The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has granted ComEd a $198.9 million rate hike, the third-highest and last increase under the company’s anti-consumer formula rate system that was at the heart of its corruption scandal. “This is a parting shot from a system that was a bad deal for customers from…...
Consumer alert: CUB releases tips on surviving expensive winter
With consumers facing higher heating bills this winter due to skyrocketing natural gas prices and aggressive utility spending, CUB released tips to help consumers get through an expensive winter. The watchdog has set up a special online resource, CUBHelpCenter.com, which explains why gas bills are high and offers safety and…...
Making A Difference: Chicago Symphony bassist helps CUB talk up solar power
It was a hot summer day, and Mark Kraemer was promoting Illinois’ community solar program at a farmers market. “Would you be interested in seeing more clean and renewable energy in Illinois?” asked the friendly, soft-spoken CUB volunteer. “No thank you,” said some, hurrying past. One waved her hand and shook her…...
First ComEd, now AT&T fined for corruption: Phone company used bribery to help pass anti-landline legislation
AT&T has been fined $23 million as part of an ongoing federal criminal investigation that revealed the telecom giant’s illegal efforts to help pass legislation that made phone service less reliable and more expensive in Illinois.AT&T now joins ComEd as the second major Illinois utility caught up in a corruption…...
ICC orders $38 million ComEd scandal refund – a step forward, but not enough
After an investigation sparked by the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has ordered scandal-plagued ComEd to give customers a $38 million refund. But CUB says it’s not enough. “A ($38 million refund) only partially compensates customers for ComEd’s misconduct — people deserve better in…...
Breaking: Inflation Reduction Act is signed into law
The nation has taken a historic step forward in fighting costly climate change and lowering utility bills through energy efficiency with passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). President Biden signed the IRA into law on Tuesday, August 16, The landmark energy bill passed the U.S. House on Aug. 12…...
Advocates push for cutting $18.8 million off Illinois American Water rate-hike request
CUB argues that Illinois’ biggest private water company is pushing for an exorbitant profit rate for its shareholders, and its $100 million rate-hike request should be reduced by nearly 20 percent. The consumer watchdog group co-sponsored testimony from Christopher Walters, an expert on water regulatory issues with Brubaker & Associates,…...
Alert: CUB urges struggling consumers to call their utilities before key protections expire July 31
Amid high energy prices, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) is urging consumers who are struggling to pay their utility bills to call their utilities immediately to learn about protections available to stay connected to service. Some of those safeguards expire July 31. “It’s been a rough year for utility customers,…...
With energy prices skyrocketing, advocates urge power grid operator to stop delays on new generation
Illinois legislative leaders and CUB are urging the power grid operator in Central and Southern Illinois to fast track renewable energy projects that could reliably power 4.5 million homes and help relieve energy problems in the region. At a news conference July 21, legislative leaders criticized the Midcontinent Independent System…...
