ICC judge recommends Nicor get half the hike

Naperville-based Nicor Gas could see its delivery rate hike request get cut in half.

Administration law judges on Tuesday recommended to the Illinois Commerce Commission that Nicor should get a revenue increase of $68.8 million, compared to its original request of $140.4 million. The judges do a preliminary review of rate cases and offer a recommendation to the commissioners, who later vote on it.

The ICC also will hold a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 24 at the Naperville City Council Chambers, 400 S. Eagle St. The ICC then could issue a decision by late March.

Nicor will review the recommendation, said Nicor spokeswoman Annette Martinez. "It's another step in the process," she said.

The Chicago-based Citizens Utility Board, a consumer group that opposed any hike, also is reviewing the recommendation "especially in this economy," said CUB spokesman Jim Chilsen.

Last April, Nicor filed its request before the ICC, which regulates utilities statewide. Nicor said its original request could have cost each household an additional $4.86 per month for the delivery of natural gas. Current rates do not consider about $750 million in past and planned infrastructure improvements since the company's last rate case in 2004, the company has said.