CUB in the News
Herald & Review - March 09, 2010
Foes mounting pressure against Ameren's bid for a rate increase
By Tony Reid
Protestors fighting a proposed rate hike for the Ameren Corp. utilities in Illinois are piling on the pressure and are now looking for a knockout.
Marion Daily Republican - March 08, 2010
Bradley, CUB protest another Ameren rate hike request
By Matt Hawkins
Rep. John Bradley (D-Marion) and the Citizens Utility Board on Friday criticized another proposed Ameren rate hike despite the company's $612 million profit in 2009.
Belleville News-Democrat - March 08, 2010
Doubled profits does not translate into need for a rate increase, CUB says of Ameren
By Mike Fitzgerald
State regulators should not only reject Ameren Illinois' plans for a $130 million increase in electricity and gas delivery rates. The state should also force the utility to give back $6 million, according to representatives of the Citizens Utility Board and AARP Illinois during a news conference Monday.
KMOX - March 08, 2010
Opponents of Ameren-Illinois rate hike urge consumers to join fight
By Kevin Killeen
Consumer groups are urging the "little guy" to get involved in fighting a request by Ameren-Illinois for a $130 million rate hike.
Peoria Journal Star - March 08, 2010
Ameren customers urged to take action against rate hike
By Lauren Rees
State Rep. Jehan Gordon joined with the Citizens Utility Board and AARP Monday to urge Ameren Illinois Utilities customers to take action to try to stop a proposed $130 million rate hike by the company.
Alton Telegraph - March 08, 2010
Group fights Ameren Illinois rate hike
By Jill Moon
The Citizens Utility Board urged Ameren Illinois customers Monday to contact the ICC in opposition to the utilities' $130 million rate increase request.
Huffington Post - March 08, 2010
Ameren Seeks Utility Rate Hike Despite 150 Percent Profit Increase
Ameren, the electric and gas utility, is seeking $130 million in increased rates from its Illinois customers.
WSIL 3 - Southern Illinois News - March 05, 2010
Bradley Fights Ameren Rate Increase
By Jeff Stensland
Ameren says it needs another $130 million from customers to cover the cost of operations. But a southern Illinois lawmaker says people need a cut in gas and electric rates instead.
LaSalle News Tribune - March 02, 2010
Energy industry seeking guidelines
By Allison Ryan
Chris Thomas, policy director for Citizens Utility Board, said his primary concerns were promoting efficiency and keeping prices low for consumers.
Daily Herald - February 25, 2010
CUB not pleased with ComEd's rate-hike plans
By Kim Mikus
"This is not surprising, but it certainly is disturbing given the economy and how consumers are trying to make ends meet," said CUB spokesman Jim Chilsen.
TMCnet - February 24, 2010
AOTMP Announces TEM Award Winners
By Anil Sharma
Project of the Year was awarded to Citizens Utility Board represented by Jim Chilsen.
Chicago Sun-Times - February 24, 2010
Citizens Utility Board fights gas rate hike
By Francine Knowles
A consumer watchdog group is hoping to win reversal of state regulators' decision to grant an $83.6 million rate hike to Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas.
The Courier News - February 22, 2010
How to cut your phone bill
By Mike Danahey
Just how complicated are phone bills? Well, to explain what typically is a two-page statement, the nonprofit Citizens Utility Board publishes an "Untangling Guide" that is 29 pages long.
WREX-TV - February 18, 2010
CUB wins award for helping people save on their cell phone bills
CUB received the 2010 Industry Excellence Award for its Cellphone Saver online tool that has helped people in Illinois save an average of $300 a year on their cell phone bills.
The Courier News - February 14, 2010
East Dundee: 'Don't Overspend in 2010'
The Citizens Utility Board's (CUB) "Don't Overspend in 2010" campaign is coming to East Dundee to help consumers cut their calling costs by hundreds of dollars a year.
Daily Southtown - February 11, 2010
Free phone bill clinic
The Citizens Utility Board continues its "Don't Overspend in 2010" with a free phone bill clinic designed to help consumers cut their calling costs.
Chicago Sun-Times - February 11, 2010
Cell phone bill help
By Stephanie Zimmermann
Wading through a cell phone bill can be like trying to read ancient Aramaic, what with all the weird plan names, government taxes and other surcharges.
Daily Herald - January 31, 2010
Northwest Suburban adult social calendar
A representative from the Citizens Utility Board, a utility watchdog group, will discuss the latest on natural gas, electric, and telephone issues, plus ways to combat high bills and resolve disputes with your utility company.
News-Gazette - January 24, 2010
SafeLink offers low-minute cells for low-income residents
By Christine Des Garennes
A free phone? Really? If you've been watching late-night television in recent months you may have noticed commercials advertising free phones. It's no joke.
WBEZ-Chicago Public Radio - January 22, 2010
Illinois Natural Gas Rate Increase Approved
Citizen's Utility Board spokesman Jim Chilsen says the rate increase comes at a bad time for Illinois consumers He says the utility watchdog group plans to appeal the ruling.
Chicagoist - January 22, 2010
Expect to See Your Heating Bill Increase
By Amy Perry
Starting next month, Chicago and North Shore gas customers will see a higher home heating bill after the Illinois Commerce Commission approved a rate increase for Peoples Energy and North Shore Gas.
Chicago Sun-Times - January 21, 2010
Gas companies allowed to hike prices
By Kim Janssen
Your gas bill is about to get bigger.
Crain's Chicago Business - January 21, 2010
Peoples Gas customers to pay $48 more a year
By Steve Daniels
“While the companies got less than they asked for, they still got more than what they need or deserve,” a CUB spokesman said in a statement. “It’s the worst possible time for a rate hike, as Chicago-area consumers struggle to make ends meet in an ailing economy.”
Edwardsville Intelligencer - January 20, 2010
Ameren's proposed rate hike opposed
By Steve Rensberry
Ameren Illinois Powers’ lingering rate increase awaits an Illinois Commerce Commission ruling this spring but continues to stir opposition.
Daily Southtown - January 20, 2010
CUB deflates gas myths
In the wake of a jump this month in natural gas prices, the Citizens Utility Board said Tuesday it has launched an online "Winter Survival Center" at www.citizensutilityboard.org that warns Chicago-area consumers about potentially expensive myths regarding their natural gas bills.
Chicago Tribune - January 18, 2010
Energy sources
By Martin R. Cohen
As another former chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission (whose term lasted only seven weeks because previously I had been a consumer advocate), I take issue with former Chairman Dan Miller's criticism of the current commission for approving long-term contracts for wind and other renewable power generation.
FOX Chicago - January 13, 2010
Questions Grow Over Elgin Home Explosion
By Lilia Chacon
“The utility is supposed to have rock-solid procedures for investigating gas leaks,” said Jim Chilsen, of the Citizens Utility Board.
Chicago Sun-Times - January 11, 2010
ComEd looks to future, tests smart meters in area homes
By Maudlyne Ihejrika
"In general, we think that a well-designed smart grid can be good for consumers. The real promise is that it can maximize energy efficiency, and that will mean great savings for consumers," said David Kolata, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board watchdog group.
Daily Southtown - January 10, 2010
Shed unwanted energy costs
By David Kolata
CUB Energy Saver, www.CUBEnergySaver.com, is just like having a 24-hour on-call auditor who helps you slash your energy costs - and gives you a free money-saving light bulb to boot.
Decatur Tribune - January 08, 2010
Flider takes case against Ameren rate hike to ICC
n October 2009, the Citizens Utility Board, AARP, the Attorney General’s Office, and Flider joined together to announce the findings of a study by a Madison, Wisconsin based firm that showed of the 115 electric utility companies in the nation, Ameren fell in the bottom 3rd of most wasteful companies.
Chicago Sun-Times - January 07, 2010
Clinics help you save on phone bill
By Francine Knowles
Could you use an extra $200? That's how much on average the Citizens Utility Board's free telephone clinics have shown consumers can save on local and long-distance bills annually by making simple changes, according to the consumer watchdog organization.
WSIL 3 - Southern Illinois News - January 05, 2010
Consumer Advocates Have High Hopes for New ICC Chair
By Dana Jay
Consumer advocates and state lawmakers weary from battles with utility companies have high expectations for Governor Pat Quinn's choice to chair the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).
