Cold snap wanes, but massive bills in offing for communities dealing with gas price spike Rochelle Eiselt, Journal-Courier FacebookTwitterEmail State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer of Jacksonville speaks Monday during a special meeting of Winchester City Council to discuss the rising cost of natural gas.Rochelle Eiselt | Journal-Courier WINCHESTER — Although some west-central Illinois communities were able to lower natural gas use by urging residents to conserve during this month’s cold snap, they are worried about what will happen when bills come due. Places like Winchester can see higher prices because of variable rates in their contracts with municipal and cooperative systems. Companies regulated by the Illinois Commerce Commission, such as Ameren Illinois and Illinois Peoples Gas, buy natural gas in advance of winter to ensure they are less prone to sudden increases in wholesale rates.