April gas prices are generally down, with some reminders of the expensive volatility of the market, including a 59 percent increase in one utility’s price from last year, according to CUB’s review of Illinois’ gas market. Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with the Illinois…...
CUB Q&A on the Realgy Settlement
Former customers of alternative electric and gas supplier Realgy, LLC, have called CUB with questions about a check they were mailed. An accompanying message explains that the check is related to a settlement the staff of the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and CUB reached with the supplier. The check is…...
Making a difference: Future looks sunny for this CUB member
Illinois’ Community Solar program has been a bright spot for one CUB supporter from LaGrange who enjoys supporting clean energy and saving money. In June 2023, Donna signed up for a Community Solar offer that was 20 percent cheaper than ComEd’s price. “Signing up for community solar was so simple…...
Spring into savings with CUB’s energy efficiency tips
It’s time to get your home ready for warmer weather. Remember: Energy efficiency is just as important during the spring and summer as it is during the winter so make sure to include these home maintenance tasks on your spring cleaning checklist: Air conditioning maintenance. Clean or replace your air…...
Shining a light on ComEd (and power grid operators)
Did you know that your electric bills are affected not just by the local utility, like ComEd, but also by large power grid operators, like “PJM”? PJM is the largest grid operator in the nation, managing the flow of electricity over high-voltage transmission lines that serve 65 million people from…...
March gas prices reflect an unstable market’s roller coaster ride for consumers
Reflecting the roller coaster nature of the gas market, the March supply rates charged by Illinois’ major gas utilities are marked by a few shocking price swings, including a 92 percent increase for one company compared to a year ago, a CUB review found. Gas utilities file supply prices–called the…...
AT&T’s response to last week’s nationwide outage
Last week, AT&T’s cellular outage lasted several hours and impacted customers nationwide. AT&T has come out since then with an apology and reassurance that the outage was a result of “the application and execution of an incorrect process used as we were expanding our network, not a cyberattack.” They plan…...
CUB statement on nationwide AT&T cellphone outage and tips for making calls
CUB Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz issues the following statement in response to AT&T’s nationwide wireless outage: This is a serious outage impacting public services, including peoples’ ability to call 911 on their wireless phones. After a year when AT&T boasted record operating income due to its mobile service (about $26…...
