Nicor Gas customers in Downers Grove, Woodridge and Westmont will pay about $2 more per month on their gas bills after state regulators approved an $82 million rate increase.

The Illinois Commerce Commission approved the hike Oct. 15 as part of a settlement between Nicor and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul's office, as WTTW first reported. The deal cut Nicor's original $221 million request by nearly two-thirds, striking $139.2 million from the ask.

All three communities fall within Nicor's service territory, according to the utility's service area listing. Nicor delivers natural gas to 2.3 million customers across northern Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago.

Sources differ on when the higher rates take effect. WTTW reported the increase would begin in November, while WBBM Newsradio reported a January start date, citing the utility. The effect on individual bills will vary based on usage.

The settlement also lowers the residential monthly fixed charge to $15. The prior fixed fee was $21 per month, regardless of gas volume used. Illinois PIRG Director Abe Scarr called the lower fixed charge a positive, saying in a statement that it gives customers "more control over their bill" by rewarding energy efficiency.

Consumer advocates described the outcome as only a partial win, noting it still raises rates and allows a higher profit margin than they sought. The settlement allows Nicor a 9.48% return on equity for shareholders. Illinois PIRG and Legal Action Chicago had sought 8.95%. Nicor originally requested 10.35%.

Jim Chilsen of the Citizens Utility Board said too many people already struggle to afford their gas bills and that the rate hike does not help. "Nicor has tried to raise rates over and over again over the last decade," Chilsen said, according to WMBD. "There's a lot of work that needs to be done to hold this company accountable and rein them in."

The rate hike is Nicor's sixth in a decade, according to Scarr. Consumer advocates say they expect the company to file another rate case in January, according to WTTW. WTTW also reported that Nicor did not respond to questions about future rate case plans.

Customers struggling with bills can check eligibility for Nicor's low-income discount program or the state's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.