Aside from this week’s brutal cold, warmer-than-normal winter weather is a big reason natural gas prices have plunged. Over the last four months, average prices for the major utilities have dropped by as much as 49 percent. “U.S. households will pay the lowest heating oil and natural gas bills this winter in…...
A ‘greener’ take on this year’s holiday gift giving
By Samantha Vercellino Gift shopping can be stressful, especially when the holiday is right around the corner. But don’t fret; we’ve put together a list of our five favorite “green” gifts of 2015! Smart Crock-Pot: Unlike most slow cookers, the Smart Crock-Pot is Wi-Fi enabled which allows users to adjust its temperature…...
Illinoisans haven’t seen gas prices like this since…2001!
This isn’t a misprint: December’s natural gas prices are at their lowest point in nearly 15 years! Major Illinois utilities are charging consumers 26-48 percent less to heat their homes this December compared to last. Peoples Gas shows the biggest price drop of all, charging customers about 28 cents per…...
8 ways to stay comfortably warm this winter
By Samantha Vercellino Polar vortex or not, winter is always cold—but staying warm and cozy shouldn’t break the bank. Follow CUB’s simple tips to live comfortably, and save, during the bitter cold. Heat efficiently. Your heating system, like any other machinery in your home, will eventually break down. That’s why…...
Gas Market Monitor: 9/10 alternative supplier offers have been money-losers
CUB’s free online tool, the Gas Market Monitor, has some startling findings about Northern Illinois’ natural gas market: 9 of 10 plans offered by unregulated suppliers have been money-losers since 2003. CUB announced the numbers in a news conference today to give Northern Illinois households a warning as they prepare for another long…...
How to be an energy-efficient pet owner
By Samantha Vercellino We love our pets—so much that we celebrate 115 pet awareness events throughout the year! (Don’t believe me? Check for yourself.) But living with a furry, feathery or scaly sidekick can make it a real challenge to be energy efficient. Follow these simple actions to make sure…...
Money-saving tips to EAT up
By Samantha Vercellino As the days get shorter and colder, chances are we’ll be spending more time inside—and cooking. But before hitting the kitchen, look at these tips to ensure maximum savings during the festive-but-frigid months ahead. Plan accordingly. You don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen to…...
Nicor customers beware: Top 3 highest gas prices
This month, Nicor Gas customers–and their checkbooks—were happy to see the regulated utility’s price plunge 27 percent compared to its rate last October. But beware that some alternative gas suppliers are still offering plans that are almost double Nicor’s current rate. Protect yourself from bad deals by taking a quick look at…...
Hello October, hello lower gas prices!
By Samantha Vercellino As October rolls in, consumers begin preparing themselves for the arrival of two things: Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Lattes and higher utility bills. But Illinoisans may be singing a different tune this heating season, because major Illinois utilities are charging consumers 25-27 percent less to heat their homes…...
