An Illinois utility watchdog group has joined forces with a community that has had highly publicized problems with lead in its drinking water to file testimony arguing that Aqua Illinois’ proposed $19.2 million rate hike should be slashed by at least 40 percent. (Read the full CUB news release.) The testimony…...
CUB’s monthly report on gas volatility: May 2024
Gas prices are lower than they were a year ago for most customers in the Chicago region, thankfully, but five utilities from across the state saw increases ranging from 9 percent to 97 percent from last May, according to CUB’s review of Illinois’ gas market. Gas utilities file supply prices–called…...
Breaking news: In historic vote, FCC restores net neutrality protections
In a 3-2 vote, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Thursday restored “net neutrality” internet consumer protections. “The action we take here is good for consumers, public safety, national security and network investment,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said ahead of the vote. Rosenworcel added that the COVID pandemic showed the absolute…...
Casework Roundup: A report from CUB’s General Counsel
By Eric DeBellis CUB General Counsel As usual, we’re busy juggling a heavy caseload before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) concerning the state’s biggest utilities: ComEd, Ameren, Peoples Gas, Illinois American and Aqua Illinois. Here’s a summary of where we’re at: Electric Cases Background: Back in December, the ICC slashed…...
Breaking news about your cable and internet bills (opportunities to take action)
We have important updates about your cable and internet bills–some good news, some hopeful news and some bad news (along with a call to action). The good news: FCC cracks down on “junk fees” In March, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) stood up for consumers and cracked down on deceptive…...
ICJC News Release: Experts say CABO will make new Chicago homes healthier, reduce energy bills, and create jobs. Peoples Gas President called out for prior false testimony.
NOTE: The following is a news release from the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC), of which CUB is a member. CHICAGO – At an April 3 subject matter hearing in Chicago City Council Chambers, experts made it clear the Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance (CABO) will reduce energy bills, make…...
CUB Q&A on the Realgy Settlement
Former customers of alternative electric and gas supplier Realgy, LLC, have called CUB with questions about a check they were mailed. An accompanying message explains that the check is related to a settlement the staff of the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and CUB reached with the supplier. The check is…...
Shining a light on ComEd (and power grid operators)
Did you know that your electric bills are affected not just by the local utility, like ComEd, but also by large power grid operators, like “PJM”? PJM is the largest grid operator in the nation, managing the flow of electricity over high-voltage transmission lines that serve 65 million people from…...
