Upgrades to the Peoples Gas pipeline system have been much more expensive than initially projected, leading to alarms from Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and others.

However, a hearing officer recently ruled that the company’s program reasonable— which could open the door to big rate increases down the line. The ruling needs a thumbs-up—or down—from the Illinois Commerce Commission.

At the ICC’s meeting Tuesday, fifteen people crowded in for public comment to object.

“Everyone I talk to agrees that the cost of rising utilities is making us choose between food, and health care and disconnection,” Englewood resident Nathan Price told the commissioners.

In a statement, Peoples Gas said, “We listen to our customers and take their feedback seriously.”