A special program that CUB works on ended 2022 with 76 properties contracted to install solar panels in the coming months–a potential total savings of more than $71,000 for participants in the first year alone. After a year of elevated global energy costs, these Chicago-area residents are moving toward renewable…...
Special Report: Municipal aggregation protecting customers from high prices–but what happens when the contracts end?
About 8 out of 10 electricity deals negotiated by communities across Illinois are saving residents money at a time of spiking energy prices. But dozens of those contracts, most in the central and southern parts of the state, are ending in December or January, exposing customers to higher power prices–for…...
Goodbye formula rates: CUB helps cut Ameren’s final “formula” hike by millions
In the final ruling under an anti-consumer “formula” rate-setting system, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) granted Ameren Illinois a $61 million electric delivery rate hike, after CUB and other consumer advocates helped knock about $22 million off the proposed increase. “While we’re glad Ameren didn’t get the $83 million rate…...
Get ready for 2023 with CUB’s money-saving events in December
This is a roundup of free events taking place throughout the rest of 2022. This year, CUB’s outreach team staffed over 350 events across the state. As consumer advocates, we’ll never give up—and that’s why we’ll continue putting on events dedicated to saving you money and keeping you up-to-date on…...
ComEd gets $199 million increase in final formula-rate case
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has granted ComEd a $198.9 million rate hike, the third-highest and last increase under the company’s anti-consumer formula rate system that was at the heart of its corruption scandal. “This is a parting shot from a system that was a bad deal for customers from…...
Sunshine & poses: Skokie resident’s solar snapshot wins CUB’s Clean Energy Scavenger Hunt
Congratulations to Robert of Skokie for winning CUB’s Clean Energy Scavenger Hunt! We asked for clean energy-themed photos, and his picture was randomly selected out of all the submissions to win $100. Check out his winning photo, featuring his brother in front of a school outfitted with solar panels in…...
2022 End-of-year Report from CUB Executive Director David Kolata
By David Kolata CUB Executive Director This has been a tough year, with skyrocketing energy bills, thanks to volatile natural gas prices and aggressive utility spending. The CUB team needed Illinois consumers in 2022, and you came through for us. Thank you! Please know that our goal every year is…...
Consumer alert: CUB releases tips on surviving expensive winter
With consumers facing higher heating bills this winter due to skyrocketing natural gas prices and aggressive utility spending, CUB released tips to help consumers get through an expensive winter. The watchdog has set up a special online resource, CUBHelpCenter.com, which explains why gas bills are high and offers safety and…...
Considering community solar? Follow these shopping tips
Community solar is an exciting program for Illinois consumers who are interested in enjoying the financial benefits of going solar without having to install panels. But you have to do your homework to make the best choice for your home. Compared with volatile fossil fuel prices, solar energy can be…...
