Nicor Gas customers to see rates dip about $1.73 a month

Nicor Gas customers can expect their rates to go down about $1.73 a month, effective in early May, the company said.

The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved a reduction of Nicor Gas' distribution rates totaling $43.6 million. The reduction stems from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which lowered Nicor Gas' annual tax expense, according to a statement.

"We are pleased to share that benefit with our customers," said Nicor Gas President Melvin D. Williams.

Nicor Gas, based in Naperville, is one of seven natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company. Nicor Gas has more than 2.2 million customers in a territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago.

The tax rate for corporations dropped from 35 to 21 percent.