The Chicago Tribune reports today that shuttered coal plants could lead to higher “capacity” costs—what all electric customers pay, even if they go with an alternative supplier. But don’t forget that fewer coal plants also means millions of dollars a year in lower healthcare costs, environmental advocates say.

Electric competition is saving consumers money right now, but CUB Executive Director David Kolata told Chicago aldermen it remains to be seen if that will continue after June of 2013, when ComEd power prices are expected to drop. "After that, I think the jury is out," he said. "If you look across the country, there isn't that much evidence that you can consistently beat the utility price."

Who wouldn’t want a $50 discount on a new phone? But doing business with popular online cell-phone retailers could slap you with double the fees if you want to get out of your contract early. That $50 discount can turn into $750 in extra costs.

Over the next year, ComEd customers will ride a roller coaster. Crain's Chicago Business reports that electricity rates will go down from June through September, up in October, up in January 2013, and then down again in June. Read how this could impact your bills.

An Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) judge recommends that state regulators cut ComEd rates by $146 million. Use CUB's Action Network to ask the ICC to follow that recommendation in its final ruling this month.

The good news is Ameren says you deserve a $19 million rate cut. The bad news is the company has packed its new rate proposal with bloated spending for things like corporate sponsorships, athletic events, and lobbying. CUB says you deserve more than double the rate cut Ameren has proposed. Right now, use CUB’s Action Network to urge state regulators to approve a $43 million rate cut.