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Shining a light on ComEd (and power grid operators)

Did you know that your electric bills are affected not just by the local utility, like ComEd, but also by large power grid operators, like “PJM”? PJM is the largest grid operator in the nation, managing the flow of electricity over high-voltage transmission lines that serve 65 million people from…...

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CUB statement on nationwide AT&T cellphone outage and tips for making calls

CUB Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz issues the following statement in response to AT&T’s nationwide wireless outage: This is a serious outage impacting public services, including peoples’ ability to call 911 on their wireless phones. After a year when AT&T boasted record operating income due to its mobile service (about $26…...

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CUB challenges new (and old) rate hikes in 2024: Help us fight them!

CUB’s 40th anniversary is going to be another tough year, as consumers face two new water rate hikes and major utilities unhappy with last year’s pro-consumer Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) rulings have launched legal challenges. Here’s how you can get involved. New Rate Hike: Aqua Illinois Rate Hike (ICC Docket #…...

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Casework roundup: In 40th year, CUB fights old and new rate hikes

CUB’s 40th anniversary is turning out to be another tough year, as we fight old and new rate hikes.  Major electric and gas utilities were not pleased with Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) rulings issued late last year–and all of them launched legal challenges to the decisions. Plus we’ve got breaking…...

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Illinois’ two biggest private water companies push for rate hikes

Last year’s rate-hike barrage was bad enough, but now water companies want in on the action. CUB learned this week that Illinois American Water and Aqua Illinois both want rate increases. Aqua Illinois on Jan. 17 filed a $19.2 million rate-hike request with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Aqua estimated…...

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CUB Q&A: What is the Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance (CABO)? 

The Chicago City Council is considering the Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance (CABO). CABO is supported by a coalition of more than 50 consumer, community, environmental, environmental justice, and faith organizations, including CUB, because it will lower utility costs, improve public health, create jobs and reduce pollution. (Read the news…...

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CUB speaks out: Beware of bad deals from energy suppliers

Many consumers wonder if they should switch to an alternative supplier to cut down on their electric or gas bills. But beware, these enticing offers are many times not as good as they seem. In fact, Illinois consumers have lost $1.6 billion to alternative electric suppliers since 2015. CUB Executive…...

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In 2024, CUB celebrates 40 years of fighting for consumers

Remember how bad it was before the Citizens Utility Board (CUB)? It was the spring of 1983, and Gov.  “Big Jim” Thompson was in a packed theater in southern Illinois pitching a tax increase—but people were more interested in what he would do about utility bills. What he said sparked…...

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CUB consumer alert: Tips to battle bitter cold at home

The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) on Friday released tips for Illinoisans to keep their homes safe and warm, with temperatures expected to plunge following a winter storm. “With dangerously low temperatures approaching, everyone’s top priority over the next few days should be to stay safe,” CUB Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz said…...

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So what am I paying to heat my home in 2024?

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) issued rulings last November that reduced record rate hikes proposed by Illinois’ major gas utilities by $240 million. As a result of those rulings, Illinois’ major gas utilities are charging new delivery rates in 2024. Read our breakdown below, and check out our Q&A on…...

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