By Samantha Vercellino Polar vortex or not, winter is always cold—but staying warm and cozy shouldn’t break the bank. Follow CUB’s simple tips to live comfortably, and save, during the bitter cold. Heat efficiently. Your heating system, like any other machinery in your home, will eventually break down. That’s why…...
Bright future: Good news from the Illinois Commerce Commission
The future for solar looks a little brighter in Illinois after two recent Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) rulings. The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) applauded the decisions after months of work in favor of the reforms. “If Illinois wants to have a cheaper, cleaner and more stable…...
CUB helps Chicago landlord out of $1,048 electric mistake
By Samantha Vercellino Hoping to get the property’s electric service switched back to his name, the Chicago landlord immediately called ComEd to sort out the details. According to Mark, a company representative claimed it would be an easy fix. However, two days later, Mark was hit with a $1,048 power bill.…...
There isn’t a case CUB can’t help solve
By Samantha Vercellino Sometimes selling your house can be frustratingly hard–even for your electric bill. Mark DeVaun should know. The sale of his home was moving forward, and the electric service was switched to the buyer’s name. However, a missed down payment on the buyer’s end delayed the house closing…...
60 events! Outreach on record-setting pace in August
A big thank you to CUB’s Outreach team, which is on track to hold a record-breaking 60 money-saving events in August! The 10-member team is trying to beat the previous record of 57 speaking engagements, tabling events and utility-bill checkups across the state. Recently, the team traveled to Hillsboro, Maywood,…...
CUB across Illinois!
Scott Allen, the environmental outreach coordinator in CUB’s Hillsboro office, travels hundreds of miles a week to deliver advice on utility bills, partner with neighborhood organizations, and promote energy efficiency across the state. It “gets a little hectic sometimes,” but Scott says he wouldn’t have it any other way. “I…...
Q&A about June 1 electric rate hikes in Central, Southern Illinois
Ameren customers, you could be in for a rate hike on June 1. Read this Q&A to get the latest details. What’s happening? Customers in Central and Southern Illinois who are paying Ameren Illinois’ electricity supply rates may see a significant increase in their power bills from June 1, 2015 through…...
April showers bring…special CUB umbrellas!
Don’t let rate hikes—and April showers—put a damper on your spring. With a donation of $25 or more, you’ll receive a special CUB umbrella (emblazoned with the CUB bear) to protect yourself from higher rates—and pesky thunderstorms. It’s a great way to ring in spring—and support CUB! Your donation will help…...
Meet CUB’s Outreach Volunteer Arpi Yazijian!
By Samantha Vercellino CUB’s Outreach Volunteer Arpi Yazijian knows that big utilities never get tired of asking for more money, which is why she volunteers her time helping the watchdog group protect consumers like you. The Glenview-area resident—who’s been a CUB member for ten years –contacted Illinois’ leading utility nonprofit…...
