The Peoples Gas pipe replacement program is shaping up to be the biggest train wreck of 2015. Projected costs have reportedly doubled—to $4.6 billion—in five years. That could cause our gas rates to double over the next decade! Peoples had previously accelerated its schedule to replace 1,700 miles of aging pipes under the…...
New boost? No way!
Recent survey results reveal that CUB Action Network members aren’t too keen on an Exelon proposal that could increase power bills by $300 million per year. Or, as one feisty member put it: “They are already ripping off the public with high rates. Enough is enough!” Crain’s Chicago Business reported last week…...
Time’s up on CUB’s efficiency quiz!
By Samantha Vercellino Congratulations to Desiree Quinlan of Streamwood. She’s won a $25 Amazon gift card for putting her knowledge of household energy efficiency to the test. Last week, Desiree and more than 1,000 other participants were automatically entered into a drawing after taking CUB Energy Saver’s energy efficiency quiz.…...
CUB/EDF propose an IL first: Community Solar
Power to the people, right on. -John Lennon Mr. Lennon would have appreciated the “community solar” proposal that CUB and the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) have made before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). The proposal would smash barriers that have kept families from enjoying the benefits of renewable energy. Imagine entire neighborhoods getting…...
$153 million savings potential through CUB Energy Saver
As shopping for electricity suppliers becomes more expensive in Illinois, energy efficiency programs have emerged as the most reliable way to cut utility bills , according to a new CUB report. CUB held a press conference today to announce the findings: Energy efficiency has replaced electric competition as Illinois’ best bet for savings. …...
Exelon proposes surcharge that would jack up ComEd, Ameren bills by an estimated $300 million/year
For more than a year now, we’ve been hearing rumblings that ComEd-parent Exelon would push for some type of legislation that would boost revenue for its fleet of nuclear plants. Now, Illinois’ largest energy company has gone public. As Crain’s Chicago Business reported earlier this week, the giant wants to…...
Victory for net neutrality!
More than 3,000 CUB Action Network members sent messages to the FCC over the past months saying “Save my Internet!” Today, we learned that the pressure worked. In a historic decision, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted 3- 2 to approve rules reclassifying the Internet as a “common carrier” under the Telecommunications Act. The action…...
The vote that could save the Internet
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is set to vote tomorrow on whether or not to re-classify the Internet as a public utility, which can be protected and regulated through federal authority. Why does this matter to you, oh-average-unassuming-consumer? Because this decision is a game changer for net neutrality. Net neutrality…...
Quiz Time!
Did you know that simple actions could save you big bucks on your utility bills? That’s right: Switching to energy-efficient light bulbs, unplugging unused appliances, and using a programmable thermostat could potentially save you hundreds per year on your energy bill! Take CUB’s quiz and see just how much your household…...
Record-breaking temperature sweep through Chicago region
This morning, Chicagoans awoke to frigid Arctic air that crushed a 79-year-old record. Wind chills accompanied by 20 mph gusts make the temperature feel as cold and biting as 30 degrees below zero, according to a wind chill advisory issued by the National Weather Service. The temperature at O’Hare Airport…...
