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FEJA

The clock is ticking: pass CEJA and save our power bills

When the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission voted 2-1 in favor of a proposal pushed by out-of-state power generators, the clock started ticking.  The commission’s December 2019 decision overhauls the rules that govern the price we pay for electricity — it would ultimately prop up fossil fuel companies and force consumers…...

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As solar funding dries up, Illinois renewables need CEJA

Despite rapid solar adoption after Illinois passed strong energy legislation in 2016, the state is fast-approaching a solar cliff–the funding that helps propel the state’s solar industry is running out. But the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) could prevent the state’s clean energy progress from toppling over the edge. Specifically,…...

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IL power bills lowest in the Midwest (again)–but that advantage is threatened

For the seventh consecutive year, Illinois had the lowest average electricity bills in the Midwest, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). But nobody thinks power bills are low—there’s more work to do. That’s why CUB and other consumer/environmental advocates are pushing Illinois to pass the Clean Energy Jobs…...

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Consumer, environmental advocates flood Springfield to support Clean Energy Jobs Act

By Hannah Finnerty, CUB communications coordinator It was still dark outside when 500 bleary-eyed consumer and environmental advocates from across the state packed onto buses and headed to Springfield. Hoping to meet with their legislators at the state capitol, they planned to urge their senators and representatives to pass the…...

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What’s going with clean jobs training in Illinois?

by Cate York, CUB sustainable communities liaison The Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) of 2016 was huge. It ramped up energy efficiency programs for ComEd and Ameren customers, exploded the solar economy, and created low-income programs to extend the benefits of clean energy to all Illinoisans. But what about the…...

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State report shows big losses for electric shoppers: $800 million since 2015

The Illinois Commerce Commission’s Office of Retail Market Development released its annual report on Illinois electric competition. It showed that electric consumers with alternative suppliers lost $246.1 million just over the last 12 months. That makes nearly $800 million lost in the last four years! Since June 2015, total residential…...

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Summer Do’s and Don’ts from CUB

In 2019, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) is celebrating 35 years of serving as Illinois’ premier nonprofit watchdog for utility customers. We’ve helped save Illinoisans more than $20 billion over the years.  In honor of our anniversary, here are some of CUB’s summer Dos and Don’ts. DON’T…fall for electric rip-offs. ComEd’s…...

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Sun-Times: Illinois needs the Clean Energy Jobs Act

On Friday the Chicago Sun-Times published an editorial making the case for the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA). “Illinois can do right by the environment and your monthly power bill at the same time,” the editorial said. CEJA is legislation that would place Illinois on a path to 100% renewable…...

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Why we need a Clean Energy Jobs Act

By David Kolata, CUB Executive Director (Update: Since this column was written, the House Energy and Environment Committee voted to advance the Clean Energy Jobs Act, sponsored by State Rep. Ann Williams and State Sen. Cristina Castro [House Bill 3624/Senate Bill 2132]. The bill awaits a committee vote in the…...

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Don’t let fossil-fuel generators gouge us (UPDATE)

On Friday, June 29, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) rejected two bad plans to revamp electricity pricing rules and raise electric bills in the power grid that stretches across 13 states, including northern Illinois. However, in a 3-2 vote, regulators also launched a 90-day process that could result in…...

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