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$125+ million in consumer savings in 2018–$20+ billion total!

CUB’s team helped save Illinois consumers more than $125 million in 2018, adding to the $20 billion in savings since the consumer watchdog opened its doors 35 years ago. “We thank Illinois consumers for their generous support,” CUB Executive Director David Kolata said. “CUB members are the heroes in this…...

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Q&A on the Capacity Battle

On Tuesday, Nov. 6, CUB filed comments before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), protesting a proposal favored by out-of-state fossil-fuel generators that could undermine Illinois energy policy and send ComEd bills skyrocketing. Specifically, the generators want to change the rules governing a special electricity market—called a “capacity market”—that covers…...

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[New Info] Picking ComEd Customer Pockets

UPDATE: Today, CUB’s lawyers are filing comments before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). We’re protesting a proposal that CUB Executive Director Dave Kolata told Crain’s Chicago Business could have “devastating consequences for Illinois consumers.” And we need your help! For months we’ve been warning that a plan to redesign the nation’s…...

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Energy myths busted

Congratulations to CUB’s Energy Myths Quiz winners: Regina from Aurora and Patricia of Oak Lawn! They each won $100 off their October utility bills for taking the time to bust some energy myths. Whether you took the quiz or not, check out the answers below to see how your energy…...

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Last chance to bust energy myths!

Time’s running out! It’s not too late to take CUB’s quiz and be entered for a chance to win $100 off your utility bills! Discover some of the misconceptions that may be costing you money, and impress your friends and family with your money-saving knowledge. (In fact, we’ve included a bonus question…...

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CUB saves consumer from $1,400 in charges from a bad electric/gas deal

Ruben H. of Chicago found out why his gas and electric bills were getting so high through his landlord: He had been enrolled with an alternative supplier, Direct Energy, since 2015. And he paid nearly twice what the utilities charge. He called ComEd and Peoples Gas, and then contacted Direct…...

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Illinois is friendlier to EVs than you think

A recent Forbes article about electric vehicles cited a study rating all 50 states on EV friendliness, and Illinois came in 14th. But the study missed a huge bonus for Illinois EV owners that should bump the state higher up the list. One factor the study looked at was the…...

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[Call to Action] These Scams Must End

You can help us right a wrong in Illinois. Check out this list of terrible gas supplier deals CUB found consumers paying at one of our utility-bill clinics this year. $1.32 per therm (312% higher than utility rate at the time) $1.16 per therm (262% higher than utility rate at the time) 70¢ per therm (118% higher than utility rate at…...

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CUB to the rescue: ID theft leads to no service for ComEd customer

Why was an $813 balance added to Surrina H.’s ComEd bill? The charges were tied to a Chicago address where she had never lived. While trying to resolve the identity theft issue, ComEd disconnected her service and she was left without service for days. “ComEd was not really responding,” she…...

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CUB to the rescue: A commercial rate for a residential space?

Gabriele was a charged a $1,200 deposit for using a commercial space, but argued she was just a residential customer. She had been using a previous owner’s storefront window space for family gatherings, kids’ art activities and meetings. With no business license, the space was not being used to sell…...

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