Crain's Chicago Business - January 04, 2010
Gov. Quinn makes pro-consumer choice in naming Flores new ICC chief
By Steve Daniels
By naming Alderman Manuel Flores new chairman of the Illinois Commerce Commission, Gov. Pat Quinn has met expectations that he would remake the state’s utility regulatory agency into a pro-consumer body. It just took him longer to do it than many observers expected.
Daily Southtown - January 02, 2010
Mr. Tightwad's tips for the new year
The Citizens Utility Board will help you weed through your phone service online, over the phone or at one of their in person clinics.
Real Simple - January 01, 2010
How to Save $5,000 This Year
A recent study by the Citizens Utility Board found that the average cell-phone user could save $331 a year by shopping for a plan that better matches her usage.
SmartMeters - December 29, 2009
Naperville Getting Smart for 2010
“We think a well-designed smart grid can be good for consumers,” agrees David Kolata, Citizens Utility Board director, “but there are some policy questions to work through.”
Chicago Tribune - December 27, 2009
Naperville prepares to roll out 'smart' electricity meters
By Gerry Smith
In Naperville, the future of electricity use is coming.
Chicago Sun-Times - December 07, 2009
Your phone bill is too high? Learn to cut
By Francin Knowles
Daily Southtown - December 06, 2009
Finding cell-phone sanity
By David Kolata
Chicago Tribune - December 04, 2009
Hang some holiday lights, save some dough
By Jon Yates
Looking for ways to cut corners this holiday season? The Citizens Utility Board recommends using light-emitting diode (LED) holiday lights this year instead of the conventional incandescent lights.
Associated Press - November 30, 2009
Ill. gov signs bill to protect telephone consumers
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has signed a bill aimed at protecting telephone consumers from a practice known as "cramming."
Chicago Tribune - November 30, 2009
New area code rings up unexpected charges for some condo boards
By Kristen Mack
Front gate buzzers at condos and apartments throughout the region went on the fritz when the 872 area code went into effect this month.
Chicago Tribune - November 30, 2009
Telephone billing scam: Expanded state law cracks down on 'cramming'
By Kristen Schorsch
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has beefed up an existing state law to target companies that add charges to consumers' telephone bills for services they never ordered, a scam known as "cramming."
Galesburg Register-Mail - November 30, 2009
Residents push for spraying notification law
By Clare Howard
Donna Sturm heard helicopter after helicopter flying low over the river bluff near her home.
ABC7Chicago.com - November 30, 2009
Quinn signs law against 'cramming' phone scam
Illinois has a new law designed to protect consumers from a phone scam called cramming.
CBS2Chicago.com - November 29, 2009
2 Investigators: New Phone Law Protects Consumers
By Pam Zekman
Scam artists have been doing it for years: tricking people into signing up for costly phone services, often without knowing it. But not anymore in Illinois.
Waukegan News Sun - November 28, 2009
CUB will hand out some holiday cheer
Grayslake Review - November 25, 2009
Area shops prepare for Black Friday
By Angela D. Sykora
Black Friday shoppers at Gurnee Mills can expect some great shopping incentives. From 1 a.m. to 9 p.m., shoppers can register at Guest Services near Bass Pro to win hourly gift cards. Something new this year, the Citizens Utility Board will give away 2,000 energy-saving light bulbs on first-come, first-serve basis.
Daily Southtown - November 15, 2009
It's time to get smart
By David Kolata
Fox St. Louis - November 10, 2009
$60M water rate hike worries IL carwash owner
Northwest Herald - October 17, 2009
Duffy hosts phone seminar
State Sen. Dan Duffy, R-Lake Barrington, will host a free clinic Nov. 3 to help people make sure that they are not paying too much for their phone bill.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - October 16, 2009
A ray of hope for electric choice in Illinois?
By Jeffrey Tomich
It seemed too good to be true in 1997 when then-Illinois Gov. Jim Edgar signed a bill to deregulate the state's retail electricity markets.
The Plainfield Sun - October 16, 2009
CUB to host energy efficiency event
The Citizens Utility Board will alert Plainfield residents to energy-efficiency incentives of up to $1,500, pass out free money-saving light bulbs, and give one lucky person a "smart" power strip in an event that could show consumers how to cut energy costs by hundreds of dollars a year.
Marion Daily Republican - October 16, 2009
Phone charge 'cramming' bill before state Senate
A bill cracking down on unauthorized phone charges passed out of committee Wednesday and now awaits consideration from the full Illinois Senate.
Bloomington Pantagraph - October 14, 2009
Groups may be dialing up the heat in fight over Verizon sale
By Kurt Erickson
Verizon's bid to get out of the rural telephone business in Illinois may be meeting some resistance.
Herald & Review - October 10, 2009
ICC must balance Ameren, public
It's difficult to sort out in the recent rate case filed by Ameren Illinois whether the company is greedy and wasteful or whether it has earned the right to increase rates.
SIU - Daily Egyptian - October 08, 2009
Citizens dispute Ameren’s proposed rate increase
By Nick Johnson
Dave Kolata is determined to stop Ameren. The utility giant has requested a rate increase of $226 million, but Kolata, the executive director of the Citizen’s Utility Board, has teamed with the AARP in the “Stop Ameren” campaign, designed to mobilize consumers and prevent the increase.
Belleville News-Democrat - October 06, 2009
Ameren rate hike under fire; execs face two dozen skeptical residents at meeting
By Mike Fitzgerald
Ameren Illinois executives on Monday night faced nearly two dozen skeptical ratepayers who questioned the utility's request for $226 million in gas and electric rate increases.
Alton Telegraph - October 05, 2009
Power play: Ameren rate increase plan sparks customers’ ire
By Sanford J. Schmidt
A Belleville man became so fired up over proposed Ameren rate increases, he had to be escorted, shouting, Monday night from a hearing room of the Illinois Commerce Commission.
Belleville News-Democrat - October 05, 2009
Local residents criticize Ameren for rate increase request
Ameren Illinois executives on Monday night faced nearly two dozen skeptical ratepayers who questioned the utility's request for $226 million in gas and electric rate increases.
The Times - October 02, 2009
LA SALLE COUNTY: CUB phone clinic offers savings advice
By Charles Stanley
La Salle County Treasurer Don Lamps was happy: he learned how to cut his monthly home phone bill from $48 down to $32, for an annual savings of $192.
Edwardsville Intelligencer - October 01, 2009
Public hearings address Ameren rate hike
By Steve Rensberry
Is there anywhere for the price of utilities in Illinois to go but up?
Peoria Journal Star - October 01, 2009
Protesters rally against Ameren hikes
By Ed Mcmenamin
Consumer advocate groups and two state representatives gathered Wednesday to speak against the $226 million rate increase requested by Ameren Illinois Utilities.
Southern Illinoisan - October 01, 2009
CUB fights utility rate hike
By Scott Fitzgerald
Citizens Utility Board officials are asking for public support against a proposed $226 million Ameren rate hike filed in June with the Illinois Commerce Commission.
Marion Daily Republican - October 01, 2009
CUB battling Ameren's proposed rate hike
By Matt Hawkins
The Citizens Utility Board and American Association of Retired Persons representatives on Wednesday called on state legislators to cut Ameren Corp.'s proposed $226 million rate hike.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - October 01, 2009
CUB, Illinois AG seek to slash proposed Ameren-Illinois rate increase
By Jeffrey Tomich
A pair of Illinois consumer advocates is urging utility regulators to disallow most of Ameren's proposed $225.6 million electric and natural gas rate increases.
Pekin Daily Times - October 01, 2009
Ameren’s proposed rate hike under fire
By Ed Mcmenamin
Consumer advocate groups and two state representatives gathered Wednesday to speak against the $226 million rate increase requested by Ameren Illinois Utilities, which includes AmerenCILCO, AmerenIP and AmerenCIPS.
WANDtv - September 30, 2009
Study claims Ameren is extremely wasteful
The Citizens Utility Board has called Ameren one of the nation's most wasteful utility companies.
WMBD/WYZZ TV - September 30, 2009
Ameren Wants Rate Hike
By Sarah Barwacz
Just two years after Ameren repaid customers for high electric bills, the company is asking for another rate hike. Ameren is asking for a 226-million-dollars.
