Natural gas supply prices dropped for about half of Illinois’ major gas utilities from December to January, but the prices are still at significantly high levels for the second consecutive winter. “We’re hoping that sometime in the new year we’ll see these price spikes ease for all customers, but the…...
Q&A: Electricity Price Spike in Central and Southern Illinois
What’s happening to Ameren customers? Since June 1, 2022, the price for electricity has more than doubled for Ameren customers across Central and Southern Illinois, and that’s expected to cost customers hundreds of dollars in higher power bills over the next year. What is Ameren’s electricity price? As of Jan.…...
Solar group buy program helps 76 properties go solar ($71,000 in potential first-year savings)
A special program that CUB works on ended 2022 with 76 properties contracted to install solar panels in the coming months–a potential total savings of more than $71,000 for participants in the first year alone. After a year of elevated global energy costs, these Chicago-area residents are moving toward renewable…...
Goodbye formula rates: CUB helps cut Ameren’s final “formula” hike by millions
In the final ruling under an anti-consumer “formula” rate-setting system, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) granted Ameren Illinois a $61 million electric delivery rate hike, after CUB and other consumer advocates helped knock about $22 million off the proposed increase. “While we’re glad Ameren didn’t get the $83 million rate…...
ComEd gets $199 million increase in final formula-rate case
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has granted ComEd a $198.9 million rate hike, the third-highest and last increase under the company’s anti-consumer formula rate system that was at the heart of its corruption scandal. “This is a parting shot from a system that was a bad deal for customers from…...
Consumer alert: CUB releases tips on surviving expensive winter
With consumers facing higher heating bills this winter due to skyrocketing natural gas prices and aggressive utility spending, CUB released tips to help consumers get through an expensive winter. The watchdog has set up a special online resource, CUBHelpCenter.com, which explains why gas bills are high and offers safety and…...
Making A Difference: Chicago Symphony bassist helps CUB talk up solar power
It was a hot summer day, and Mark Kraemer was promoting Illinois’ community solar program at a farmers market. “Would you be interested in seeing more clean and renewable energy in Illinois?” asked the friendly, soft-spoken CUB volunteer. “No thank you,” said some, hurrying past. One waved her hand and shook her…...
First ComEd, now AT&T fined for corruption: Phone company used bribery to help pass anti-landline legislation
AT&T has been fined $23 million as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation that revealed the telecom giant’s illegal efforts to help pass legislation that made phone service less reliable and more expensive in Illinois.AT&T now joins ComEd as the second major Illinois utility caught up in a corruption…...
