Have you received an envelope in the mail that at first glance looks like it could be an urgent message from your utility company? Be careful: It could be another alternative supplier offer. Such a mailing can be common in Illinois and other states with competitive electricity choice. But here’s…...
What you need to know about ComEd’s billing change
Note to ComEd customers (3/3/2024): The utility’s switch to a new billing system was rocky, blocking millions of customers from paying their bills online for more than a week and erroneously notifying people they owed $9,999.99. The new billing system was supposed to be working on Feb. 19. On Feb.…...
Springfield Alert: Your action needed to stop “Right of First Refusal” proposals pushed by electric utilities
Remember last year’s big consumer victory, when Gov. J.B. Pritzker vetoed Ameren Illinois’ “Right of First Refusal” proposal? The plan would have needlessly raised costs for electric customers by giving Ameren a monopoly over transmission projects in its territory, and, thus, eliminating a competitive bidding process. It would have been…...
Illinois Legislators Join the Push for Greater Grid Transparency with HB4747
Legislators from five states are joining together to introduce legislation to increase the transparency of electric utilities’ involvement in PJM, the Regional Transmission Organization (RTO). PJM manages the power grid over 13 states and the District of Columbia, from the Midwest to the East Coast. The legislators are from Illinois,…...
Up and down: February gas prices down from last year, but up from last month
Gas utilities are charging prices in the new year that are an average of 24 percent lower than last February, but month-to-month instability is still rampant. Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Compared with last month, the prices are…...
Marking 40 Years of Consumer Advocacy and $20 Billion in Savings, CUB Plans Year of Events To Help Illinois Consumers Protect Themselves Against Biggest Threats to Utility Bills In 2024
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB), a consumer group that has helped save Illinois utility customers more than $20 billion, is marking its 40th anniversary by traveling the state to give consumers money-saving tips and warn people about the worst threats to their utility bills in 2024. CUB’s 40th Anniversary Utility…...
ICJC News Release: Mayor Johnson, Ald. Hadden, Business Leaders, and Environmental Justice Advocates Announce Introduction of Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance (CABO)
With nearly 1 in 5 residents behind on their gas bills and gas rates continuing to increase, Mayor Brandon Johnson and Committee of Environmental Protection and Energy Chair Ald. Maria Hadden (49) announced Tuesday the introduction of the Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance (CABO). The proposal would require newly constructed…...
What you need to know about January 2024 gas prices in Illinois
Most gas companies are charging prices in the new year that are an average of 46 percent lower than last January, but month-to-month prices still show signs of the gas market’s instability. Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Below…...
