Once, municipal aggregation—when community leaders negotiate power prices on behalf of residents–was a sure bet for electricity savings. Not any more. “Although it’s still possible to save money with electric competition, the era of easy savings is over in Illinois,” CUB Executive Director David Kolata says in CUB’s special report today. Kolata advises consumers…...
Proof: Internet access providers slowing speeds
Net neutrality is the idea that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) like Verizon and Comcast cannot discriminate against certain web traffic. In other words, ISPs can’t slow down traffic for companies that refuse to pay up. Finally, proof has emerged that not only is such “Pay-to-Play Internet” a possibility, it’s already happening. A recent…...
Don’t say the “P” word
by Samantha Vercellino The weather is about to change–and not in a good way. Painful memories of last winter will resurface this week as the Midwest welcomes back the “polar vortex” which was triggered by Super Typhoon Nuri, the National Weather Service says. The Artic outbreak will bring below-average temperatures for…...
CUB Action Network members say NO to Big Telecom
Consumer advocates expect Big Telecom to mount a new push to eliminate important consumer protections on home phone service in Illinois–and CUB Action Network members have something to say about it. The Illinois Telecommunications Act—important legislation that protects your rights and keeps telephone landline rates low—is up for review in 2015. In…...
Goodbye to affordable landline service?
While you’re heading to the polls today, CUB is gearing up for a key legislative battle this spring. The Illinois Telecommunications Act—important legislation that protects your rights and keeps telephone landline rates low—is scheduled to be rewritten in 2015. Millions of Illinois households, including many of our most vulnerable citizens, depend…...
Great advice and savings at CAPS Energy Efficiency Event
CUB was honored to be invited to a CAPS (Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy) Energy Efficiency Event at Chicago’s 7th District Police Station Thursday. Several CUB staffers were on hand to help residents uncover savings in their phone, gas, and electric bills. Aimee Gendusa-English, CUB’s community service liaison, had the opportunity to look over the…...
