It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Although you may be busy preparing for the holiday season, take some time to check out CUB’s December event schedule. Click on an event for time, location and possible registration. Monday, Dec. 2 – Granite City Utility Bill Clinic Monday, Dec.…...
This Thanksgiving, we’re thankful for you
In this time of Thanksgiving, the CUB staff is thankful for you, our loyal supporters. We so appreciate your interest in fighting rate hikes, scams, annoying robocalls, and anything else that makes us pay more for telecom, gas, and electric service. Thank you! Because of your interest and involvement… Our…...
Bill Clinic Briefs: Energy efficiency puts “money back in my pocket”
Some consumers come to our utility bill clinics looking for a trained set of eyes to scope out alternative supplier rip-offs or unnecessary charges. Other consumers, like Chuck, are hoping to get educated about energy efficiency. “I already look at our bills and scrutinize them,” he said at CUB’s clinic…...
We asked, you answered: your top money-saving utility tips
Some of our best sources of information are Illinois consumers who tell us what they’re doing to save money. Last week, we asked you to submit your money-saving utility tips. You shared a lot of good advice, everything from assessing your phone plan to switching to LEDs. Below, we’ve highlighted…...
Cellphone Guide Sources
“Access Wireless.” (2019). Retrieved Nov. 20, 2019. https://www.accesswireless.com/. “AT&T Senior Plan Review.” (2019). Retrieved Oct. 24, 2019. https://www.seniorliving.org/cell-phone/att/reviews/. “Coverage Maps.” (2019). Retrieved Nov. 20, 2019. https://www.opensignal.com/networks. “Download apps and games from the App Store.” (2019). Retrieved Nov. 20, 2019. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204266. “Get Android apps and digital content from the Google Play…...
Maintenance plans: read the fine print
Maybe you’ve received a letter in the mail selling a utility maintenance plan that pitches “peace of mind” or “safety and security” and promises to “simplify the home repair and maintenance process.” But be careful: That peace of mind can cost you. Marketed as low-cost insurance to protect you against…...
For sale: your water
By Bryan McDaniel, Director of Governmental Affairs Water. We need it to live. Should we all own this valuable resource, or should private companies own our water? That question will be asked all over the state in the wake of two private companies successfully pushing for one of the nation’s most…...
Chicago City Council supports CEJA, “puts us on the right path” to a clean energy future
In a boost to the fight for clean, affordable energy, the Chicago City Council unanimously passed a resolution today supporting the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA). CEJA puts Illinois “on the right path” to a clean energy future, said Ald. George Cardenas, as he introduced the resolution. Cardenas is chairman…...
Your questions, answered: Chicago’s new Utility Bill Relief Program
Last week, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the details of her new Utility Bill Relief Program. Taking aim at the burden of overdue water bills on low-income residents, the new policy would provide qualified Chicago residents with a 50 percent discounted rate for water, sewer, and water-sewer tax bills —…...
