By Sarah Moskowitz, CUB deputy director I don’t often find myself excited about something utilities do, but Ameren Illinois surprised me awhile back when they submitted a tariff offering a special program to electric vehicle (EV) owners who charge their cars at home. The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved the…...
Winter preparedness: Weatherstripping
Using weatherstripping in your home to seal air leaks is a simple and effective way to improve energy efficiency and save money on heating bills. Weatherstripping can also protect the integrity of your home’s insulation by preventing warm, moist air from escaping through it. But before you take a trip…...
CUB to participate in City of Chicago ‘Mobile City Hall’ events
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) has been invited to participate in City Clerk of Chicago Anna Valencia’s Mobile City Hall initiative beginning this Saturday, Sept. 25. Each event will bring community resources and city departments directly to residents who are unable to commute downtown. CUB will have a table at…...
Forreston resident wins Best Energy Efficiency Tips contest
Congratulations to Geraldine of Forreston, IL on winning our Best Energy Efficiency Tip contest! A long time CUB member, she was randomly selected out of several participants to win $100 off of her utility bills. Check out the winning entry: “Use the air conditioner for brief periods (about 15 minutes…...
General Assembly passes historic energy bill: Now begins the hard work of implementation
The General Assembly has passed landmark energy legislation that consumer and environmental advocates have worked for years to achieve. The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act puts Illinois on a path to 100 percent clean energy while implementing the strongest utility ethics reforms and energy efficiency provisions in state history. And…...
Alternative supplier agrees to pay $300,000 settlement
Alternative electric supplier Star Energy Partners LLC will pay a $300,000 settlement for alleged misleading marketing practices and agreed to stop pitching its products or enrolling customers in Illinois for two years. The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved the settlement, which was negotiated by consumer advocates, including utility watchdog Citizens…...
Big step forward: Illinois Senate passes energy bill, now it’s on to the House
After more than two years pushing for comprehensive energy legislation that fights climate change and secures clean, affordable energy for Illinois, we’ve taken a key step forward this month. In the wee hours of the morning Wednesday, Sept. 1, the Illinois Senate passed legislation and sent it to the House.…...
High gas prices cause concern as cold temps near
Nearly every natural gas utility again raised their prices in September, causing more concern for consumers’ gas bills with winter just around the corner. These supply rates, some double or triple the utilities’ 2020 prices, are the result of the extreme cold that hit the nation back in February. As…...
