At CUB, we get reports that customers enrolled with alternative suppliers have been charged double or triple (or worse) for their electricity—and marketers have long preyed on the neighborhoods that can least afford to pay high power bills. That’s yet another reason we’re dedicated to making sure a new reform…...
Consumer advocates fight for extended COVID-19 protections for utility customers
After a historic agreement between consumer advocates and Illinois’ major utilities, state regulators are now considering the most comprehensive COVID-19 utility relief measures in the country. This plan could serve as a national model for helping utility customers struggling to pay their bills during the worst economic crisis since the…...
IL power bills lowest in the Midwest (again)–but that advantage is threatened
For the seventh consecutive year, Illinois had the lowest average electricity bills in the Midwest, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). But nobody thinks power bills are low—there’s more work to do. That’s why CUB and other consumer/environmental advocates are pushing Illinois to pass the Clean Energy Jobs…...
The HEAT Act: One of the nation’s toughest consumer protection laws against gas and electric rip-offs
In a victory for consumers, the Illinois General Assembly has unanimously passed and the governor has signed one of the nation’s toughest consumer-protection laws to fight rip-offs peddled by alternative electric and gas suppliers. At the end of May, the Illinois General Assembly unanimously passed the Home Energy Affordability and…...
ComEd aims to reduce bills by $2/$3 per month
ComEd has announced plans to pass along to its customers about $200 million in savings from the new federal tax law. ComEd says the move, which requires Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approval, would decrease monthly bills for the average customer by about $2 to $3 per month. Crain’s Chicago Business points…...
Money-saving programs worth bragging about
Thanks to efficiency programs offered by Illinois’ major utilities, saving energy—and money— is easier than ever before. CUB chose seven of its favorite energy efficiency programs from across Illinois. (See them below in no particular order.) Lighting Discounts Under ComEd’s Energy Efficiency program, you can receive instant in-store discounts on select ENERGY STAR…...
