Chicago, IL - Today, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved Mt. Carmel Public Utility's rate request for electric and natural gas services. The decision approves a $550,000 revenue increase for gas service and struck $61,000 from the utility's requested revenue increase for electric service, for a total electric revenue increase of $2.16 million.

The decision sets a 10.50 percent return on equity (ROE) for Mt. Carmel's gas operations, down from the utility's 11.41 percent ROE approved in 2022; and a 10.65 percent ROE for electric operations, down from its previous 11.29 percent ROE.

"Any decision impacting Illinoisans' bills is not a small one. The ICC's responsibility is to balance the interests of Illinois' utilities and their consumers, and the increase approved today reflects a fair and reasonable determination," said ICC Chairman Doug Scott.

The rate case process is designed to ensure that utilities receive the necessary funds to provide safe and reliable service at a reasonable cost to ratepayers. Under the Illinois Public Utilities Act, these costs are only recoverable if the utility demonstrates they are reasonable and prudent.

About the Illinois Commerce Commission

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is a quasi-judicial body made up of five Commissioners. Through its Public Utility Program, the Commission oversees the provision of adequate, reliable, efficient, and safe utility services at the least possible cost to Illinois citizens served by electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, and sewer public utility companies. Through its Transportation Regulatory Program, the Commission oversees public safety and consumer protection programs with regard to intrastate commercial motor carriers of general freight, household goods movers, relocation towers, safety towers, personal property warehouses and repossession agencies. The Commission's Rail Safety Program also inspects and regulates the general safety of railroad tracks, facilities, and equipment in the state.