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Electric/water/gas issues, clean energy top list of consumer interests

People on CUB’s email list are most interested in electric, water and natural gas news, with clean energy and telecom topics a close second, according to a survey of supporters of the watchdog group. Throughout the month of January, CUB asked supporters to fill out a survey, “What CUB content…...

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Submit a pet photo for #WatchdogWednesday, and you could win $50!

February is Responsible Pet Owners’ Month—and to celebrate, we want to see your favorite pet photos. So what do pets have to do with utilities? A lot! Keeping your home safe, warm and energy efficient is good for your pets as well as your energy bills. And, each week we like…...

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CUB’s upcoming virtual events for February

Want to learn more about ways to save money on your utility bills, get your bills analyzed and learn more about consumer protections? Check out our upcoming events for the month of February! We are continuing to host our events virtually due to COVID-19 to keep you safe and up-to-date…...

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Efficiency tips for staying safe on a cold, snowy day

Practicing energy efficiency is the safest and most reliable way to stay warm during the winter. CUB presents these tips to follow during winter storms and in extreme cold. We wish you all safety and health! Keep your home at a steady, safe temperature (about 68-70 degrees). Blasting the heat…...

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CUB’s Capitol Report: Fighting rubber-stamped rate hikes, water privatization, and unfair gas charges in Springfield

With Illinois’ new General Assembly taking up business in Springfield amid a pandemic, CUB’s Bryan McDaniel will be busy fighting for consumers on a number of important bills. Help CUB fight for lower utility bills “Fighting for consumer legislation in Springfield is always a challenge because energy, water, and internet…...

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Financial assistance for utility bills available through June 30 to low-income families in Illinois

Low-income families in the state of Illinois can still apply for financial assistance to help pay for gas or electric bills through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) until June 30, 2021. However, the sooner you apply, the better. CUB recommends that to avoid misinformation, the most reliable…...

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Breaking: Nicor’s record $293M request, Ameren’s $76M hike, North Shore Gas wants $10M

In one week, Nicor Gas asked for a record-high $293 million rate hike, and Ameren was granted a $76 million increase. Plus, North Shore Gas is pushing for a $10 million increase. Here’s a rundown of these major developments concerning your gas bills and what CUB is doing about it:…...

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Meet Joe, CUB’s outreach coordinator

Joseph Giamberdino joined the team as CUB’s outreach coordinator in May 2020. Along with overseeing the planning and execution of events, Joe helps create promotional materials and conducts research for CUB. “Needless to say, beginning a new job during the pandemic was challenging,” Joe said. “But thanks to my colleagues,…...

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Five steps to prepare for bad winter weather

Living in a state like Illinois, we are all-too-aware of rapidly changing weather, but are you prepared for bad weather? These five tips can help you plan out your strategy for weathering the storm. 1. Weatherize your home or apartment. Equipping your home with the latest weatherization improvements can help…...

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CUB’s Consumer Agenda for 2021

Report from David Kolata, CUB executive director Happy New Year, everyone. I thank you for your support of CUB and your interest in working for lower utility bills and cleaner energy. As we look ahead to 2021, I want to give you a report on the major challenges facing Illinois…...

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