Latest news with #Nicor
Chicago Tribune
6 days ago
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Quad County Urban League celebrates 50 years of creating as ‘family' and ‘game-changer'
Her photo may have been prominently displayed, along with Aurora matriarch Marie Wilkinson's, when the Quad County Urban League celebrated its 50th anniversary at Monday's open house, but Theodia Gillespie was determined to keep the focus of this event on others. With about 40 years working for the League – and over three decades as its president and CEO — Gillespie certainly has been at the forefront of the success of this group, which since July 14, 1975, has been advancing civil rights and empowerment through community partnerships for African-Americans and other underserved populations in DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will Counties. Over five decades, the Quad County Urban League has benefited tens of thousands through programs in job training, youth services, education, workforce development and housing advocacy. At this open house, which drew well over 100 guests to the QCUL headquarters on Farnsworth Avenue, Gillespie used her moments at the podium in the packed room to acknowledge the 'visionary' community and business leaders who joined Wilkinson five decades ago after she reached out to the National Urban League to help launch a chapter in Aurora: Jannette Elliott, Ivan Fernandez, Elaine Hegy, John Marion and Charles Thurston. Gillespie also gave credit to the current board of directors, who helped her present 50th anniversary awards to key collaborators, including Challenge to Change, College of DuPage, East Aurora School District, Fox Valley Park District, Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, Kane County Health Department, Painters District Council No. 30, University of Illinois 4-H Program, Waubonsee Community College and former league president and CEO Peggy Hicks. There are so many groups and businesses that work to enhance the mission of QCUL … all of which have 'created pathways in skilled trades, healthcare and more …' Gillespie noted. Those include the utility Nicor, which has been with Quad County Urban League since 1975, when it was then known as Northern Illinois Gas. I got to meet a couple of QCUL students enrolled in the Nicor Gas Career Academy, who both insisted that just two weeks into the six-week program, they already realize what a 'game-changer' this opportunity has been. The program, according to 44-year-old Randy Caruthers, is designed to 'train us to be the best employees we can be before walking in the door' as a job candidate. In essence, he said, 'it puts us at the front of the (hiring) line,' by helping 'you be the best version of yourself. And that, he quickly points out, will help land a job in any company. A former construction business owner, Caruthers said it was a major move from Texas to Will County that made him realize he needed a new career start. So, taking the advice of his wife's aunt, who works for Nicor, he decided to enroll in its academy at QCUL. 'I'm so glad I came to his place,' he said. The Nicor academy class of 38 students, by far its biggest, has 'been like a family,' noted 23-year-old Artays Bailey, which has not only made him feel welcomed but has given him more confidence in all aspects of his life. 'I've been networking all day,' added Bailey, who described himself as a 'dedicated warehouser' before taking the advice of a former student now up for a promotion at Nicor. 'I just really love this place and the people.' The open house did indeed feel more like a family reunion, with lots of smiles, hugs and plenty of lively conversation as the guests – partners and community leaders as well as past and current students and staff — toured the facility, heard about current programs and enjoyed the hundreds of photographs through the decades that were on display. Not surprising, the poster photo that seemed to receive the most attention was that of Marie Wilkinson, whose multi-tiered legacy in this community included feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, educating the young and fighting for fair laws and equal rights for everyone. Standing next to Marie's likeness, Gillespie knows just how fortunate she was 'to have a mentor like her,' who tirelessly worked for social justice even into her mid-90s; and who offered a young shy girl, not so long out of college, a chance to carry on a legacy that no doubt will go for at least another 50 years. 'I still feel her voice in my ear,' said Gillespie, '…telling me I can do this.'
