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CUB calls on ICC to reject record rate hike for Peoples Gas after agency official recommends big increase for utility

An administrative law judge for the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has issued a “proposed order” recommending that the ICC approve a record-high $350 million rate hike for Peoples Gas, awarding the company the vast bulk — 87 percent —of the $402 million increase it has sought from regulators.  The recommended…...

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CUB is fighting big rate hikes–so how do these rate cases work? A CUB explainer

CUB’s legal department is fighting a record six utility rate cases before state regulators totaling a whopping $2.9 billion in higher rates for consumers. But what exactly is a rate case and how does it work? Here’s a CUB explainer to help you understand.  Step #1 Utilities file for a…...

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CUB alerts Ameren, ComEd customers to new power prices

As of October 1, ComEd and Ameren Illinois are charging new supply rates, and customers should know what they are to avoid bad deals from alternative electricity suppliers.  The non-summer prices, through May 2024, are listed on the Illinois Commerce Commission’s electric choice website, PlugInIllinois.org:   Ameren Illinois 8.107 cents per…...

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October gas prices way down from last year–hoping for no prices spikes in the near future

As Illinois enters the first month of the winter heating season, October gas prices continue the trend of being significantly lower than the last two years, with some glaring examples of the volatility that makes consumers so uneasy.    Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with…...

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CUB’s money-saving events in October

October marks the start of winter-heating season in Illinois. While this year’s gas and electric prices seem to be more stable than in years past, winter is an expensive time and CUB always recommends energy efficiency to protect your bottom line. Below are some free events taking place this month…...

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ICC stats: IL consumers have lost $1.6B with alternative suppliers since 2015, but Ameren customers saved last year

Illinois consumers have lost about $1.6 billion total to alternative suppliers since 2015–but Ameren customers, for a change, saw some savings last year, according to a review of annual reports from the Illinois Commerce Commission’s Office of Retail Market Development (ORMD).  Under Illinois law, ComEd, Ameren and MidAmerican customers are…...

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CUB review: Most municipal aggregation offers saving money, but changes on horizon

Out of 485 active community power (“municipal aggregation”) offers, about 300 (62 percent) beat or at least matched the utilities’ summer supply rates, according to a CUB review of plans. But more than half (183) of those offers expire over the next year–many of them this December.  This comparison covers…...

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We asked for your clean energy testimonials and CUB supporters delivered

We asked our e-newsletter recipients for their energy success stories, and we received many great testimonials on how you’re using clean energy to cut costs. Here are a few of our favorites. Derek, Oak Park Using state and federal clean energy rebates, Derek was able to achieve a significant reduction…...

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Q&A: Updates to the Carbon-free Resource Adjustment

CUB has been getting calls about a line-item on ComEd bills called the Carbon-Free Resource Adjustment, or CFRA.  Over its first year on ComEd bills, the CFRA delivered a total of about $2.4 billion in credits to consumers.  But this summer the CFRA became a charge. Here’s some background. What…...

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Good news: Illinois’ Electric Vehicle Rebate Program to open Nov. 1

Update as of 11/14/23: The Illinois EPA announced yesterday the number of applications they received so far is more than the available funds for this year. They are still accepting applications, though applicants who qualify as “Low-Income” will be prioritized for rebates. The third Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate cycle will…...

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