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Updates

Consumers beware: new wave of text scams targeting Illinois residents

Illinois consumers should be on alert for a recent wave of phishing scams trying to defraud Illinoisans. The fraudsters are claiming to represent multiple state departments, including the Secretary of State. “Phishing” scams use messages disguised as reputable companies to persuade consumers to reveal personal information, such as passwords and credit…...

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CUB’s upcoming events for July 2021

Want to learn more about ways to save money on your utility bills, get your bills analyzed and learn more about consumer protections? Check out our upcoming events for the month of July! As more folks continue to get vaccinated, we are returning to in-person events while continuing to host…...

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So what are my choices in the electric market?

  At CUB, we think it’s good to have choices in the electricity market, but it has to be informed choice. Educate yourself to navigate your choices in Illinois’ power market, and cut your electric bill. What are my options? If you are a ComEd or Ameren Illinois customer, here are…...

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Sources – CUB’s Guide to Phone Choices

AARP, How to Use Zoom to Stay Connected During the Coronavirus, November 18, 2020: https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/info-2020/how-to-use-zoom/ ABT Electronics, Telephone Buying Guide: https://www.abt.com/learn/telephone-buying-guide AllConnect, Are you losing money by not bundling? Sales pros chime in!, May 4, 2020: https://www.allconnect.com/blog/bundles-really-better AT&T Business, What is VoIP and how does it work?: https://www.business.att.com/learn/tech-advice/what-is-voip-and-how-does-it-work-.html AT&T, AT&T…...

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Ambit Energy: Too Good to Be True?

CUB fields numerous inquiries about energy companies in Illinois, and we’ve heard recent concerns about Ambit Energy. If you’re considering signing up for Ambit as your energy supplier or working as a consultant for Ambit, make sure you understand the terms of your contract. Ambit Energy is a company based…...

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Chicago rental assistance deadline extended to June 15

The application period for the Chicago Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) has been extended through June 15. The program, administered through the City of Chicago’s Department of Housing, provides rental assistance to eligible community members who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. ERAP will provide funds of up to…...

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CUB’s Virtual Utility Bill Clinic

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CUB brought back a popular service: virtual utility-bill clinics. How it works: Send us a copy of your electric, natural gas and telecom bills. A CUB specialist will look them over to see if you’re signed up with an alternative supplier or if you’re paying…...

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Utility Diaries: A Month of Bills in Urbana, Illinois

In Utility Diaries, we look at what different households across Illinois pay in a month for utility expenses.  Today’s household consists of two people in a rented house in Urbana.   Housing Background Location: Urbana, IL Household Size: 2 people Housing Type: House Rent or Own: Rent Square Footage: 1,215 Year…...

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Natural gas prices continue their rise into May

Most major Illinois gas utilities are again increasing their prices, the lingering effects of extreme cold that hit the nation for a brief period over the winter and caused prices in Illinois to skyrocket.  A few utilities lowered prices, but most natural gas customers will see their rates go up.…...

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CUB’s to-do list: $414 million in rate-hike battles

With new ComEd and Ameren Illinois rate-hike requests on the table, CUB’s legal team is now challenging $414.1 million in higher rates before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). (Send a message urging the ICC to say NO to the electric rate hikes!) Here’s a summary of all our battles: ICC…...

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