The Illinois Commerce Commission this week recommended a 54% cut to the proposed $144 million increase, which would bring the number down to $66 million. Peoples Gas says the rate hike is necessary to replace old iron pipes and modernize its system.

Peoples Gas is asking the Illinois Commerce Commission to approve a $202 million rate increase, while Nicor Gas is seeking its own rate hike of $221 million.

Some robocalls are helpful, but most – representing politicians or telemarketers – have become an annoying fact of life. We speak with the author of a new guide aimed at preventing those automated calls.

The watchdog group Citizens Utility Board on Wednesday alerted Chicago customers to upcoming changes to their power bills and offered tips for avoiding bad deals.