CUBlog

The rates for Nicor Gas (77 cents a therm) and Peoples Gas ($1.02 a therm) have plummeted over the last few months–although they’re still above last year’s levels. How do the rates of their unregulated competitors compare? Check out CUB’s fact sheets for offers in Nicor Gas’ territory and offers in Peoples/North Shore Gas territory.

With energy prices at all-time highs and a slumping economy causing everyone to pinch pennies, Illinois communities are finding ways to become energy producers, not just consumers. The village of Oswego recently passed a law giving any resident with more than 1 acre of land permission to build a windmill. Those who produce more energy than they consume can sell electricity back to ComEd, said Mike Buenger, Plans Examiner for the city of Aurora, a city which has also taken strides to ‘go green.’ Aurora’s Fire Marshal Gary Pozzi installed a solar panel on his home and said it has more than paid for itself. “I don’t know about you, but we are living in exciting times and we can make a difference,” writes the Aurora Beacon News.

Ambit today filed a new application for certification. Visit the ICC e-docket site and browse docket #08-0220. Be sure to submit a public comment on the case while you’re there.

CUB has received a lot of calls lately regarding a new company called Ambit Energy. At this time the public should be aware that Ambit Energy is NOT an ICC Certified Alternative Natural Gas Supplier. Ambit applied for this certification but was denied and all of the details of this process, including the Administrative Law Judge’s ruling, are public information and can be viewed on the ICC Website. Click here and browse docket # 07-0603, in particular the ruling filed Jan. 7, 2008 which appears under the documents section.

Aimee Gendusa-English

Consumer Rights Counselor