WEEK - NBC 25 - September 30, 2009
Ameren Rate Hike Request
One Illinois consumer watch group says Ameren Illinois is one of the most wasteful power companies in the nation. The Citizens Utility Board is fighting Ameren's request for a 226–million dollar rate hike.
WSIL 3 - Southern Illinois News - September 30, 2009
Citizens Utility Board Calls for Action Against Proposed Ameren Rate Hike
By Christen Craig
A new study by the Citizens Utility Board claims Ameren is among the most wasteful power companies in the nation.
Herald & Review - September 30, 2009
Opposition unites against Ameren rate hike request
By Tony Reid
A powerful coalition opposing Ameren's bid to hike electricity and gas delivery rates for its Illinois utilities claims the companies are among the most wasteful in the nation.
The Times - September 27, 2009
CUB's 'Right Call' campaign visits Ottawa, report shows Illinois callers overpaying by $1.5 billion
Marking its 25th anniversary, the Citizens Utility Board is bringing its "Right Call Campaign" to Ottawa to show consumers how to cut their phone bills by hundreds of dollars a year.
ABC7Chicago.com - September 21, 2009
Lower heating bills expected this winter
By Theresa Gutierrez
Natural gas customers are expected to get a break on home heating costs this winter.
Northwest Herald - September 15, 2009
A warm reception
By Brian Slupski
Projections for lower natural gas prices should be good news for consumers concerned about potentially high heating bills this winter.
Crain's Chicago Business - September 14, 2009
Consumers look closer at expenses once on autopilot
By Crystal Yednak
People may not think twice about paying for unwatched DVDs or little-used gym memberships in flush times. But budgetary soul-searching is causing some consumers to re-evaluate the automatic deductions they once glossed over.
Crain's Chicago Business - September 14, 2009
Winter break on gas bills
By Steve Daniels
Recession-weary consumers and businesses will get a much-needed break this winter in the form of sharply lower heating bills thanks to the cheapest natural gas prices in eight years.
Daily Southtown - September 14, 2009
Such A Deal: Trim the fat from your phone bill -- one day only!
By Lauren Fitzpatrick
Want to learn how to trim your phone bill for free?
Herald & Review - September 14, 2009
AT&T U-verse giving television viewers another service option
By Ashley Rueff
Television cable and satellite companies have a new competitor in Central Illinois.
Daily Southtown - September 09, 2009
Consumer alert
Want to learn how to trim your phone bill for free? The Citizens Utility Board's "Right Call Campaign" will be stopping at the Palos Park Public Library on Tuesday, with CUB representatives available to analyze your phone bill and offer tips on money-saving plans.
Galesburg Register-Mail - September 09, 2009
Ameren seeks fee to make up for uncollectible bills
By Adriana Colindres
AmerenCIPS, AmerenCILCO and AmerenIP are asking the state's utility regulator for permission to impose a fee on customers that would cover unpaid bills left behind by other customers.
Franklin Park Herald-Journal - September 08, 2009
Paying too much for cell phone service?
By Mark Lawton
Most people are paying too much for their cellular phone plans, according to a study by a nonprofit utility watchdog organization.
Chicago Tribune - August 23, 2009
North Shore left with path of destruction
By Lisa Black
At first, Bobbie Moore thought insects must have attacked the sumac along an undeveloped path near her Northfield home, but as she drew close she discovered a wide swath of brittle, dead brush extending miles to the north and south.
Marion Daily Republican - August 20, 2009
CUB research finds ways consumers can save on cell phone bills
By Matt Hawkins
Illinoisans spend $27.61 more each month on cell phone bills than they should and leave an average of 7 hours, 19 minutes of allotted talking time unused.
Southern Illinoisan - August 19, 2009
Watchdog group says cell phone users can save money
By Scott Fitzgerald
The average cell phone user in Illinois is getting charged with more than seven hours worth of unused minutes in calling time a year, according to numbers from the Citizens Utility Board.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - August 19, 2009
Watchdog group touts cell-phone savings
By Tim Barker
Cell phone users are wasting several hundred dollars a year on unused minutes and services they'll never use. At least, that's the argument being made by the Illinois Citizens Utility Board, a utility watchdog group.
Alton Telegraph - August 19, 2009
CUB points to ways to save on cell bills
Illinois callers are getting gouged by cell-phone plans packed with unnecessary services and more than seven hours of wasted calling time, a utility watchdog agency said Wednesday.
WMBD/WYZZ TV - August 18, 2009
Exiting Cell Hell
A new report from the consumer watchdog Citizens Utility Board says most of us can cut more than $300 from our annual cellphone plans.
KTVI Fox 2 St. Louis - August 18, 2009
Illinois Citizen's Utility Board To Help Everyone Save On Cell Phone Bills
By Teresa Woodard
A report to be released Wednesday will tell you how to save hundreds of dollars on your cell phone bill. The Citizen's Utility Board in Illinois will unveil the report and it's a road map to $330 in savings. The Illinois consumer watchdog group analyzed almost seven thousand cell phone bills over the last 11 months, and discovered 73 percent of Illinois cell users are overpaying.
Chicago Sun-Times - August 18, 2009
Study warns cell phone users of hidden expenses
By Sandra Guy
Cell-phone users should beware hidden expenses in bills such as 411 calls, roadside assistance and phone-insurance coverage, a Citizens Utility Board study revealed Monday.
News-Gazette - August 18, 2009
Group: Many cell phone users paying too much
By Don Dodson
Nearly three out of four Illinois residents pay more than they should for cell phone service, according to a report from the Citizens Utility Board.
Chicago Tribune - August 18, 2009
Cut $331 from cell bill
By Wailin Wong
Illinois cell phone users could save an average $331 on their bills every year if they switch to plans with fewer minutes and get rid of unnecessary features, the Citizens Utility Board said in a report Monday.
Quad City Times - August 18, 2009
CUB outlines cell phone cost savings tips
By Laura Anderson
If you think you're spending too much for your cell phone, there's a new tool to help you figure out how to cut costs, thanks to the Citizens Utility Board.
Huffington Post - August 17, 2009
Odds Are, Your Cell Phone Bill Is A Rip-Off
A new report from the Citizens Utility Board finds Illinoisans on average overpay by more than $330 a year for cell phone service.
WTVO - ABC 17 Rockford - August 17, 2009
Illinois' Citizen's Utility Board Shares Tips on Lowering Your Cell Phone Bill
If you are looking to cut back on your cell phone bill, one statewide organization has some tips that might prove useful.
WREX-TV - August 17, 2009
Group says Illinoisans paying too much for cell phones
By Marissa Sherer
A watchdog group says too many Illinois residents pay too much for their cell phones.
WIFR - CBS 23 Freeport - August 17, 2009
Citizen Utility Board Finds Pontential Cell-Phone Savings
The Citizens Utility Board offers up some advice to shaving off cost on cell phone bills.
WICD ABC 15 - August 17, 2009
Spending Too Much On Cell Phones
By Kate Springer
You may be paying way too much to keep your cell phone on every month. A report by the Illinois Citizens Utility Board shows nearly 75 percent of phone users pay for features they never use.
WGIL Galesburg Radio - August 17, 2009
CUB Says Money Can be Saved on Cell Phone Bills
You can probably save money on your cell phone bill. This is the conclusion of the Citizens Utility Board, which analyzed every charge on 7,000 bills submitted to www.CUBCellPhoneSaver.com over the last 11 months. The web site recommends ways to save. CUB found ways to save on 73 percent of those bills.
WBEZ-Chicago Public Radio - August 17, 2009
Report: Illinoisans Spend Too Much on Cell Phones
The Chicago-based Citizens Utility Board says it analyzed nearly 7,000 cell phone bills and found the average Illinoisan spends $27.61 a month on, well, extra junk.
WBBM Newsradio 780 - August 17, 2009
CUB Offers Ways To Save On Your Cell Bill
By Jennifer O'neill
The Citizens Utility Board is offering cost-saving advice that nearly everyone can use.
Chicago Sun-Times - August 17, 2009
Web site helps cell phone users cut costs
By Sandra Guy
A "Cellphone Saver" tool on the Citizens Utility Board Web site (CitizensUtilityBoard.org) shows that cell phone users could save an average of $300 a year on their bills by doing away with items such as unused minutes and unnecessary features.
