Referencing a November Illinois Commerce Commission order to adopt a purchase of receivables program at North Shore and Peoples Gas, which had been exclusively reported by EnergyChoiceMatters.com in November (see story here), Crain's Chicago Business published a story stating that, "[t]he state just made it easier for marketers to sell high-priced heat."

As noted in EnergyChoiceMatters.com's exclusive story, POR shall not commence until 18 months after at least one supplier signs a service contract and provides one or both utilities with credit assurances in an amount equal to the estimated POR investment costs.

Crain's report cites allegations that alternative gas suppliers are charging in excess of default service and cites complaints against certain AGSs, noting adverse actions taken against suppliers in other states, such as New York

Crain's also reports Nicor does not plan to request approval of a POR program. The ICC previously rejected a proposed POR program at Nicor

See Crain's for the story