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gas bills

Chicago’s looming disaster?

Did you know that last winter, you paid 80 percent more for natural gas service, on average, than your friends and relatives in the suburbs? And a big reason appears to be the mismanaged Peoples Gas pipe-replacement program. That’s what Crain’s Chicago Business reported in a recent story with this ominous…...

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Consumer doesn’t give up against bad gas deal, gives big thanks to CUB

Like many Illinois consumers, John Van Hattem had second thoughts after he enrolled with an unregulated gas supplier that came to his door. John called the company—Illinois Gas & Electric—to cancel, only to hear a recorded message saying, “…the issue is with your local gas utility company.” Next, he called…...

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Breaking: New ComEd, Ameren power prices

Do you know what you’re paying for electricity this month? Read CUB’s special energy pricing guides for Ameren and ComEd customers. (It includes the gas prices for October.) Also, give us your best energy efficiency tip and we’ll share it in this blog.    ...

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Join CUB’s Community Action Campaign

This June we’re challenging EVERYONE in Chicago to join CUB’s Community Action Campaign. In the battles below, Julie, CUB’s general counsel, is up against the best lawyers the utilities can buy. She can’t beat them alone, which is why you and your neighbors must join the fight. Remember they only win when…...

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Money-saving programs worth bragging about

Thanks to efficiency programs offered by Illinois’ major utilities, saving energy—and money— is easier than ever before. CUB chose seven of its favorite energy efficiency programs from across Illinois. (See them below in no particular order.) Lighting Discounts Under ComEd’s Energy Efficiency program, you can receive instant in-store discounts on select ENERGY STAR…...

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Free CUB clinic to analyze electric, gas, phone bills in Chicago, show how to cut costs by hundreds of dollars a year

The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) will analyze utility bills at a free clinic to help Chicago residents save potentially hundreds of dollars a year. Consumers should bring their gas, electric and phone bills for a free, one-on-one consultation with a CUB expert, who will search for ways to lower their…...

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A heated debate: What’s the ideal temperature for programming your thermostat?

When it comes to setting the thermostat, everyone has an opinion–and that can lead to some heated debates among couples (pun intended). According to the Department of Energy, setting your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for 8 hours a day can save you up to 10…...

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DIY: Window weatherization

Do your windows have drafts? Here’s one way to tackle the problem. You can buy a window insulation kit for $15 to $25 online or at your local hardware store. It should come with double-sided tape and plastic film for covering the inside of your windows. 1) Clean the window…...

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New report: Midwest natural gas bills could go up by 30%

Natural gas customers in the Midwest can expect to spend more to heat their homes this winter, but their bills should still be comparable to or lower than most winters this past decade, according to a new federal report . Gas customers in the Midwest may see their total heating costs rise…...

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CUB, NBC 5 Help a Couple Get a $1,500 Refund

By Sagar Dommaraju If you’re looking for a good reason to read your electricity and gas bills, just check out Vicki and Jim Pelton’s story.  The retired Ottawa couple overpaid by $1,500, until CUB and a TV station worked to get them a full refund after 17 months of inflated…...

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