The parent companies of Illinois’ major energy and telecom companies have made $12.5 billion in profits so far this year— so why exactly are so many Illinois utilities still asking for higher rates? Just check out these monster profits: Can you believe it? The parent companies are raking in the dough, but the utilities…...
8 ways to stay comfortably warm this winter
By Samantha Vercellino Polar vortex or not, winter is always cold—but staying warm and cozy shouldn’t break the bank. Follow CUB’s simple tips to live comfortably, and save, during the bitter cold. Heat efficiently. Your heating system, like any other machinery in your home, will eventually break down. That’s why…...
Bright future: Good news from the Illinois Commerce Commission
The future for solar looks a little brighter in Illinois after two recent Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) rulings. The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) applauded the decisions after months of work in favor of the reforms. “If Illinois wants to have a cheaper, cleaner and more stable…...
CUB helps Chicago landlord out of $1,048 electric mistake
By Samantha Vercellino Hoping to get the property’s electric service switched back to his name, the Chicago landlord immediately called ComEd to sort out the details. According to Mark, a company representative claimed it would be an easy fix. However, two days later, Mark was hit with a $1,048 power bill.…...
Gas Market Monitor: 9/10 alternative supplier offers have been money-losers
CUB’s free online tool, the Gas Market Monitor, has some startling findings about Northern Illinois’ natural gas market: 9 of 10 plans offered by unregulated suppliers have been money-losers since 2003. CUB announced the numbers in a news conference today to give Northern Illinois households a warning as they prepare for another long…...
There isn’t a case CUB can’t help solve
By Samantha Vercellino Sometimes selling your house can be frustratingly hard–even for your electric bill. Mark DeVaun should know. The sale of his home was moving forward, and the electric service was switched to the buyer’s name. However, a missed down payment on the buyer’s end delayed the house closing…...
CUB recommended!
Did you know that ComEd and Ameren offer special pricing plans that could save you money? Read more below! ComEd’s Hourly Pricing program ComEd’s Hourly Pricing charges an hourly rate that reflects naturally fluctuating electricity prices. If you can delay your heaviest electricity usage to the times of day when prices…...
CUB’s 2015 Year in Review
CUB embarked upon its fourth decade of serving consumers in 2015— and we’ve accomplished so much already: $60 million in savings, 400+ money-saving events across Illinois, and new tools to help thousands of Illinois residents cut their utility costs. Read about the victories you have helped us achieve in CUB’s…...
Breaking: AG, CUB call for overhaul of Peoples Gas pipeline project
CUB has joined Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan in calling for the restructuring of a costly and “disastrous” Peoples Gas pipeline-replacement project that is billions of dollars over budget. The development comes weeks after Crain’s Chicago Business reported that utility officials may have withheld ballooning cost estimates from regulators while…...