Malaysian Reserve
09-06-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
ICC PUBLIC FORUM IN JOLIET MONDAY NIGHT TO ALLOW FRUSTRATED NICOR GAS CUSTOMERS, CONSUMER ADVOCATES TO PROTEST UTILITY'S ATTEMPT TO IMPOSE HIGHEST GAS RATE HIKE IN ILLINOIS HISTORY
CHICAGO, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As Illinois regulators prepare to hold a public forum on Nicor Gas' attempt to win its fifth rate hike in less than a decade–a $308.6 million request that would be the highest gas increase in Illinois history–consumer advocates say the customers of Illinois' largest gas utility are frustrated and exhausted by the serial rate hikes. The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is holding a public forum on Nicor Gas' rate-hike request from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday, June 9, at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park & Theater, 201 W. Jefferson at Bluff St, Joliet, IL 60432. In January 2025, Nicor filed for a $308.6 million increase (Docket No. 25-0055)–what would be a record gas rate hike hitting Illinois consumers this winter. This is Nicor's fifth rate-hike request since 2017. Since then, the utility has raised delivery rates by 114 percent, totaling $747 million, and its parent, Southern Co., has raked in $25.2 billion in profits. Heading into the public forum, advocates pointed to growing customer dissatisfaction, including hundreds of petition signatures and ICC public comments people have filed against Nicor's rate-hike request. 'Northern Illinoisans have told us that they oppose the proposed increase from Nicor,' said Al Hollenbeck, Volunteer State President of AARP Illinois. 'This hike, on top of several other utility hikes in recent years, disproportionately affects older adults on fixed incomes, who are already struggling to keep up with the ever-growing cost of living in the state. They simply cannot afford higher gas bills and AARP is committed to advocating on their behalf against this proposed rate hike.' 'Nicor Gas customers have endured serial rate hikes from the state's largest gas utility–and they are fed up,' said Mardi Klevs, a Nicor customer and volunteer board member for the Citizens Utility Board (CUB). 'In the latest money-grab–the company's fifth rate-hike request in less than a decade–customers can see Nicor is trying to make them pay for an excessive profit rate for shareholders as well as extravagant executive bonuses, and they're saying 'Enough is enough!'' The Illinois Attorney General's Office and consumer advocates such as AARP Illinois, Illinois PIRG and the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) have argued that Nicor's rate-hike request is unjust and unreasonable. Together, consumer advocates say the request is more than double what the company can justify under the law. They have uncovered more than $150 million in overcharges, including excessive executive bonuses and an exorbitant profit rate for their shareholders. The ICC will issue a final ruling on Nicor's rate-hike request in November. If approved, Nicor's rate hike would increase average gas bills by about 9 percent, or about $7.50 a month/$90 a year, and push the utility's total increases to more than $1 billion in less than a decade. AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. To learn about AARP's work in Illinois, visit or @AARPIllinois. Illinois PIRG is an advocate for the public interest. We speak out for the public and stand up to special interests on problems that affect the public's health, safety and wellbeing. For more than 40 years the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) has been Illinois' leading nonprofit utility watchdog group. Created by the Illinois Legislature, CUB opened its doors in 1984 to represent the interests of residential and small-business utility customers. Since then, CUB has helped save consumers more than $20 billion by blocking rate hikes and securing refunds. For more information, call CUB's Consumer Hotline at 1-800-669-5556 or visit CUB's website,
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ICC PUBLIC FORUM IN JOLIET MONDAY NIGHT TO ALLOW FRUSTRATED NICOR GAS CUSTOMERS, CONSUMER ADVOCATES TO PROTEST UTILITY'S ATTEMPT TO IMPOSE HIGHEST GAS RATE HIKE IN ILLINOIS HISTORY
CHICAGO, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As Illinois regulators prepare to hold a public forum on Nicor Gas' attempt to win its fifth rate hike in less than a decade–a $308.6 million request that would be the highest gas increase in Illinois history–consumer advocates say the customers of Illinois' largest gas utility are frustrated and exhausted by the serial rate hikes. The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is holding a public forum on Nicor Gas' rate-hike request from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday, June 9, at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park & Theater, 201 W. Jefferson at Bluff St, Joliet, IL 60432. In January 2025, Nicor filed for a $308.6 million increase (Docket No. 25-0055)--what would be a record gas rate hike hitting Illinois consumers this winter. This is Nicor's fifth rate-hike request since 2017. Since then, the utility has raised delivery rates by 114 percent, totaling $747 million, and its parent, Southern Co., has raked in $25.2 billion in profits. Heading into the public forum, advocates pointed to growing customer dissatisfaction, including hundreds of petition signatures and ICC public comments people have filed against Nicor's rate-hike request. "Northern Illinoisans have told us that they oppose the proposed increase from Nicor," said Al Hollenbeck, Volunteer State President of AARP Illinois. "This hike, on top of several other utility hikes in recent years, disproportionately affects older adults on fixed incomes, who are already struggling to keep up with the ever-growing cost of living in the state. They simply cannot afford higher gas bills and AARP is committed to advocating on their behalf against this proposed rate hike." "Nicor Gas customers have endured serial rate hikes from the state's largest gas utility–and they are fed up," said Mardi