Safer Cleaner Energy Campaign Rallies Against Peoples Gas’ Price Hikes

In protest of Peoples Gas’ push for a $202 million rate hike, over 100 people, including more than a dozen Loyola students, gathered April 1 at Daley Plaza to rally against increased rates. The demonstration was hosted by Illinois Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), the Citizens Utility Board and the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition. 

The rally was the latest move by the Safer Cleaner Energy Campaign to prevent Peoples Gas from reinvesting in new natural gas infrastructure, which would translate to about an $11 increase in monthly bills, The Phoenix reported. A decision approving or rejecting Peoples Gas’ rate hike by the Illinois Commerce Commission will likely be made in the fall.

Several of the students have been working with Illinois PIRG to gather petitions to submit to the Illinois Commerce Commission, who’ll make the final decision on whether Peoples Gas’ rate hike is accepted. Other students attended as part of the Loyola Student Environmental Alliance.

“Corporations are getting rich off the backs of families that have to decide which utility they can afford that month,” Faison said. “That ain’t right.”

“That ain’t right,” the crowd yelled back to her enthusiastically. 

Faison told the protesters to demand the Illinois Commerce Commission reject the rate hike and protect Chicagoans from becoming Peoples Gas’ “piggy bank.” 

“In my tradition, the greatest commandment is to love the lord with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself,” Faison said. “…This is not how we love our neighbors. Exploitation is not love. Profiteering is not love. Corporate greed is not love.”

“I only wish our sports teams could do this well six of the last seven years,” he said. 

Quigley briefly spoke about how President Donald Trump’s war in Iran would exacerbate affordability concerns. The war has caused the largest monthly gas price jump in six decades, the Associated Press reported.

Quigley told the audience if they had other ideas on how to address concerns with Peoples Gas, they should reach out to his office.

Gates said she wanted to come to speak for underrepresented minority and poor communities who are most impacted by Peoples Gas’ rate hikes.

“I’ve got to use extra blankets for my kids,” she said. “So that’s just terrible.”

“At PIRG, we stand up to powerful special interests whenever they threaten our health, our safety and our well being,” he said. 

Scarr said he feared if Peoples Gas’ rate hike is accepted, it will lock Chicagoans into fossil fuel infrastructure through the end of the century. 

He discussed the faults of Peoples Gas’ plans to completely retire pipes, which he said would be costly and inefficient compared to other options. 

Scarr directed attendees to students who were collecting signatures and public comments to turn in to the Illinois Commerce Commission in favor of rejecting the rate hike. He also told people to talk to their alderperson and congressperson about the issue and attend a public hearing. 

“Come to an [Illinois Commerce Commision] meeting and make your voice heard together,” Scarr said. “When we act together, we can win.”

“When I say ‘Safer Cleaner Energy,’ you’re gonna say —” Schlake said.

“Yes,” the crowd responded loudly before Schlake could finish her sentence.

Editor’s Note: The headline of the article was updated April 15 for clarity.