For the second straight month, natural gas prices have dropped for all or most of Illinois’ utilities. But most gas customers are still paying about double or worse than they did just two years ago for the volatile fossil fuel. “Nobody has a crystal ball, but we’re thankful for this…...
2022 End-of-year Report from CUB Executive Director David Kolata
By David Kolata CUB Executive Director This has been a tough year, with skyrocketing energy bills, thanks to volatile natural gas prices and aggressive utility spending. The CUB team needed Illinois consumers in 2022, and you came through for us. Thank you! Please know that our goal every year is…...
Considering community solar? Follow these shopping tips
Community solar is an exciting program for Illinois consumers who are interested in enjoying the financial benefits of going solar without having to install panels. But you have to do your homework to make the best choice for your home. Compared with volatile fossil fuel prices, solar energy can be…...
Natural gas prices ease in November, but they’re still REALLY high
Good news: For the first time in months, we’re seeing a decrease in natural gas prices. Bad news: November’s supply prices–while lower than October–are higher than they were for most utilities in 2021, and they’re about about double to quadruple what they were two years ago, according to filings with…...
Report: Peoples Gas’ pipeline replacement project needs billions more from consumers
The Illinois Attorney General’s office, the City of Chicago and CUB call for the end of a damaging gas surcharge in a new Crain’s Chicago Business analysis that finds the troubled Peoples Gas pipeline-replacement program the surcharge helps fund “appears all but certain to exceed” its latest cost estimate by…...
City of Chicago announces new building electrification plan
Chicago recently announced its building electrification plan to reduce emissions in the nation’s third-largest city, where nearly 70% of the greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings. The report recommends moving to electric heat of buildings over the next 20 years. First, it would change the City’s building codes to phase…...
Illinois solar energy is spreading thanks to group buy programs
Thanks to the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and the Inflation Reduction Act, we’re in an exciting time for solar energy in Illinois. With our partner the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, the Grow Solar group buy program is helping property owners across Illinois take the first steps toward lower…...
