With maps, music, cameras, web browsing, and email capabilities, owning a cell phone can make you feel pretty invincible. But did you know that your mobile phone can also leave you vulnerable to scary viruses and identity theft? When we think “Internet security,” our thoughts often don’t stray from our…...
Fight the hikes
The utilities are at it again–asking for even more of your hard earned money. ComEd is requesting a $275 million rate hike and Ameren is asking for a $206 million increase. These increases would represent a 12 percent and 29 percent jump in electric rates, respectively. That’s just unacceptable. That’s why we’re…...
5 surprising things you should know about the June rate hike
As of June 1, ComEd’s electricity rate shot up 38 percent, to about 7.596 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). And the prices offered by unregulated power suppliers competing against ComEd are going up too. To paraphrase Dorothy: “Toto, I don’t think we’re in the same electricity market anymore.” Whether you’re with…...
They’ve won $25 off their power bills
Congratulations to John of Millstadt and Michael of Tinley Park for winning $25 off their electric bills after taking CUB’s power price survey! About 1,200 people took the survey, which accompanied an article on the five key questions to ask about utility rate changes taking effect June 1 (ComEd’s rates are jumping…...
ComEd and Ameren summer rates
Summer is around the corner and temperatures are finally on the rise. But before you start cranking that AC, check out the new summer rates from your regulated electricity supplier. ComEd announced several weeks ago that its rate will jump from 5.5 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to 7.596 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) starting…...
Not without a fight: Sign a petition to save your Internet
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has revealed a troubling net neutrality plan that could divide Internet traffic into a “fast lane” and “slow lane” depending on how much cash companies fork over. The plan has struck a nerve with CUB Action Network members, who sent more than 3,100 messages to…...
Cycle and save
Those hot summer days can be brutal on your electricity bills. One way to fight the summer-bill-blues is to take advantage of your utility’s energy efficiency incentives. Case in point: ComEd’s Smart Ideas® Central Air Conditioning Cycling. ComEd will credit you $5 or $10 off your monthly electric bill between June…...
Net neutrality: Not dead yet!
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 3-2 last week to consider a plan that could divide the Internet into a fast lane and a slow lane for the haves and have-nots. By opening a gate for companies to pay more for privileged access, the proposed plan threatens to squash competition, water down…...
