Federal regulators recently ordered changes to a yearly electricity auction that last summer sparked a 30 percent increase in power prices in Central and Southern Illinois. Now, it’s time to demand your money back for the egregious prices! Every year, the power grid operator in Central and Southern Illinois and 14 other…...
New ComEd rates are in!
Just a few weeks ago, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved a $67 million delivery rate decrease for ComEd customers—hopefully a sign that we’re starting to benefit from improvements to the power grid. Now, we officially know ComEd’s rates— reflecting the $67 million decrease—as of Jan. 1 Check out what you’ll…...
A victory in the battle for a better power market in Central, Southern IL
As Illinoisans prepared for New Year’s Eve revelry, federal regulators handed down an order that we hope will help avoid a repeat of the 30 percent power price spike that hit the Central and Southern parts of the state last summer. On Dec. 31, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) ordered key…...
CUB proposal: Videotape door-to-door power pitches
Today, we issued a consumer alert urging people to sign CUB’s petition asking the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to require electricity suppliers to videotape their door-to-door electricity pitches. Such a proposal is probably a first in the nation, and the alternative electricity suppliers (of course) are fighting it tooth and nail. This is the latest development in…...
Security for your smartphone
What is your smartphone worth? How about the personal data your smartphone houses—including personal account numbers, birthdate, and passwords? The answer is probably, “A lot.” That’s why it’s essential to protect your smart device from theft and data breaches. Follow these tips to ensure your phone and data don’t end up…...
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…...
Victory in Springfield: Funding restored for excellent utility program
Good news out of Springfield this week: General Assembly leaders and the governor restored funding for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)—an essential program that helps keep electric and gas bills affordable for roughly 50,000 low-income customers. After months of campaigning from consumer advocates, including CUB and more than 1,700 of you who…...
