A state panel on Monday called for Illinois gas utility provider Nicor to reduce its requested rate hike by nearly $110 million, a number the Citizens Utility Board says could be reduced even further.

“Stop treating your customers like an ATM,” Jim Chilsen, CUB’s communications director, said during a video news conference Wednesday.

In January, Nicor asked the Illinois Commerce Commission for a rate increase – the fifth request since 2017, according to CUB. This year, that rate increase request is for an additional $314.2 million.

The ICC has solicited utility user’s comments on the request via its website, and two public hearings have allowed residents to chime in, both for and against the hike.

CUB, as well as the AARP and other advocacy groups, have been vocal in their opposition

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