Commonwealth Edison and Ameren Illinois customers who have chosen alternative electricity suppliers have lost a combined total of about $297 million over the last year and $1.8 billion since 2015, CUB says, citing annual state reports on electricity competition. While ComEd and Ameren deliver electricity to their customers over the…...
CUB Q&A: What’s happening to solar power in Illinois in 2025?
A solar benefit called “net metering” is NOT going away in 2025, but it is changing, under state law. What is net metering? Net metering is a benefit for solar users. Under Illinois law, investor-owned utilities (ComEd, Ameren, MidAmerican) are required to offer net metering for renewable energy generation…...
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 electric battles before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). ComEd: As you recall, last December 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). However, the company filed a petition…...
CUB News Release: ComEd pushes for customers to pay millions to fix botched billing ‘upgrade’ that has crippled Illinois’ acclaimed Community Solar Program
When Commonwealth Edison’s botched billing system upgrade effectively blocked Illinois’ money-saving Community Solar program, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) demanded 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 PDF…...
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…...
