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Cold weather tips

CUB consumer alert: Tips to battle bitter cold at home

The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) on Friday released tips for Illinoisans to keep their homes safe and warm, with temperatures expected to plunge following a winter storm. “With dangerously low temperatures approaching, everyone’s top priority over the next few days should be to stay safe,” CUB Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz said…...

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Tips for staying safe, warm and energy-efficient during Illinois winters

Illinois winters are notorious for snowfall and below freezing temperatures. Here are some tips to stay warm, safe and energy efficient. Staying safe in low temperatures Check on neighbors and loved ones. If you or someone you know doesn’t have access to heat, Keep Warm Illinois lists warming centers near…...

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Q&A: High natural gas bills in Illinois

Natural gas bills are at their highest level in years, and the two major reasons are: overly aggressive spending by gas utilities and skyrocketing supply prices. Read our Q&A to get the details. How expensive has this been for consumers?    People in Illinois who heat their homes with natural…...

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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…...

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Preparing your home for winter storms

Preparing your family and your home for rough winter weather can often help you avoid disaster. CUB compiled helpful tips. 1. Weatherize your home. Complete weatherization tasks, like the ones included in the list below, and protect your home and your wallet. Clean or repair heating and cooling systems. Install…...

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Winter preparedness: Weatherstripping

Using weatherstripping in your home to seal air leaks is a simple and effective way to improve energy efficiency and save money on heating bills. Weatherstripping can also protect the integrity of your home’s insulation by preventing warm, moist air from escaping through it.  But before you take a trip…...

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Using a space heater this winter? Consider this.

Gas prices are skyrocketing right now, and it looks like these high prices will continue through the winter. CUB’s Consumer Advocacy Department has already received some calls: Consumers want to know if it’s better to turn down their thermostat and turn on a space heater. The short answer: If you…...

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Q&A: High natural gas prices in Illinois 

Natural gas prices charged by Illinois utilities began shooting up last spring, and continue to be at a high level (double and triple last year’s prices) as we head into the expensive winter heating season. Read our Q&A to find out why this is happening and how you can protect…...

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Your Winter To-Do List: Save Money, Keep the Chill Out

Grocery stores have started selling Halloween candy, and Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spiced Latte is back on the menu: Fall is upon us, and chilly weather isn’t far behind. Start preparing for colder temps with these five to-dos to keep your home warm and safe this winter. Weatherstripping – Weatherstripping can be…...

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CUB releases tips in wake of governor’s disaster declaration

Dangerously low temperatures and up to a foot of snow prompted  Gov. J.B. Pritzker to issue a disaster proclamation for all 102 counties and warn Illinois consumers about the possibility of “soaring utility bills.” . “The sub-zero temperatures are resulting in increased demand and decreased supply, causing natural gas prices…...

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