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You’re a community solar customer in Ameren territory? Here’s what’s happening to your bills

By: Marina Minic Solar Programs Coordinator Community solar customers in Ameren territory have seen “bill adjustments.” CUB can explain:   If you’re subscribed to community solar, you get a credit on your Ameren bill that corresponds to the amount of solar energy your subscription produced. That credit shows up as a…...

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Get the details on geothermal heat pumps

By: David Weaver Carbon-Free Buildings Coordinator  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says that geothermal heat pumps are the most energy-efficient system to heat and cool buildings and water. But how do they work? Will they work for my home? How much money will it save me? Should I make the…...

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April gas prices continue their decline–for most utilities

Gas supply rates are continuing to drop for most major utilities in Illinois, and they are far below the price spikes of 2022, according to a CUB review of April pricing information the companies filed with the state. Heating gas prices have decreased by up to 38 percent between March…...

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Governor pushes for better accountability of gas utilities (we agree!)

Governor J.B. Pritzker recently wrote an op-ed in the Chicago Sun-Times calling on gas utilities to be made more accountable to consumers and state regulators. The op-ed comes in the wake of news that gas utilities are pushing for a record $887 million in rate hikes.  CUB and other consumer…...

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Bring Back Consumer Choice Plans: Support HB 3689

As part of CUB’s 2023 legislative agenda, the watchdog is working on House Bill 3689 to require AT&T once again to offer the Consumer’s Choice plans as an affordable landline option to consumers.  The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Michelle Mussman, needs your support. Sign CUB’s HB 3689 petition to…...

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What’s the deal with air source heat pumps? CUB investigates

By David Weaver Carbon Free Buildings Coordinator Do you have questions about Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)? What are they? How do they work? Are they capable of heating my home in the winter? Will they save me money? Should I make the switch?  These are all important questions that…...

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Fighting for Illinois Consumers: CUB’s 2023 Legislative Agenda

Each year CUB works on a broad range of issues related to our core mission of saving consumers money on their utility bills. CUB’s priorities for the 2023 Illinois General Assembly session include the following: HB 2541- Representative Theresa Mah: This bill would cap the profit rate of electric, gas…...

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March gas prices plunge for some companies (finally)

CUB is glad to report that gas supply rates are continuing to decrease–even plunging for some companies–after almost two years of elevated prices.  Nicor, Illinois’ largest gas utility, is charging under 50 cents per therm for the first time in two years, and the supply price for Peoples Gas and…...

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Meet Eric DeBellis, CUB’s General Counsel leading the charge against rate hikes in 2023

It’s been quite a few months for CUB’s Eric DeBellis. Not only did he become a new dad, but he’s also challenging an unprecedented $2.9 billion in utility rate-hike requests as CUB’s new general counsel.  “The work we do at CUB matters because millions of Illinoisans pay utility companies billions of…...

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A guide to energy efficiency programs for income-qualified households

By Kate Shonk Sustainable Communities Liason Facing high energy prices and the rising cost of living, many consumers want to cut down on their monthly utility bills. In Illinois, consumers have access to energy efficiency programs offered by utility companies–including ones for income-qualified households.  The programs designed for lower-income customers…...

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