Executives from Nicor speak at a hearing in Elgin Thursday night about their request to increase natural gas prices. Susan Sarkauskas/ssarkauskas@dailyherald.com

At least 100 people showed up Thursday night at a public hearing in Elgin about Nicor’s request for a $316 million rate increase for natural-gas customers, a number critics say is its largest ever and not needed.

“The biggest concern for me is that this would be the fifth state-record rate hike in 10 years,” said Deborah Lee Henry. “Our communities cannot afford this.”

She and several others asked the ICC to reject the increase and approve a lower one.

People attend an ICC hearing Thursday in Elgin regarding Nicor's request to increase prices for its natural-gas service. Susan Sarkauskas/ssarkauskas@dailyherald.comPeop

Othe

See Full Page