(800) 669-5556

Blog

Helpful information and tips on wireless 9-1-1

By Joseph Giamberdino Calling 911 on a traditional landline phone means the dispatcher can automatically trace your call to the exact address–but most emergency calls are now made with a cellphone. Wireless 911 is not 100 percent accurate. Here’s what you should know about mobile cellphones and emergency calls.   Who…...

Read more

Electric/water/gas issues, clean energy top list of consumer interests

People on CUB’s email list are most interested in electric, water and natural gas news, with clean energy and telecom topics a close second, according to a survey of supporters of the watchdog group. Throughout the month of January, CUB asked supporters to fill out a survey, “What CUB content…...

Read more

Natural gas prices hold steady in February

Natural gas prices for February are largely holding steady from last month, with no utility fluctuating more than 3 cents per therm from January. The price per therm you’re paying for natural gas in February, also known as the Purchased Gas Adjustment, or PGA, is shown in the chart below.…...

Read more

Submit a pet photo for #WatchdogWednesday, and you could win $50!

February is Responsible Pet Owners’ Month—and to celebrate, we want to see your favorite pet photos. So what do pets have to do with utilities? A lot! Keeping your home safe, warm and energy efficient is good for your pets as well as your energy bills. And, each week we like…...

Read more

News from CUB: Updated LIHEAP fact sheet provides key steps to getting help to pay your utility bills during pandemic

Amid the worst public health and economic crisis in Illinois history, CUB is spreading the word about how families can get help paying their utility bills.  Check out these resources: Our newly updated fact sheet, Energy Assistance: Questions and Answers. Our infographic on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP),…...

Read more

CUB’s upcoming virtual events for February

Want to learn more about ways to save money on your utility bills, get your bills analyzed and learn more about consumer protections? Check out our upcoming events for the month of February! We are continuing to host our events virtually due to COVID-19 to keep you safe and up-to-date…...

Read more

Efficiency tips for staying safe on a cold, snowy day

Practicing energy efficiency is the safest and most reliable way to stay warm during the winter. CUB presents these tips to follow during winter storms and in extreme cold. We wish you all safety and health! Keep your home at a steady, safe temperature (about 68-70 degrees). Blasting the heat…...

Read more

CUB’s Capitol Report: Fighting rubber-stamped rate hikes, water privatization, and unfair gas charges in Springfield

With Illinois’ new General Assembly taking up business in Springfield amid a pandemic, CUB’s Bryan McDaniel will be busy fighting for consumers on a number of important bills. Help CUB fight for lower utility bills “Fighting for consumer legislation in Springfield is always a challenge because energy, water, and internet…...

Read more

Financial assistance for utility bills available through June 30 to low-income families in Illinois

Low-income families in the state of Illinois can still apply for financial assistance to help pay for gas or electric bills through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) until June 30, 2021. However, the sooner you apply, the better. CUB recommends that to avoid misinformation, the most reliable…...

Read more

Breaking: Nicor’s record $293M request, Ameren’s $76M hike, North Shore Gas wants $10M

In one week, Nicor Gas asked for a record-high $293 million rate hike, and Ameren was granted a $76 million increase. Plus, North Shore Gas is pushing for a $10 million increase. Here’s a rundown of these major developments concerning your gas bills and what CUB is doing about it:…...

Read more