Last week, we told you that the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is investigating the electricity market in Central and Southern Illinois after a power auction last spring sparked a 30 percent price spike—and gave windfall profits to big generators like Exelon and Dynegy. Attorney General Lisa Madigan and more than 3,000 CUB…...
Crain’s Chicago Business: Did Peoples Gas lie?
A new auditor’s report shows that Peoples Gas knew the estimated cost for a disastrous pipeline replacement project had spiked to $8 billion…but the company kept that detail close to the vest as it sought approval for a lucrative merger, according to Crain’s Chicago Business. In June, Wisconsin Energy won Illinois Commerce…...
FERC launches probe of Central, Southern IL power market
Federal regulators have listened to Attorney General Lisa Madigan and more than 3,000 CUB Action Network members who called for an investigation of the electricity market in Central and Southern Illinois after consumers were hit with a 30 percent price spike. Here are the developments since CUB held a media…...
“Because I love how CUB saves people money”
Occasionally this year, a generous CUB member has been nice enough to match your donations. Recently, we asked him why, and his answer was simple: “Because I love how CUB saves people money.” To spark our fall campaign, this anonymous contributor has again generously offered to match every donation this…...
A showdown with big power generators at the U.S. Supreme Court
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court began hearing oral arguments in a case that promises to have a major impact on future energy costs in the United States. The Supreme Court is reviewing a 2014 Appellate Court decision that stripped the Federal Regulatory Energy Commission (FERC) of the authority to promote and regulate “demand-response” programs in the energy market. What…...
CUB endorsement: Programs to help lower your gas bills!
Over the summer, we asked our CUB Action Network members if they wanted to know more about CUB’s favorite energy efficiency programs. The answer was a resounding: YES! So without further adieu, here is a deep dive into two programs being offered to gas customers in Northern Illinois: the energySMART program from…...
How Chicago buildings can help lower prices, keep the lights on
The magnificent Chicago skyline draws tourists from around the world, but it fascinates CUB for an entirely different reason: It has the potential to become a powerful tool in our never-ending quest to make the electric grid more efficient and less costly for consumers. CUB is working with the Environmental…...
A “smart” way to save money
Smart thermostats—devices that allow you to remotely control your temperature settings from your smart phone, tablet, or home computer— are a great way to save energy and money on your utility bills. Now, consumer advocates hope to see these innovative devices installed in one million homes with the help of special…...
