2021 was a year of rate hike battles and the fight to pass the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act. In the new year, we plan to staff hundreds of free events, and handle more than one thousand inquiries from Illinois consumers with complaints or questions about their utility service–and we…...
Tips in the aftermath of a storm
We are seeing more and more examples of violent, dangerous and disruptive weather. Some utility-related tips and resources in the aftermath of a storm: What safety precautions should I take after a storm? Never approach a downed power line, always assume it’s energized and extremely dangerous. Call your utility immediately…...
CUB statement on Ameren’s $57.6 million electric rate hike
Ameren’s Illinois’ $57.6 million formula rate hike just adds to consumers’ pain in an already difficult year. In addition to this electric delivery rate hike, in 2021 consumers have endured significant increases in gas and electricity supply rates as well as a $76 million gas delivery rate hike. Ameren customers…...
Illinois home to lowest electric bills in the Midwest, nine years running
For the ninth consecutive year, Illinois had the lowest average electricity bills in the Midwest, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Illinois, which at one point had the highest bills in the Midwest, has now had the lowest since 2012. But there’s so much more to do, which…...
Upcoming CUB events in December 2021
Happy December, everyone; we’re officially in the final stretch of 2021. This year was highlighted by great victories (the passage of the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act) and great disappointments (millions in rate hikes for utilities). As consumer advocates, we’ll never give up—and that’s why we’ll continue putting on events…...
AT&T raises prices for Consumer’s Choice landline plans
AT&T has once again raised prices for its Consumer’s Choice landline calling plans. See the new prices below: Plan Monthly Fee Plan Details Call Plan 30 Downtown Chicago: $16.25 Rest of Chicago and adjacent suburbs: $19.25 Rest of Illinois: $20.75 30 local (bands A and B) calls (to places within…...
CUB’s legal team takes on alternative suppliers in 2021
UPDATE: The Second District Appellate Court of Illinois upheld the Illinois Commerce Commission’s $1 million fine against LifeEnergy, another legal victory for consumers. In 2020, CUB secured a $1 million fine against the supplier, but it appealed to the higher court. Alternative electric supplier National Gas & Electric, LLC will…...
Despite price drop, natural gas supply rates still high compared to 2020
Several natural gas utilities have dropped their prices slightly in December after months of ballooning prices. Despite the slight decrease, natural gas prices are still two to three times greater than they were last December. Current natural gas prices are related to an extreme cold snap that froze natural gas…...
