We wish you a Happy Earth Day. It’s the perfect day to share this story about a victory in helping people secure clean and affordable energy in Illinois: Becky and Mike just wanted to install solar panels, but a local ordinance banning panels on front- or street-facing roofs threatened to…...
Casework Roundup: A report from CUB’s General Counsel
By Eric DeBellis CUB General Counsel As usual, we’re busy juggling a heavy caseload before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) concerning the state’s biggest utilities: ComEd, Ameren, Peoples Gas, Illinois American and Aqua Illinois. Here’s a summary of where we’re at: Electric Cases Background: Back in December, the ICC slashed…...
Breaking news about your cable and internet bills (opportunities to take action)
We have important updates about your cable and internet bills–some good news, some hopeful news and some bad news (along with a call to action). The good news: FCC cracks down on “junk fees” In March, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) stood up for consumers and cracked down on deceptive…...
ICJC News Release: Experts say CABO will make new Chicago homes healthier, reduce energy bills, and create jobs. Peoples Gas President called out for prior false testimony.
NOTE: The following is a news release from the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC), of which CUB is a member. CHICAGO – At an April 3 subject matter hearing in Chicago City Council Chambers, experts made it clear the Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance (CABO) will reduce energy bills, make…...
A step-by-step guide to applying for LIHEAP
By: Kate Shonk Sustainable Communities Liason Applications are open for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). In recent years, community action agencies say they’ve seen a spike in demand for assistance, so it’s recommended income-eligible households apply as soon as possible before funds are exhausted. The program application period…...
CUB reports on April Gas prices
April gas prices are generally down, with some reminders of the expensive volatility of the market, including a 59 percent increase in one utility’s price from last year, according to CUB’s review of Illinois’ gas market. Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with the Illinois…...
CUB Q&A on the Realgy Settlement
Former customers of alternative electric and gas supplier Realgy, LLC, have called CUB with questions about a check they were mailed. An accompanying message explains that the check is related to a settlement the staff of the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and CUB reached with the supplier. The check is…...
Making a difference: Future looks sunny for this CUB member
Illinois’ Community Solar program has been a bright spot for one CUB supporter from LaGrange who enjoys supporting clean energy and saving money. In June 2023, Donna signed up for a Community Solar offer that was 20 percent cheaper than ComEd’s price. “Signing up for community solar was so simple…...