Go into your TV room and take a look at your entertainment system, with its Octopus-like tangle of wires and digital displays. The DVD player and sound system may be silent, but they’re costing you money. In fact this “vampire power,” from electronics and appliances that are plugged in but…...
Energy report: What’s your gas utility charging?
As we approach the heart of the winter heating season, here’s a summary of what Illinois’ major utilities are charging for natural gas right now, compared with last November: Ameren Zone 1 (Formerly AmerenCIPS): 53.482 cents per therm (November 2012: 64.76 cents per therm) Ameren Zone 2 (Formerly AmerenCILCO): 53.673 cents…...
From the CUB files: Top 5 worst consumer horror stories
As CUB approaches its 30th anniversary, we’ve compiled a list of some of the worst consumer horror stories we’ve ever heard. What better way to celebrate Halloween? 1) The phone plan that ate my bank account! It sounds like the title of a 1950s creature feature, but, unfortunately, it’s reality for…...
10 energy-saving tips for pet owners
Energy efficiency can be a major challenge for pet owners, who typically have a furry, feathery or scaly resident that never leaves the house. But you don’t have to choose between keeping your pet comfortable and minimizing your energy costs—these simple actions will help you achieve both. 1. Use a programmable thermostat. In…...
Good news for Ameren natural gas customers?
Ameren is predicting its customers will see lower natural gas prices this winter—but that doesn’t guarantee they’ll see lower bills. The utility says it expects prices to hover between 53 and 55 cents per therm, down about 5 percent from the prices customers paid last winter. But Ameren cautioned that lower prices don’t guarantee…...
Aurora mom uses CUB Energy Saver to slash power bills
Like many of the 25,000 CUB Energy Saver users, Yumeaka Jackson turned to the online efficiency tool because of bill shock. “My light bill skyrocketed,” said the Aurora mother of two who works in the insurance industry. But thanks to a CUB Energy Saver contest she entered, Yumeaka saved 3,413 kilowatt-hours…...
