By Julie Soderna, CUB General Counsel Below is a rundown of key consumer battles in our caseload. In summary, we helped reduce utility rate hikes by a total of $85 million, and we helped negotiate $2 million in refunds and energy assistance from three alternative suppliers accused of violating state…...
Affordability crisis: Illinois consumers grapple with overdue utility bills as winter weather draws near
Heading into what could be the most expensive heating season Illinois consumers have seen in more than a decade, many utility customers across the state are already behind on their utility bills. Nearly 170,000 Peoples Gas customers, about 20 percent, are more than 30 days behind on their natural gas…...
New assistance program helps Nicor customers afford their gas bills
Nicor Gas and The Salvation Army are partnering to provide emergency assistance to help individuals and families pay their natural gas utility bills. Funding through the Shield of Caring program will assist residential customers who are past due on their gas bill and report a financial hardship, such as a…...
Ameren takes a step toward smart EV charging—how will it work?
By Sarah Moskowitz, CUB deputy director I don’t often find myself excited about something utilities do, but Ameren Illinois surprised me awhile back when they submitted a tariff offering a special program to electric vehicle (EV) owners who charge their cars at home. The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved the…...
Chicago residents would save thousands by switching from gas to electric heat, CUB study finds
With winter heating bills projected to balloon by as much 35 percent and Peoples Gas customers struggling to afford the utility’s controversial pipe-replacement program, a study released Thursday by the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) finds that Chicago residents could slash their energy costs by up to $47,000 over the next…...
Save money on your bills and keep your home warm: Practice efficiency!
With the high natural gas prices we will likely see throughout the winter, be mindful of your gas usage this heating season. Practicing efficiency can help you better control your bills while still keeping your home comfortable. The gas efficiency section of CUB’s website has resources to help you get…...
CUB’s Newest Consumer Guide Aims To Help Renters
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) has released a free guide to help renters navigate the utility world. Consumers can order a free, printer-friendly copy of “A Renter’s Utility Guide: Go Green, Cut Costs and Learn Your Rights” by visiting www.CitizensUtilityBoard.org. “It can be difficult for renters to find clear, comprehensive information…...
Winter preparedness: Weatherstripping
Using weatherstripping in your home to seal air leaks is a simple and effective way to improve energy efficiency and save money on heating bills. Weatherstripping can also protect the integrity of your home’s insulation by preventing warm, moist air from escaping through it. But before you take a trip…...