Klevs, a Nicor customer and volunteer board member for the Citizens Utility Board (CUB). "In the latest money-grab–the company's fifth rate-hike request in less than a decade–customers can see Nicor is trying to make them pay for an excessive profit rate for shareholders as well as extravagant executive bonuses, and they're saying 'Enough is enough!'" The Illinois Attorney General's Office and consumer advocates such as AARP Illinois, Illinois PIRG and the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) have argued that Nicor's rate-hike request is unjust and unreasonable. Together, consumer advocates say the request is more than double what the company can justify under the law. They have uncovered more than $150 million in overcharges, including excessive executive bonuses and an exorbitant profit rate for their shareholders. The ICC will issue a final ruling on Nicor's rate-hike request in November. If approved, Nicor's rate hike would increase average gas bills by about 9 percent, or about $7.50 a month/$90 a year, and push the utility's total increases to more than $1 billion in less than a decade. AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. To learn about AARP's work in Illinois, visit or @AARPIllinois. Illinois PIRG is an advocate for the public interest. We speak out for the public and stand up to special interests on problems that affect the public's health, safety and wellbeing. For more than 40 years the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) has been Illinois' leading nonprofit utility watchdog group. Created by the Illinois Legislature, CUB opened its doors in 1984 to represent the interests of residential and small-business utility customers. Since then, CUB has helped save consumers more than $20 billion by blocking rate hikes and securing refunds. For more information, call CUB's Consumer Hotline at 1-800-669-5556 or visit CUB's website, View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Citizens Utility Board Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Consumer advocates protest natural gas rate hike
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — Consumer advocates say a proposed natural gas rate increase by Nicor Gas is 'unjust and unreasonable.' In a news release, AARP Illinois, Illinois PIRG and the Citizens Utility Board all condemned the proposed 9% increase, which would add $7.50 a month to a customer's monthly bill. Nicor, the groups claim, is asking the Illinois Commerce Commission for its fifth increase in less than 10 years. The ask would equate to an additional $308.6 million, which the groups say is the 'highest gas increase in Illinois history.' The groups allege the request is more than double what the company can justify under the law. They have uncovered more than $150 million in overcharges, including excessive executivebonuses and an exorbitant profit rate for their shareholders. The Illinois Commerce Commission will hold a public forum on Nicor Gas' request on Monday, June 9 from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park & Theater, 201 W. Jefferson St., Joliet. Nicor Gas is primarily in the northern portion of the state however, it does serve a large portion of McLean Count as well as parts of Tazewell and Woodford counties. A request for comment from Nicor Gas was not immediately returned. 'Northern Illinoisans have told us that they oppose the proposed increase from Nicor,' said AlHollenbeck of AARP Illinois. 'This hike, on top of several other utility hikes in recent years, disproportionately affects older adults on fixed incomes, who are already struggling to keep up with the ever-growing cost of living in the state. They simply cannot afford higher gas bills and AARP is committed to advocating on their behalf against this proposed rate hike.' The ICC will issue a final ruling on Nicor's rate-hike request in November. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Home explosion in suburban Chicago leaves man critically injured
The Brief A man was critically injured in a home explosion Sunday in unincorporated Cary. Fire crews found extensive damage to the home, which was later declared a total loss. The cause is under investigation, with natural gas believed to be a possible factor. UNINCORPORATED CARY, Ill. - One person was critically injured in a home explosion in unincorporated Cary Sunday afternoon. What we know Emergency crews were called around 1:32 p.m. to the 6700 block of Pheasant Trail, where they found a small single-family home showing signs of an explosion. Doors and windows had been blown off the front and back of the house, and smoke was coming from several areas, according to a statement from the Cary Fire Protection District. A man, identified as the only person inside the home, was found on the ground outside with significant burn injuries. A medical helicopter was requested, but none were available in the region. He was transported in critical condition by ambulance to Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington. No additional victims were found inside. The fire was under control shortly after 2 p.m., but crews remained on scene for extensive work due to heavy fire damage. The home and everything inside were considered a total loss. Nearby houses were not damaged. Video provided to FOX 32 captured a loud bang and debris flying into the street shortly after the explosion. Another video showed a Nicor truck and multiple emergency vehicles at the scene. The public was asked to stay away while crews responded. "We're asking the public to avoid the area so our crews can operate safely and without obstruction," the post said. What we don't know The cause of the explosion and fire is still under investigation. Officials say natural gas may have been involved, and the Cary Fire Protection District is working alongside the Illinois State Fire Marshal's office and Nicor to determine what happened. What's next Investigators continue working to determine what triggered the explosion. No further details have been released at this time. The Source Cary Fire Protection District via press release and video obtained by FOX 32 Chicago.
