In CUB’s recent statewide campaign promoting energy efficiency, one of our messages was that efficiency has always been about making your home more comfortable, but using less energy. Now that federal experts have predicted Midwest natural gas bills will jump by 13 percent compared with last winter, it’s time to…...
How do Illinois consumers feel about smart meters?
As ComEd and Ameren begin the enormous task of installing nearly 5 million digital smart meters across the state over the next decade, we polled more than 1,000 weekly e-newsletter subscribers to get their thoughts on the new technology. We also invited consumers to submit their comments and questions about digital smart meters. Find…...
The quest for a smarter power grid begins today
Today, Illinois’ biggest electric utility will begin installing digital “smart meters” in Chicago’s western suburbs, launching an ambitious plan to give 4 million customers new meters by 2021. These new meters, built in a plant on the city’s South side, are a symbol of high-tech upgrades, collectively called the “smart grid,”…...
The Top 10 Best “Energy Songs” Ever
CUB just wrapped up a month-long contest asking consumers to submit and vote for the best energy-related song of all time. Although Eddy Grant’s “Electric Avenue” ran away with it, there were dozens of great entries. Here are our top ten: [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=_BRv9wGf5pk] 1. Snap – I’ve Got The Power. An important reminder that…...
And the award for best energy song goes to…
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vtPk5IUbdH0] Electric Avenue, the 1982 hit by reggae artist Eddy Grant, has been voted the best energy song of all time by Illinois consumers. CUB’s month-long contest asked music-lovers and energy nerds alike to submit their favorite energy-themed song on Facebook for a chance to win a month of free…...
Should ceiling fan efficiency standards be strengthened?
There’s a new battle brewing in Washington, and the target may be hanging in your living room. The House of Representatives last month voted to withhold money from the Department of Energy that the agency would use to consider updated efficiency standards for ceiling fans. Originally enacted by Congress in…...
