Nicor Gas voiced its case, telling residents gathered for a public hearing why it is asking Springfield for a gas utility rate increase.

About 100 people gathered Thursday at the Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin to voice their opinions on that request, both in favor of and against.

The company is seeking a $308 million rate increase. Mike Guerra, Nicor’s vice president of external affairs who presented at the meeting, said the rate would come out to a 9.21% increase, or an average of $7.63 a month.

The public forum, scheduled by the Illinois Commerce Commission, was one of two held across the state. The first Nicor hearing was June 12 in Joliet . The commission is expected to rule on the request in November.

The Citizens Utility Board, AARP and the Illinois Public Interest Research

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