Ameren and ComEd are spending $3 billion to install new digital meters across Illinois over the next several years. Folks have a lot of questions about these updates: What is a smart meter? Will my bill change? How can I save money with the new meters? Is dog spit really…...
Breaking: CUB, City of Chicago call for probe of Illinois electric market
Just four weeks ago, when CUB released a report on Illinois’ electricity market, we warned consumers about bad power deals. Today, CUB and the City of Chicago took another step forward to reform the market. CUB and the City today filed a petition asking the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to launch…...
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…...
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…...
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…...
CUB survey respondents are savvy consumers!
After a 115 percent in complaints over the year regarding alternative electric suppliers, CUB issued a consumer alert this week about the worst deals in the market. The alert included a survey asking consumers their impressions of alternative suppliers. First off, we want to congratulate Kenneth W. of Belleville for winning our survey drawing.…...
