Speaking Out Against the Peoples Gas Rate Hike đ
Dear Neighbor,
Five years ago, I introduced legislation to reform the Peoples Gas pipe-replacement project, a program that was projected to double Chicago gas bills in the next 20 years. Unfortunately, it didnât pass due to heavy opposition from the gas lobby. Just last week, Peoples Gas announced it has broken profit records for the sixth consecutive year, all while roughly 1 in 5 customers remain chronically behind on their bills.
Peoples Gas is also in the process of pushing the largest gas utility rate hike in state history â mostly driven by its failing pipe replacement program that threatens to lock our state into obsolete fossil fuel infrastructure for decades to come.
Thatâs why I joined Illinois PIRG and other city and state elected officials yesterday as we stood in solidarity with the public who is rising up and speaking out asking the State government to hold Peoples Gas accountable.
Governor J.B. Pritzker also recently spoke out about holding Peoples Gas more accountable to customers and the state in an op-ed published earlier this month, stating that, "Illinois utilities want a combined $900 million in rate increases this year alone, and if no action is taken to stop it, Illinois ratepayers could be left footing the bill."
âWorse,â he wrote, ârising natural gas prices often go unchecked because of the lack of consumer protection regulations that hold gas utilities to account."
If you believe that Illinois residents should be empowered to hold Peoples Gas accountable for their unfair rate hikes amidst record profit, you can learn more about the issue at the Citizens Utility Board.
You can also get engaged by adding your name to the petition to "Say NO to Peoples Gas' Record Rate Hike". And as always, if you have ideas or questions you would like to share with me you are welcome to reach my office via phone or email at 773-853-2570 and will@repguzzardi.com.
Thanks and be well!
â Will
ILLINOIS RELAUNCHES "BACK 2 BUSINESS" GRANTS
Illinois's business grant program "Back 2 Business" (B2B) is re-opening soon for the restaurant, hotel, and creative arts industries. If you're a business owner, you can start preparing today.
You can review B2B program info at Illinois.gov/B2B
Reach out to Community Navigators with questions
Applications open on April 5th
For more info, attend an information session:
English: Friday, March 24, 2023, 10:00 a.m. Click here to register. >>
Spanish: Subvenciones Back to Business (B2B por sus siglas en inglés) para restaurantes, hoteles, y empresas de artes creativas. Jueves, 30 de marzo de 11:00 a.m. Registrese Aqui. >>
INTERN AT MY OFFICE THIS SUMMER
My office has opened up applications for our Summer 2023 Internship Program!
Our office is looking to hire a summer intern whoâs passionate about government, social, racial, and economic justice. We are committed to ensuring that our interns gain new skills, have fun, and make connections for future careers in government, policy, and community organizing.
Students can learn more and apply here: bit.ly/GuzzardiInternship23.
PROPERTY TAX APPEAL WORKSHOP
Learn about how to appeal your property tax assessment at our upcoming workshop on Wednesday, March 29th, 5-7pm at the Kilbourn Park gym!
Be sure to bring a copy of your property tax bill or PIN number. For questions, you can reach the Cook County Board of Review at (312)603-5562 or call my office at (773) 853-2570. This workshop is free and open to all northwest side residents.