Chicago Sun-Times - August 17, 2009
http://www.citizensutilityboard.org/ssl/CITNarticles.php
FOX Chicago - August 11, 2009
CUB Tips to Slash Phone Bill
CUB President David Kolata says: "Most consumers are paying for calls they don't make. They're paying for services they don't need or want and they're paying too high a permanent rate to do it."
Chicago Tribune - August 11, 2009
Chicago to get 872 area code starting Nov. 7
By Wailin Wong
The Citizens Utility Board estimates that there are still 94 million available phone numbers in Illinois -- roughly seven times the state's population. "With the economy struggling, there are definitely bigger concerns than area codes," said CUB spokesman Jim Chilsen. "But honestly, on principle, what's so frustrating about this issue is it just seems completely wasteful and unnecessary."
Galesburg Register-Mail - August 06, 2009
Ameren calls for stimulus money
By Adriana Colindres
David Kolata, executive director of the watchdog organization Citizens Utility Board, said CUB still is reviewing the Ameren Illinois and ComEd "smart grid" proposals.
Peoria Journal Star - August 03, 2009
CUB has been saving citizens money for 25 years
By Steve Tarter
The Chicago-based Citizens Utility Board may have saved Illinois citizens more than $10 billion in its 25-year history, but executive director David Kolata said the group also has helped provide something else: moral support.
Hannibal Courier-Post - July 27, 2009
Ameren rate hike plans draw regional ire
By Brent Engel
The region’s largest utility says its latest rate hikes would cost families less than 50 cents a day.
Ogle County News - July 22, 2009
Talk to CUB expert about phone bills on Aug. 4
Citizens with questions about their phone bills will have the opportunity to talk with an expert from the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) at a free local clinic Aug. 4 sponsored by State Sen. Tim Bivins (R-Dixon).
Northwest Herald - July 21, 2009
Consumers to get tips on home-energy benefits
The Citizens Utility Board will celebrate its 25th anniversary in Woodstock by alerting residents about the latest energy-efficient tips and incentives of as much as $1,500.
CBS2Chicago.com - July 17, 2009
Near Record Cold July Means Shrinking Bills
By Mike Flannery
"The typical consumer, if this keeps goin', could save as much as $100 over the course of the summer on their electric bill," said David Kolata, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board. "That is real money. That's money you can use to fill your gas tank, put toward a much-needed family vacation. Anything we can do to save money is certainly good news for consumers."
WTVO - ABC 17 Rockford - July 14, 2009
Energy Savings Seminar Tonight
By Steve Stadelman
The Citizens Utility Board is bringing its summer energy series to Rockford. Steve Stadelman spoke with CUB's Outreach Director, Sarah Moskowitz, to find out more about the seminar.
Fox Valley Villages Sun - July 12, 2009
CUB slates phone bill clinic in Aurora
The Citizens Utility Board and state Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia are bringing the "Right Call Campaign" to the Prisco Community Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave., at noon July 23.
WGIL Galesburg Radio - July 12, 2009
Help for Low-Income Utility Customers in Illinois
The bill also mandates ethics reforms at the ICC. Dave Kolata, president off the Citizens Utility Board, says the reforms eliminate "back room" discussions between the ICC and utility companies.
Illinois Business Journal - July 06, 2009
Price of electric nearly cut in half by new Illinois Power Agency
By Alan J. Ortbals
WIFR - CBS 23 Freeport - July 02, 2009
CUB Celebrates 25th Birthday in Rockford
Fighting more than $300 million in Rockford-area rate hikes, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate its 25th anniversary in that city than to alert residents of the latest energy-efficiency tips as well as efficiency incentives of up to $1,500.
Springfield State Journal Register - June 30, 2009
AT&T's U-Verse coming to Springfield
By Tim Landis
Daily Southtown - June 30, 2009
Don't get sunk by tech wave
By David Kolata
Peoria Journal Star - June 30, 2009
CUB: Saving on phone bill a good call
By Stephanie Gomes
Chicago Sun-Times - June 25, 2009
CUB has tons of great info
By Stephanie Zimmerman
Aurora Beacon News - June 25, 2009
Hung up over phone bill? Consumers can call CUB for help
By Erika Wurst
News-Gazette - June 19, 2009
Lawmaker blasts rate hike requests
News-Gazette - June 19, 2009
Profitable Ameren pleading poverty
By David Kolata
Waukegan News Sun - June 19, 2009
CUB to hold Wauconda Township phone clinic
Another CUB phone-bill clinic is scheduled.
Glenview Announcements - June 16, 2009
ComEd balks at Glenview service repairs
By Lynne Stiefel
Canton - The Daily Ledger - June 16, 2009
CUB ‘phone bill clinics’ set to save consumers money
The Citizens Utility Board’s (CUB) “Right Call Campaign” is making back-to-back stops in Lewistown and Canton to help consumers cut calling costs by hundreds of dollars a year.
Peoria Journal Star - June 16, 2009
CUB event aims to help people lower phone bills
CUB plans a phone clinic in Peoria.
Belleville News-Democrat - June 14, 2009
Ameren's back too soon
Peoria Journal Star - June 13, 2009
Our View: Utility rate hike requests add too much, too fast, at vulnerable time
Chicago Tribune - June 12, 2009
Proposed rate hike by Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas draws opposition
By Ameet Sachdev
Chicago and state officials joined consumer advocates in opposing a $183.8 million rate hike requested in February by Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas. The Illinois attorney general's office, the City of Chicago and the Citizens Utility Board jointly filed comments with the state's utility regulator, contending that the companies inflated their expenses to justify the rate increases.
Belleville News-Democrat - June 12, 2009
Ameren to seek regular rate hikes
By Mike Fitzgerald
Chicago Sun-Times - June 12, 2009
CUB, ICC staff want proposed Peoples Gas rate hike slashed
By David Roeder
The Citizens Utility Board and staff of the Illinois Commerce Commission have urged deep reductions in a proposed $161.9 million rate increase for Peoples Gas.
WSIL 3 - Southern Illinois News - June 11, 2009
Saving Money On Your Phone Bill
CARBONDALE -- Whether it's a cell phone or a landline, they're a part of our life. But it turns out many of us may be paying too much for it.
Herald & Review - June 11, 2009
Ameren says rate hike is a must
By Tony Reid
The Ameren Illinois utilities said they must have $226 million more from their customers to offset the costs of everything from bad debts to storm repairs and the crippling interest rates on borrowed money.
Crain's Chicago Business - June 11, 2009
Critics fight Peoples, North Shore gas hikes
By Lorene Yue
The Illinois Commerce Commission’s staff has recommended that the state agency approve a fraction of the utility rate hike that two local natural gas providers are seeking.
KWQC TV - June 11, 2009
Storms among Ameren's reasons for rate request
Ameren officials say storm damage, rising interest rates and customers' bad debts are the reasons the utility has asked for a $226 million rate increase.
WCIA-3 News - June 11, 2009
Ameren rate hikes
News-Gazette - June 10, 2009
Executive explains reasons for Ameren's rate-hike request
By Tom Kacich
CHAMPAIGN – Uncertainty in the economy and in Illinois government is causing problems for the Ameren Illinois Utilities and is part of the reason the downstate utility has filed for a $226 million increase in gas and electric rates, the president of the company said Tuesday.
WCIA-3 News - June 09, 2009
Combing Through Ameren's Rate Increase Request
The Citizens Utility Board is combing through Ameren's request to increase electric and natural gas delivery rates.
Springfield State Journal Register - June 09, 2009
Ameren chief defends proposed rate hike
Ameren Illinois needs a proposed $226 million rate hike so customers can count on safe, dependable delivery of natural gas and electricity, Ameren's president said today.
Belleville News-Democrat - June 09, 2009
Ameren seeks another rate hike; cites higher costs
By Mike Fitzgerald
Ameren IP customers could each be paying on average $152 in higher gas and electric bills next year, while Ameren CIPS ratepayers could end up paying $119 in higher energy bills if state regulators approve the $226 million rate increase Ameren Illinois applied for last week.
Peoria Journal Star - June 08, 2009
Ameren CEO: New hike was avoidable
By Paul Gordon
PEORIA — Acknowledging this is not a good time to request a power rate increase, Ameren Illinois Utilities CEO Scott Cisel said Monday it could have been avoided had an earlier need been adequately addressed.
