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A farewell message to Illinois consumers from David Kolata

I thank you for your interest in clean energy, consumer protections and lower utility bills—and I want to make sure you were notified of my big news: After 22 rewarding years at CUB—including nearly 18 as Executive Director—I am moving on to work in the clean energy industry. I make…...

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In Another Month of High Gas Prices, CUB Alerts Consumers to New Protections

The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) urges people struggling to pay their heating bills to contact their utility to find out what protections and relief are available, as natural gas prices continued to soar. The price spike coupled with aggressive spending by gas utilities has caused many consumers to pay hundreds…...

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First person: Home energy assessment simple, easy, helpful for CUB lawyer

By Eric DeBellis CUB Regulatory Counsel As a lawyer at CUB and a new homeowner, I figured I ought to practice what I preach, so I signed up for a home energy audit through my utility this winter. My experience was simple, easy, and helpful. An energy efficiency technician from…...

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Loyal supporter: CUB honors the memory of Peter Barker 

In a touching final act of support, a longtime CUB member gave one more donation through his will. Peter K. Barker, formerly of Barrington, died June 9, 2020 at the age of 82, of complications from cancer and COVID, according to family. Mr. Barker had been a member of CUB…...

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Gov. Pritzker restarts discussions on clean energy legislation

Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced on Friday that he plans to restart “working group” discussions with the goal of passing strong clean energy legislation, possibly in the Fall Veto Session. As Crain’s Chicago Business reports, a working group—which includes consumer advocates, renewable power producers, environmental advocates, the utility industry and more—had…...

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Hey Illinois, beware of rip-offs

Everybody is worrying about costs these days—I know we talk to a lot of concerned consumers. That’s why CUB is issuing this warning. If you get pitched any of these offers, be careful! Maintenance plans. They peddle peace of mind (“the unexpected—protected,” says one ad). But maintenance plans offered to utility…...

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Hot off the presses: CUB’s newly update Guide to Fighting Robocalls

Can you believe fraudulent robocalls rob people of about $9.5 billion a year? Disgusting! We’re always on the front lines protecting consumers from higher bills—so please consider ordering our FREE and newly updated Guide to Fighting Robocalls. ...

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Citizens Utility Board’s Mid-Year Report

By Executive Director David Kolata In 2019, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) celebrates 35 years of fighting for Illinois consumers. We were a long shot when a handful of people led by pioneering Executive Director Sue Stewart began working for consumers in May of 1984. “Those who expect the citizens’…...

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‘Like magic’: Consumer Advocacy Department captures $108,000+ in savings

Each year, thousands of Illinois consumers contact CUB’s Consumer Advocacy Department (CAD), to ask a question or file a complaint about an electric, gas, or telecom/cable company behaving badly. In 2018 alone, the department saved people more than $108,000, including: • $62,082.76, for an apartment building that was the victim of…...

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