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Consumer Victories

What we’re up against? $6 billion in higher rates!

In the first half of 2016, here’s what our legal and policy teams are up against: Energy giant Exelon is ramping up the pressure in Springfield to raise our electric bills by up to $1.6 billion over five years. We helped win a U.S. Supreme Court battle to stop power generators…...

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Saved from a high phone bill, retiree says: ‘Illinois consumers need CUB’

By Samantha Vercellino Last October, Chicago retiree Cassandra packed her bags and moved across town to the West Side of the city. She welcomed the change in scenery until she found out a new address also meant she had to switch to pricey digital phone service. Before the move, she…...

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CUB’s top 5 money-saving cases from 2015

Over the years, CUB has helped save consumers an astounding $20 billion—an accomplishment that would be impossible to meet without our consumer advocates. In 2015 alone, the consumer advocacy team generated $30,000 in savings for individual consumers who called us with a utility complaint, according to CUB records. That’s why…...

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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.…...

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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…...

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“Because I love how CUB saves people money”

Occasionally this year, a generous CUB member has been nice enough to match your donations. Recently, we asked him why, and his answer was simple: “Because I love how CUB saves people money.” To spark our fall campaign, this anonymous contributor has again generously offered to match every donation this…...

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Retiree says: CUB doesn’t mess around!

By Samantha Vercellino Arlene Cleary will admit she’s not tech-savvy, which is why she’s stuck with AT&T and the same long distance calling plan the past 58 years. However, a new laptop, courtesy of her grandchildren a few years ago, finally forced her to welcome a different type of service…...

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60 events! Outreach on record-setting pace in August

A big thank you to CUB’s Outreach team, which is on track to hold a record-breaking 60 money-saving events in August! The 10-member team is trying to beat the previous record of 57 speaking engagements, tabling events and utility-bill checkups across the state. Recently, the team traveled to Hillsboro, Maywood,…...

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Thanks for the memories, Cliff!

Please join us in tipping our hats to former Chicago Sun-Times cartoonist Cliff Wirth, who has now officially retired from The CUB Voice. It’s hard to believe that The Voice began featuring his cartoons more than 15 years ago. The friendship began back in the spring of 2000 after CUB requested…...

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CUB helps save ex-police officer from soggy basement

By Samantha Vercellino In 2013, Peoples Gas notified G. Droba of its plans to move his gas meter from the basement to the outside of his house. The Mount Greenwood resident didn’t mind—until his basement suffered severe water damage. During the switch, he said a pipe was jarred loose from…...

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