Pekin Daily Times - June 08, 2009
Ameren looks to raise electricity, gas rates
By Adriana Colindres
Ameren is seeking a $226 million rate hike.
News-Gazette - June 06, 2009
Ameren requests another rate hike
By Tom Kacich
SPRINGFIELD – Ameren filed for a $226 million rate increase Friday that would raise both natural gas and electric costs for most residents of downstate Illinois.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - June 06, 2009
Ameren seeks $226 million rate increase in Illinois
By Jeffrey Tomich
Less than a year after Ameren Corp. got approval to raise rates in Illinois, the company returned to state regulators seeking a $226 million annual revenue boost to pay for improvements to electric- and gas-distribution systems.
Daily Southtown - June 05, 2009
Rate shock in reverse
By David Kolata
A different kind of "rate shock" hit June 1 - ComEd rates went down. That's right. The cost for the actual electricity we use just decreased by an average of about 9 percent, saving customers about $96 a year.
Daily Herald - June 02, 2009
ComEd asks state for OK on smart grid pilot
By Anna Marie Kukec
Suburban homeowners often cringe with the onset of severe storms, anticipating damage or at least the loss of electricity. But, under a fee schedule created for next year, they may have a little help on the outage concern. Instead of reaching for the phone when the lights go out, they could be sitting back and not needing to report the issue it at all.
The Carmi Times - June 02, 2009
Ameren customers reminded of rights
Ameren customers could be eligible for compensation if they suffer long power outages, under a new state law that took effect on the same day that electric rates went down, state Rep. John Bradley and the Citizens Utility Board said Monday.
Crain's Chicago Business - June 01, 2009
ComEd wants to test smart meters
By Lorene Yue
(Crain’s) — Commonwealth Edison is asking the state for permission to include residents of Chicago and 10 suburban communities in a one-year pilot program to introduce so-called smart meters.
Southern Illinoisan - May 30, 2009
Clinic to discuss cutting phone costs
By Codell Rodriguez
CARBONDALE - The Citizens Utility Board will host a clinic Wednesday to tell citizens how they can save on their phone bills.
News-Gazette - May 30, 2009
Illinois American Water requests 34.7 percent rate increase
By Mike Monson
Illinois American Water filed Friday afternoon for a 34.7 percent water rate increase for customers in its Champaign district."We'll review this rate hike proposal and consider the best way to fight it," Chilsen said. "How much can consumers take? It certainly seems outrageous in light of last year's increase and in light of the struggling economy."
Bolingbrook Sun - May 27, 2009
Briefs: Energy efficiency tips
Citizens Utility Board experts will provide consumers with the latest tips to make their homes more energy efficient at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Fountaindale Public Library.
Northwest Herald - May 26, 2009
CUB phone session planned at church
The Citizens Utility Board’s “Right Call Campaign” will be in Huntley on Thursday to help consumers learn how to cut their calling costs by hundreds of dollars a year.
Bolingbrook Sun - May 22, 2009
CUB to hold special village meeting
Citizens Utility Board experts will provide Bolingbrook consumers with the latest tips to make their homes more energy efficient at a special event June 2.
Northwest Herald - May 19, 2009
Clinic aims to help reduce monthly phone bills
Residents looking for ways to reduce their monthly phone bills can attend a free clinic next week.
CBS2Chicago.com - May 13, 2009
2 Investigators Uncover Mystery Phone Bill Charges
By Pam Zekman
If you haven't taken a careful look at your phone bills, we suggest you do. State and federal regulators say complaints about unauthorized charges on both cell and land lines have doubled in the last year. The term they use for it is "cramming." CBS 2 Investigator Pam Zekman reports that these mystery charges can be for phone services that you never signed up for.
News-Gazette - May 12, 2009
New bidding process, wholesale price drop to ease Ameren bills
By Tom Kacich
SPRINGFIELD – A new procedure for purchasing electricity for Illinois utilities has produced cost savings in its first attempt. But lower wholesale electricity costs – a result of the recession – played a part, too.
The Times - May 11, 2009
AmerenIP, ComEd electric drops rates June 1
By Charles Stanley
Announcements that both AmerenIP and ComEd will drop their electricity rates effective Monday, June 1 will come as welcome news for consumers as the summer cooling season nears — a time when typically more electricity is used.
Peoria Journal Star - May 09, 2009
Electricity bills set to fall
By Adriana Colindres
Starting June 1, electricity bills are going down for customers of the Ameren Illinois Utilities, the company said Friday. CUB executive director David Kolata said, “There’s no doubt this is a very good start, and it suggests that this model is working, at least when you compare it to what it replaced.”
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - May 09, 2009
Electric bill break in Illinois
By Jeffrey Tomich
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and the Citizens Utility Board, a consumer group, said the drop in rates is proof the new power procurement process is working. "Consumers have a much more even playing field than they ever would under the auction," said Jim Chilsen, a CUB spokesman.
PR Newswire - May 08, 2009
Statement From CUB Executive Director David Kolata on Lower Electricity Prices Announced for Ameren
By David Kolata
Today's announcement that Ameren electric rates will drop by about 8 percent, or an average of more than $100 a year, thanks to the state's new power-purchasing system comes as a relief to Illinois residents hard hit by the struggling economy.
Alton Telegraph - May 08, 2009
Lower costs will help customers, Ameren says
The Citizens Utility Board, the Illinois consumer watchdog group, cheered the announcement by Ameren, calling it "a relief to Illinois residents hard hit by the economy.
Chicago Tribune - May 08, 2009
Ameren announces lower electric rates
The utility company Ameren Illinois has announced its customers will be paying less for electricity beginning in June. According to officials of the utility, the typical Ameren residential customer using 10,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity a year will save about $100, or 8 percent, on the price of electricity.
Chicago Sun-Times - May 03, 2009
ComEd customers will see 7.5% drop in light bill
By Art Golab
Starting next month, Commonwealth Edison customers will see electricity rates drop by an average of 7.5 percent, or $6.36 a month for the average residential customer.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Columbus Dispatch - May 03, 2009
Taking heat
By Dan Gearino
"Hundreds of thousands of consumers are paying substantially more than they should on their gas bills, often because unregulated suppliers misled them or didn't give them all the facts," said David Kolata, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board in Illinois, in a warning to consumers.
Chicago Tribune - May 02, 2009
ComEd customers can expect rates to fall about 7.5%
By Mike Hughlett
The average residential customer's monthly electricity bill will decline by about $6.36 beginning in June, when new wholesale power contracts take effect, ComEd said Friday. "We think this is very good news for consumers," said David Kolata, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board, a consumer watchdog group.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
PR Newswire - May 01, 2009
Statement from CUB Executive Director David Kolata on New Electricity Prices Announced for ComEd
By David Kolata
Today's announcement that Illinois' electric rates will be up to 9 percent lower thanks to the state's new power purchasing system couldn't come at a better time.
Daily Southtown - May 01, 2009
Gas market a bust for consumers
By David Kolata
Federal regulators in Washington recently acknowledged what most bill-paying consumers have known for a while now - that the wild fluctuations in natural gas prices last year were not the everyday workings of the "free market."
Comment on CUB's Blog.
The Courier News - April 27, 2009
Take responsibility for our Earth
By Gloria Carr
Last week, the Citizens Utility Board gave the village 250 compact fluorescent light bulbs in its Get Green contest. The village was only one of 10 communities to receive CUB's Bright Future award.
