A solar benefit called “net metering” is NOT going away in 2025, but it is changing, under state law. We’re continuing to gather details, but this Q&A covers what we know as of July 2024. What is net metering? Net metering is a benefit for solar users. Under Illinois law,…...
How to: Determine the right size of your room air conditioner
Choosing the right size room air conditioner can significantly impact its performance and efficiency. Contrary to popular belief, a larger unit doesn’t always mean better cooling. It’s crucial to ensure that the air conditioner size matches the room’s dimensions and uses. Here’s how to determine the optimal size for your…...
Update on cases involving ComEd, Ameren Illinois power bills
We wanted to give you an update on some battles before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). ComEd: As you recall, last year the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) rejected the utility’s grid plan and slashed its $1.47 billion rate-hike request by about 65 percent (ICC Docket # 23-0055). The company challenged…...
CUB News Release: ComEd pushes for customers to pay millions to fixed botched billing ‘upgrade’ that has crippled Illinois’ acclaimed Community Solar Program
With Commonwealth Edison’s botched billing system upgrade effectively blocking Illinois’ money-saving Community Solar program, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) is demanding that the utility giant finally resolve the months-long problems and abandon a ploy to force frustrated customers to pay nearly $30 million to help fix the fiasco. (Here’s a…...
Protect yourself from utility disconnections
Protect yourself from disconnection with the following tips. Be proactive. If you’re having difficulty paying your bills, call your utility. Here are the direct hotlines for major Illinois utilities: Ameren Illinois – 1-800-755-5000 Aqua Illinois – 1-877-987-2782 ComEd – 1-800-334-7661 Illinois American Water – 1-800-422-2782 Nicor Gas – 1-888-642-6748 North…...
CUB helps consumer get $23,288 refund!
CUB’s Consumer Advocacy Department this past spring helped secure a $23,288 refund for a Chicago business owner. Annie Warnock, CUB’s Bilingual Consumer Rights Specialist, took on the case of a small-business owner who was “distraught and confused” over high electric bills. The owner discovered she was with an alternative electricity…...
CUB alerts Illinois consumers to new summer power prices
ComEd and Ameren Illinois are charging new electric supply prices as of June 1. Know these prices to avoid bad deals peddled by alternative electricity suppliers. As of June 1, the utilities are charging a new “price to compare,” the price customers should compare to alternative supplier offers, according to…...
Hourly Pricing program sets record for savings in 2023
A voluntary ComEd program that charges participants an electricity rate that can change hourly set a record for savings in 2023, according to a report filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). The Hourly Pricing program saved participants a total of $12.4 million in 2023, which was more than the…...
Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition unveils 2024 legislative platform
The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC), of which CUB is a member, has introduced its 2024 platform—a slate of legislation outlining critical solutions in the power, buildings, and transportation sectors that accelerate Illinois’ climate, equity, and energy goals. (Read the ICJC’s full release and watch the Springfield news conference.) In…...
