paying less in natural gas rates this winter. more ›

ComEd isn't the only utility looking to increase its rates. Both Peoples Energy and North Shore Gas are looking for rate hikes to account for rising costs in natural gas delivery. Delivery accounts for 40 percent of a Peoples Energy bill and, at a time when natural gas sales and the customer base for both Peoples Energy and North Shore Gas are declining, the costs of delivering natural gas to customers has hit the utilities where it hurts the most: their respective bottom lines. more ›

Starting next month, Chicago and North Shore gas customers will see a higher home heating bill after the Illinois Commerce Commission approved a rate increase for Peoples Energy and North Shore Gas. Estimates indicate that Peoples Energy customers will pay close to $4 more a month, equaling $48 more a year. North suburban residents will pay $66 more a year. According to Crain’s, Peoples will receive a nearly $70 million rate hike, which is below the $122 million Peoples asked for but slightly above the $66 million recommended by an administrative judge for the commission. more ›

Coming of age is important in every culture from quincenaras to bar mitzvahs to the now uber-popular Sweet Sixteen bash (Thanks, MTV). Parents now flaunt the love and affection for their children with hugely expensive parties that honor the special achievement of turning sixteen. more ›

Still waiting for that $100 refund from Peoples Energy? Yeah, so are we. And it seems that we'll be waiting a little longer while they haggle with the Illinois Commerce Commission over the wording of the settlement in which they agree to reimburse natural gas customers $100 million, or $100 each, for allegedly overcharging them between 2000 and 2004. more ›

Yesterday, as the snow poured down on Chicago for the first substantial time in a while, it was a great time to cuddle up by the fire with a new book. Oh, wait, that wasn't a book—it was your horrifying energy bill. more ›

Pretty picture of the day via abmarfia. more ›

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