Bolingbrook Sun - April 24, 2009
Consumer group shows how to cut phone bills
The Citizens Utility Board's "Right Call Campaign" is coming to Bolingbrook to help consumers beat the bad economy by showing them how to cut their calling costs by hundreds of dollars a year.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Daily Herald - April 23, 2009
Attention Volo residents: Go get your free light bulbs
By Lee Filas
Volo is burning brighter - and greener - these days now that the village is a "Bright Future" award winner. And what's the prize for being one of 10 winners across the state? The village received 400 money-saving compact fluorescent lights to hand out to residents.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
The Courier News - April 22, 2009
Pingree Grove lights up with CFLs
By Eric Saxton
Residents made their village one of only 10 in Illinois to receive the Citizens Utility Board's Bright Future award.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Chicago Tribune - April 21, 2009
Oak Park woman stuck paying for neighbor's electricity
By Jon Yates
Jim Chilsen, spokesman for the Citizens Utility Board, said that under state rules, when an error is made to the customer's detriment, the refund has to be made to the date when the error first occurred.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Daily Herald - April 18, 2009
Pingree Grove's bright future
By Lenore T. Adkins
A light is about to shine on Pingree Grove - from 250 compact fluorescent light bulbs. The village this week won a bright future award from the Citizens Utility Board, a nonprofit, Chicago-based group that fights for utility customers' lower rates.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
The Courier News - April 18, 2009
Pingree Grove getting lit for going green
By Eric Saxton
Pingree Grove is about to get a little greener. The village is one of 10 communities in Illinois that are being awarded the Citizens Utility Board "Bright Future" Award.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Belleville News-Democrat - April 17, 2009
Phone bill too high? Group invites you to a clinic to cut your bill
Do you think your monthly telephone bills are too high? Do you want to save hundreds of dollars per year on them? The Citizens Utility Board does. That's why Chicago-based CUB is bringing its "Right Call Campaign" to the Alton Square Mall, 200 Alton Square.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Galesburg Register-Mail - April 15, 2009
House Speaker Madigan says deregulation law may need to be changed
By Adriana Colindres
Dave Kolata, who heads the watchdog Citizens Utility Board, said Madigan's resolution indicates he is "serious about doing everything we can as a state to keep rates as low as they can be."
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Peoria Journal Star - April 13, 2009
Prepaid cell plans gaining
By Steve Tarter
Not everybody wants a monthly cell phone bill to go with the convenience of a wireless telephone. As U.S. consumers tighten their household budgets, prepaid wireless packages continue to grow in popularity.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
WGIL Galesburg Radio - April 11, 2009
Quinn signs alternative natural gas bill
New safeguards are in place for consumers who choose to use alternative natural gas suppliers.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Daily Southtown - April 11, 2009
New law to crack down on natural gas suppliers
By Mike Nolan
Squarely targeting firms such as U.S. Energy Savings, legislation signed into law Friday will provide greater safeguards for consumers against misleading sales tactics by alternative natural gas suppliers.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Chicago Bulls - April 10, 2009
Bulls "Go Green" for first-ever NBA Green Week
In conjunction with the inaugural NBA Green Week 2009, the Chicago Bulls hosted an in-arena “Go Green” awareness night on April 9 during their game vs. the Philadelphia 76ers.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Crain's Chicago Business - April 10, 2009
New law protects gas consumers
By Meghan Streit
Gov. Patrick Quinn on Friday signed a law that regulates alternative natural gas suppliers’ marketing to protect consumers from misleading advertising and excessive termination fees.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Chicago Tribune - April 10, 2009
Illinois makes it easier to get out of natural gas contracts
By Joshua Boak
In response to problems with natural gas deregulation, Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law Friday a bill limiting to $50 how much gas companies can charge customers who cancel their service. Some companies had been charging as much as $1,000 to end contracts.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Daily Herald - April 06, 2009
CUB coming to Mount Prospect
The Citizens Utility Board, a utility watchdog group, is holding a phone bill clinic 10 a.m. Thursday, April 9 at the Mount Prospect Village Hall, 50 S. Emerson St. Many consumers can enjoy significant savings on their phone bills by following a few simple steps, CUB said, with a $300 annual savings on cell phone use, for example, not uncommon.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
WREX-TV - April 02, 2009
Another clinic to help cut your phone bills scheduled
The Citizens Utility Board is bringing another clinic to Rockford to help people save money on their phone bills.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Daily Southtown - April 01, 2009
An 'ICC reform bill' with bite
By David Kolata
Did you know that buried in Commonwealth Edison's $273 million annual rate hike in September was $10.5 million in company legal fees billed to customers? The same goes for Nicor Gas' recent $69 million rate hike, which included $1.6 million in fees. That's right, the hard-earned cash that we sink into our gas and electric bills helps to bankroll the utilities' high-priced lawyers-- as they battle to raise those same gas and electric bills. It's kind of like forcing David to pay for Goliath's steroid injections.
WREX-TV - March 30, 2009
Rockford phone bill clinic looks for ways to save
By Rebecca Klopf
A consumer group comes to Rockford to help people dealing with high phone bills.
WREX-TV - March 30, 2009
Phone bill help
People looking to save some money on their phone bills get help from the Citizens Utility Board.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
WIFR - CBS 23 Freeport - March 30, 2009
Experts help you save hundreds on phone bill
A recent study by the consumer watchdog group CUB, finds that Illinois phone customers are overpaying by about $1.5 billion a year. So CUB is travelling our state showing us how to avoid paying too much for phone service.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
WIFR - CBS 23 Freeport - March 29, 2009
Citizens Utility Board to be in Rockford
It may seem as though everyone is getting bailed out but us. However, we could start saving some money without help from the government. The Citizens Utility Board will be in Rockford tomorrow for the "Right to Call Campaign."
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Chicago Tribune - March 26, 2009
Consumer Watch: Gas deregulation's high price
By Joshua Boak
When Illinois officially deregulated natural gas markets in 2002, state legislators predicted that competition would reduce home heating bills. The exact opposite has occurred, critics say, which is one reason legislation to reform the marketplace for home heat is pending in Springfield.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Crain's Chicago Business - March 25, 2009
Nicor wins $69M-rate increase
By Steve Daniels
Nicor Inc. won a $69-million rate increase from the Illinois Commerce Commission on Wednesday, less than half of what the Naperville-based natural gas utility requested.
Associated Press - March 25, 2009
Ill. officials OK $69M gas rate hike for Nicor
By Sophia Tareen
The Illinois Commerce Commission approved a $69 million rate increase Wednesday for Nicor Inc. that officials said will add up to $3 to the average residential customer's monthly bill.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Daily Herald - March 25, 2009
Gas bills to rise as Nicor gets delivery rate hike
By Anna Marie Kukec
You could be paying about $2.50 more each month beginning in April to have natural gas delivered to your home.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
WREX-TV - March 25, 2009
Nicor rate hike approved
A $69 million rate hike by Nicor Gas has been approved. The increase was about half of the original $140 million the company requested last year. An Illinois Commerce Commission spokeswoman says the rate increase means about a $2 to $3 monthly increase for residential customers.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Chicago Tribune - March 25, 2009
Nicor gets $69 million rate hike
"Today's decision is another example of how the needs of consumers are being overshadowed by corporate interests," CUB Executive Director David Kolata said. "Illinois families are struggling to pay for necessities like food, rent, and medications, while Nicor's parent company made about $120 million last year and will make even more because of this rate hike."
WBEZ-Chicago Public Radio - March 25, 2009
CUB to Appeal Nicor Rate Hike
The Citizen's Utility Board plans to appeal a natural gas rate hike. Regulators signed-off on the increase Wednesday for Nicor, which serves parts of Northern Illinois. The company says the average residential customer will see an increase of about $2.50 on their monthly bill.
WEEK - NBC 25 - March 23, 2009
CUB finds consumers overpaying on phone bills
By Denise Jackson
In these tough economic times, many Central Illinois residents will tell you its crucial to stretch your dollars. One consumer advocacy group came to Peoria Monday with some help.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Chicago Tribune - March 23, 2009
What to do if ...
