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Utilities

Update on record-breaking rate hikes in 2023

By Eric DeBellis CUB General Counsel  Regulatory Counsel Laura Loyd and I are dealing with a record six rate cases, totaling a whopping $2.9 billion.  Where do the rate cases stand? Over the past year, CUB has filed expert testimony uncovering the utilities’ attempts to get state regulators to approve…...

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Urge Springfield To Fight Misleading Marketing

We’re asking you to join the fight against misleading marketing today. House Bill 4281 would prohibit a “non-utility individual, business, or entity” from using “a public utility name or logo, in whole or in part, in any manner to market, solicit, sell or bill for a home (i) insurance, (ii)…...

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Struggling with your bills? Take these three actions

If you’re struggling to pay your utility bills during this expensive winter, you’re not alone. CUB has some guidance on what steps to take. 1) Call Your Utility. As the utility company is the entity issuing the bill and the only entity with access to your account, your first call—no…...

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Energy assistance updates, tips to keep your utility service on during the pandemic

The pandemic has been so hard on Illinois utility customers that it’s gained national attention. An economist discovered that close to 1 percent of all residences in Illinois were cut off for nonpayment in October 2020, according to an in-depth report by the Washington Post. Steve Cicala, an economist at…...

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Washington Post: Nearly 1% of all Illinois residences were cut off for nonpayment in October 2020

In a special report from Peoria, Washington Post reporter Greg Jaffe uncovered grim statistics about shut-offs in that Central Illinois city.  It indicates, as one researcher said, that our social safety net is in “grave need of repair.” Jaffe reports: As the pandemic dragged on month after month, hundreds struggled…...

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CUB’s monthly analysis: April showers bring falling gas prices

Most natural gas utilities have lowered their rates for April, marking the fourth consecutive month of falling prices. Compared to a year ago, we’re paying less across the board for natural gas. The price per therm you will pay for natural gas in April, also known as the Purchased Gas…...

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Tell President Trump: Keep our utility service reliable and affordable

In an emergency like this, affordable utility service is vital, and that’s an important point to make with our leaders.  Please tell President Trump about CUB’s Utility Customers’ Bill of Rights, and urge him to support state and federal policies that will keep our electric, gas and telecom service reliable…...

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Serving consumers in a crisis: New CUB service helps Glen Ellyn resident cut costs

As the world adapts to Coronavirus, so does CUB. We recently launched a service—virtual utility bill clinics—to replace our popular in-person events until the public health crisis ends. Our first virtual bill inquiry came from Alma, a consumer with alternative supplier Constellation Energy. She emailed copies of her electric and…...

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COVID-19 crisis: 5 phone numbers utility customers should know

In a crisis like this, communication is key. All utility customers should keep these numbers handy. No. 1: Utility hotlines ComEd: Residential: 1-800-EDISON-1 (1-800-334-7661)  Spanish: 1-800-95-LUCES (1-800-955-8237)  Business: 1-877-4-COMED-1 (1-877-426-6331) Emergencies: 1-800-334-7661 Payment arrangements and credit issues; 1-800-334-7661 Ameren: Residential: 1-800-755-5000 Business: 1-800-232-2477 Nicor:  Emergencies, or to speak to someone about your account or billing information: is…...

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The new tax law and your utility bills

We want to update you on an issue that’s important to your utility bills — and let you take action. You’ve seen the headlines about a change in federal tax law that led to a reduction in the corporate tax rate. But did you know that should lower your 2018…...

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