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Saving Money

Jumpstart your spring cleaning with energy efficiency tips from CUB

It’s time to get your home ready for warmer weather. Remember, energy efficiency is just as important during hot weather as it is in cold, so consider adding these home maintenance tasks to your spring cleaning checklist:   Air conditioning maintenance. A properly maintained AC system can help you save hundreds…...

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CUB update: What about those appliance rebates in the Inflation Reduction Act?

CUB gets a lot of questions from consumers wondering when they’ll be able to enjoy appliance rebates offered through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). We’ve got information about where Illinois is in the process of launching that rebate program–as well as some proposed changes to it.   The IRA, federal legislation…...

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Saving energy and money at home– the renter’s edition

By: Kate Shonk Sustainable Communities Liason The summer cooling season is upon us, and at CUB we’re here to help all Illinoisans save energy and money. For consumers who rent their homes, it can be hard to have control over their building’s efficiency measures–but you still have options. Even if…...

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For Earth Month (and every month): Fight Climate Change at Home

You can reduce your carbon footprint with a few simple tips to help you save money, save the planet, and save your peace of mind. Utility-Based Programs  Check with your utility about any energy efficiency programs available to residents.  Free at-home energy assessments are offered by ComEd and Ameren. They…...

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Chicago residents would save thousands by switching from gas to electric heat, CUB study finds

With winter heating bills projected to balloon by as much 35 percent and Peoples Gas customers struggling to afford the utility’s controversial pipe-replacement program, a study released Thursday by the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) finds that Chicago residents could slash their energy costs by up to $47,000 over the next…...

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CUB releases new infographics, including COVID-19 alert

Below is our gallery of new infographics, including an important update on utility consumer protections during the COVID-19 crisis. CUB thanks the Heising-Simons Foundation for a generous grant that helped us create this series of infographics about important consumer issues. Important utility customer protections during the COVID-19 Crisis Are you…...

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Are you being overcharged? Send us your bills

The last thing anybody needs in the middle of this crisis is to pay high utility bills. That’s why we’re continuing to analyze bills for Illinois consumers. “I’m afraid they may be overcharging me,” said one consumer who emailed her gas and electric bills to us. She was right: An…...

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Your questions, answered: Chicago’s new Utility Bill Relief Program

Last week, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the details of her new Utility Bill Relief Program. Taking aim at the burden of overdue water bills on low-income residents, the new policy would provide qualified Chicago residents with a 50 percent discounted rate for water, sewer, and water-sewer tax bills —…...

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Tell CUB about your worst bill

We all have that one bill. The one that we dread opening when we see that familiar envelope in the mail, or the sender in our inbox. The bill that feels like throwing a whole lot of money down the drain. What’s your worst bill? Tell us and get a chance…...

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Some good news for ComEd customers this October

      In October, ComEd customers will receive a one-time refund totaling about $80 million. Here’s what you should know: The per-kilowatt-hour credit, labeled the “energy efficiency credit,” works out to nearly $14 for the average ComEd residential customer. The credit is the result of a refund requested by ComEd…...

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