By Colleen Mastony
Obviously, you should do everything you can to avoid having your utilities shut off. But if you do end up in the dark, don't despair.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Chicago Tribune - March 19, 2009
ComEd rate hike possible in proposed NRG takeover
By Josh Boak
Commonwealth Edison customers could pay $119 million a year more for electricity if the utility's owner, Exelon Corp., completes a $6 billion hostile takeover of independent power producer NRG Energy Inc., according to a study sponsored by NRG.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Peoria Journal Star - March 18, 2009
Residents can learn more about their phone bills
State Rep. Jehan Gordon, D-Peoria, and the Citizens Utility Board will host a phone bill clinic Monday offering residents a free analysis of their phone bill. "It is always important to understand where one's money goes when they pay their bills, and in this time of economic hardship, that understanding is even more important," Gordon said.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
CBS2Chicago.com - March 18, 2009
Spend less, save more by making minor changes
By Dorothy Tucker
First: their home phone - they've had the same plan for 10 years. Benz sent them to the website for the Citizens Utility Board or CUB to find a lower cost service. Give up a couple of features and their $68 monthly bill drops to $20. That will save them $48 a month.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
WREX-TV - March 17, 2009
Get help cutting your phone bills
Help is on the way for people struggling to pay their high phone bills.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
WLS 890AM - March 09, 2009
Get green with the Citizens Utility Board
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) has been fighting for Illinois consumers for more than 25 years. Now they are bringing WLS listeners some “green tips” that will also save them cold, hard cash.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Daily Southtown - March 07, 2009
Ripoff rhymes with scamming
By David Kolata
Is it any surprise that when the mob was looking for a new scam some years back it found one in our fat, confusing phone bills? It sounds like a great setup for a punch line: "It's the phone scam they couldn't refuse." But "cramming," which allegedly netted the Gambino crime family hundreds of millions of dollars from 1996 to 2003, is no joke.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
WGIL Galesburg Radio - March 06, 2009
CUB says Illinois phone customers wasting money
Illinois consumers could save hundreds of dollars each year if they had telephone billing plans more suited to their use.
Bloomberg News - March 06, 2009
Consumers Find Betting on Gas Prices Brings Heating-Bill Hazard
By Mark Chediak, Jim Polson
The 70 percent freefall in natural gas prices since July hasn’t helped Louis Huguelet, a widower who shares his five-bedroom house in Oak Forest, Illinois, with two daughters, a son-in-law, and two grandchildren.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Joliet Herald News - March 04, 2009
Phone bill too high? CUB offers several solutions
By Tony Graf
The Citizens Utility Board helped dozens of visitors save money on their phone bills during a Monday clinic hosted by state Rep. Emily McAsey. Bryan McDaniel was one of several board staffers who examined people's bills and suggested savings strategies during the clinic at the Romeoville Recreation Center.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Evanston Review - February 26, 2009
Clinic helps residents cut their phone bills
By Ronnie Wachter
Your phone bill has obesity. Sarah Moskowitz, Ben Reike, Jim Chilsen and the rest of the Citizens Utility Board want to carve off the fat.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Belleville News-Democrat - February 24, 2009
Natural gas costs falling like oil rates; area customers should see savings
By Elizabeth Schmit
Like crude oil, the price of natural gas is falling, and that could benefit consumers.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Alton Telegraph - February 22, 2009
CUB urges Illinoisans to reduce phone bills
By Rachel Marrs
While Capitol Hill debates ways to jump-start the economy, Illinoisans have a potential economic stimulus package worth more than $1.5 billion in their own bulging telephone bills.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Belleville News-Democrat - February 18, 2009
Ameren seeks 'small' rate hike; revenue down 35 percent in Illinois
By Mike Fitzgerald
Ameren's 1.2 million Illinois customers may face another rate increase next year -- slumping corporate profits have led the utility giant to seek more money, its top executive has announced.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - February 18, 2009
Ameren will seek rate increases in Ill., Mo. in 2009
By Jeffrey Tomich
"Ameren just received a massive rate increase from the ICC. And before the ink is dry on that, they're coming in for another," said David Kolata, executive director for Citizens Utility Board, a Chicago-based consumer group. "Consumers that we talk to are already struggling, so this couldn't come at a worse possible time."
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Peoria Journal Star - February 17, 2009
Ameren wants rate hike
By Adriana Colindres
Customers of Ameren Illinois could get hit sometime next year with a new round of rate hikes — and bigger utility bills. “It’s very troubling news,” said David Kolata, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board, a watchdog group.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Belleville News-Democrat - February 16, 2009
New Illinois Cooperative gets green light from commerce commission
By Mike Fitzgerald
After nearly two months in regulatory limbo, the New Illinois Cooperative Energy is ready to move forward as a low-cost option for Ameren Illinois customers seeking to cut their electric bills.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Northwest Herald - February 15, 2009
Telephone clinic planned
The Citizens Utility Board is conducting a free clinic to give consumers tips about telephone service that could cut their calling costs by hundreds of dollars a year.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Chicago Tribune - February 14, 2009
Price disparity inflames natural gas customers
By Joshua Boak
John Dell paid $1,261 for gas to heat his Winnetka house for November, December and January. Had the retired bond analyst lived just seven miles away in Glenview, he would have saved $320.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Chicago Tribune - February 13, 2009
Proposed gas rates hikes cost another $12 a month
By Joshua Boak
Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas announced Friday that they are seeking state approval to raise natural gas bills by a combined $180 million next year.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Daily Southtown - February 11, 2009
Cutting your phone bill can be stimulating
By David Kolata
While Capitol Hill lawmakers debate how to jump-start the economy, Illinois consumers have their own economic stimulus plan worth some $1.5 billion - and it's buried deep in their own bloated telephone bills.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Daily Southtown - February 11, 2009
Are you paying too much for your telephone service?
By Donna Vickroy
Almost two years ago, Carol Biel headed to the shopping mall in Chicago Ridge armed with copies of her local phone bill and a hefty dose of skepticism. "AT&T had just raised rates $5 to $7 a month," said Biel, of Palos Heights. Figuring she had nothing to lose, she took her place in line at the Citizens Utility Board's clinic and waited to see a counselor.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Chicago Tribune - February 11, 2009
CUB says Illinois residents could save $575 a year on average by switching to cheaper phone plans
By Wailin Wong
Most Illinois consumers could save an average of $575 a year from their local, long-distance and wireless phone costs by using less expensive plans with fewer features, the Citizens Utility Board said in a report released Tuesday.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Daily Southtown - February 11, 2009
The 411 on free
By Lauren Fitzpatrick
The Citizens Utility Board has been taking on the phone companies, trying to make them trim the fat out of bloated monthly calling plans and letting more people know about their discounted services.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Progress Illinois - February 11, 2009
Lighten your phone bill, help save the economy
By Angela Caputo
It turns out that Illinois consumers who had an inkling that they were being nickel-and-dimed by their phone company were right on. Once again, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) has uncovered how another industry is overcharging unwitting customers.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Daily Herald - February 11, 2009
ICC judge recommends Nicor get half the hike
By Anna Marie Kukec
Naperville-based Nicor Gas could see its delivery rate hike request get cut in half. The Chicago-based Citizens Utility Board, a consumer group that opposed any hike, also is reviewing the recommendation "especially in this economy," said CUB spokesman Jim Chilsen.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Chicago Tribune - February 10, 2009
Illinois consumers could shave $575 from their phone bill, CUB report says
By Wailin Wong
Illinois consumers of local, long-distance and wireless telephone service could save an average of $575 a year without noticeable changes to their calling plans, according to a report released Tuesday by the Citizens Utility Board.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
NBC5.com - Chicago - February 10, 2009
Phone clinics, online tools help save money on phone charges
Face it -- times are tough, and most people are looking for a way to save a little cash. Your cell and home phone plans may be the easiest places cut back without even feeling it, according to the Citizens Utility Board.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
FOX Chicago - February 10, 2009
Save $500 on your phone bill
By Darlene Hill
CUB, the Citizens Utility Board, says the average household can save up to $500 a year by re-examining its phone package. CUB says many agreements are larded with services you don't want or need.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
ABC7Chicago.com - February 10, 2009
Group offers ways to save on phone bills
By Karen Jordan
A group says most phone customers in Illinois are spending too much on their bills. Whether it's calls at home or on a cell phone, a new report by a consumer advocacy group says Illinois residents are spending too much money on their phone bills.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
CBS2Chicago.com - February 10, 2009
Consumer group: people overpaying on phone bills
By Dorothy Tucker
Illinois residents are overpaying on their phone bills by an average of $575 a year, a report released Tuesday by the Citizens Utility Board claims.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Joliet Herald News - February 05, 2009
Board's bright idea
By Janet Lundquist
Plainfield residents spoke up, and the Citizens Utility Board listened. Plainfield was one of 10 communities statewide with the most people pledging to use energy-efficient light bulbs, according to a CUB tally.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Herald & Review - January 25, 2009
Cold snap heats up natural gas bills for Ameren customers
By Tony Reid
Central Illinois families opening their natural gas bills are going to feel distinctly hot under the collar when they get to the box marked "amount due." The Citizens Utility Board consumer watchdog group blames previous gas price spikes on speculators who've since fled the market following Wall Street's meltdown. David Kolata, the board's executive director, is hopeful President Obama's administration will impose market regulations before the speculators come back. "The whole Wall Street situation has proved that markets need much stronger oversight," he said. "And that is true for energy markets, as well."
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Legal Newsline.com - January 13, 2009
Madigan hails Illinois clean energy law
By Chris Rizo
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (Legal Newsline)-Clean energy legislation signed into Illinois law Monday was hailed by state Attorney General Lisa Madigan who said the new law will protect the environment and bring more green jobs to the Land of Lincoln.
BizJournals.com - January 13, 2009
Illinois cracks down on deceptive gas sales
The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation Tuesday aimed at protecting consumers from misleading and deceptive sales practices by alternative natural gas suppliers.
The Business Ledger - January 12, 2009
20090112_BizLedger_WatchdogGroups
By Jeremy Stoltz
Have questions about your utility bills? Refer to CUB, which represents utility customers throughout the state of Illinois. Whether it’s a phone, electric or natural gas bill, CUB can help consumers save money on their utilities in a number of ways, a CUB spokesman says.
Daily Southtown - January 11, 2009
Can a political nerd be a great governor?
By Phil Kadner
I f ever a man appeared to be perfectly suited for the times, it is Pat Quinn as he prepares to take over as governor of Illinois. Quinn, 60, the lieutenant governor, has spent a lifetime as a political outsider in a state where being an insider means everything. He has been a relentless campaigner for ethics reform and a critic of pay-to-play politics.
Bloomington Pantagraph - January 07, 2009
Agency Ready to Hire Consultants to Keep Eye on Electric Rates
By Mike Riopell
SPRINGFIELD - The state agency charged with trying to keep Illinois electric rates from spiking is preparing to hire consultants to lead its efforts. This spring, Ameren and ComEd will buy some of the power they then will deliver to customers. How much the utilities pay in the coming months eventually will affect how much customers pay on their bills.
Bloomington Pantagraph - January 06, 2009
State agency charged with watching electric rates to hire consultants
By Mike Riopell
The state agency charged with trying to keep Illinois electric rates from spiking is preparing to hire consultants to lead its efforts.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
WSIL 3 - Southern Illinois News - January 05, 2009
Digital Television Deadline Looms
In about seven weeks, the way you view television will change. Analog signals will be a thing of the past--as the government is requiring a switch to digital.
Chicago Tribune - December 30, 2008
What, Me Worry? Consumers Still Cutting the Landline Cord
By Eric Benderoff
An AT&T outage left many in the Midwest without cell phone coverage Sunday. It was a fresh reminder of how cell phones can sometimes be less reliable than landlines. However, consumers continue to give up landline service in growing numbers and go completely wire-free.
Daily Southtown - December 22, 2008
Geothermal heat pumps trendy, save energy
By Maura Possley
In desperate numbness, perhaps clutching crumpled utility bills, Southlanders fight winter and its annual wrath of snow and ice. Fueled by the often-freezing temperatures and rising costs to battle them, there are the home remedies - plastic sealant over windows - to help keep warm.
Crain's Chicago Business - December 05, 2008
Consumers could see ComEd rebates with 'smart meters'
By Steve Daniels
Commonwealth Edison Co. and consumer advocates are discussing a plan to give consumers rebates for using less electricity during the hottest days of the summer.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Paris Beacon News - December 02, 2008
CUB can help with cell-phone confusion
This year the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) easily showed people how to cut hundreds of dollars a year off their landline phone bills, but there hasn’t been much to say about cell phones—until now. Introducing the CUB Cellphone Saver (www.CUBCellphoneSaver.com).
Chicago Tribune - November 27, 2008
Saying 'thank you' is no problem
By Jon Yates
Thank yous also are in order for the Citizens Utility Board, the Better Business Bureau, the Illinois attorney general's office, and all the other agencies that toil on behalf of consumers who have gotten the runaround.
WBEZ-Chicago Public Radio - November 26, 2008
North Shore, Peoples Gas Pricing Draws Scrutiny
By Ammad Omar
A watchdog group says it needs to take a close look at the purchasing practices of a major Illinois utility.
Chicago Tribune - November 16, 2008
Consumers are checking their gas bills twice
By Jon Yates
The Problem Solver is devoting today's column to all things gas—the first "Guide to Not Getting Burned By Your Heating Provider."
Southern Illinoisan - November 14, 2008
Forecast: Natural gas won't skyrocket
By Scott Fitzgerald
A recent Department of Energy forecast is reversing its earlier national outlook about soaring winter heating costs related to oil and natural gas.
Herald & Review - November 05, 2008
Ameren Hints at Rate Hike Request After Down Profits Report
By Tony Reid
Ameren Corp. says it's hurting financially and will be asking permission to make Central Illinois families and businesses pay more. The warning came Tuesday as the St. Louis-based power company announced third-quarter profit that was down 16 percent at $204 million, or 97 cents per share.
The Chief Engineer - November 03, 2008
Illinois Electricity Rates Won't Soar in '08
Electric rate increases are back on the horizon for Illinoisans, but consumer advocates said they don’t expect the kinds of jumps that unnerved consumers last year and prompted lawmakers to negotiate a $1 billion relief package.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Northwest Herald - November 03, 2008
Woodstock residents can cut bloated phone bills
By Tim Kane
The Citizens Utility Board is having two free “phone-bill clinics” in McHenry County this month intended to inform area residents how to cut calling costs by hundreds of dollars – including how to get a negotiated $20 long-distance credit.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Chicago Sun-Times - October 27, 2008
CUB clinic helps area residents save on phone bills
By L. Kristofer Thomsen
Corporate giants like AT&T and Comcast have turned Illinois into their own private battleground with pitches for high-priced TV, telephone and Internet "bundles" that have flashy names like U-verse and Triple Play. But many people don't want bells and whistles. They want no-frills phone service that doesn't break the bank. That's why I was happy to hear that the Citizens Utility Board is holding a free phone bill clinic for the first time in the Loop on Oct. 30 at the James R. Thompson Center to help people make sense of their phone bills.
Chicago Sun-Times - October 19, 2008
10 Ways To Save Cash This Fall
By Stephanie Zimmerman
Times are tough, and everyone can use some extra cash these days. Of course, The Fixer has some suggestions.
WGN TV - October 17, 2008
David Kolata gives tips on how to save on your phone bill
CUB Executive Director David Kolata tells consumers how to cut their phone bills on the WGN mid-day news.
FOX Chicago - October 09, 2008
Tips to trim your gas bill
Gas prices aren't the only ones to skyrocket over recent months. Natural gas is up too. David Kolata from the Citizens Utility Board offers some tips on what you can do to save money.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - October 09, 2008
Audit: Ameren needs improvement in Illinois
By Jeffrey Tomich
A utility consultant recommended more than 150 improvements to make St. Louis-based Ameren Corp.'s Illinois electric grid less prone to the kind of mass power outages that left hundreds of thousands of customers in the dark following storms in 2006.
Belleville News-Democrat - October 09, 2008
Ameren customers may get new choice
By Mike Fitzgerald
Ameren Illinois customers, bracing for newly approved rate increases, may cut their electric rates this winter by signing up with the New Illinois Cooperative Energy, or NICE.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - October 08, 2008
Illinois power co-op takes aim at Ameren customers
By Kevin Mcdermott
A downstate Illinois electricity cooperative today will announce plans to offer power statewide, with an eye toward signing up Ameren Corp.'s Illinois customers infuriated by rate hikes.
Peoria Journal Star - October 08, 2008
NICE tries to sign-up electric customers
By Ryan Keith
A new company is trying to break into the barren wasteland known as residential electric service in Illinois and bring competition that's long been promised but never delivered.
Chicago Sun-Times - October 03, 2008
How to save money on your phone bill -- TODAY
By Francine Knowles
Looking for ways to save on your telephone bill? The Citizens Utility Board, a nonprofit utility watchdog group will host a free phone-bill clinic and give out money-saving light bulbs today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at ShoreBank's Chatham Banking Center, 7936 S. Cottage Grove.
Progress Illinois - October 01, 2008
Ameren Rate Hike Goes Into Effect Today
By Angela Caputo
It's looking like cash-strapped Illinois residents could be in for a long, cold winter this year. And when the sweltering summer heat returns, they may be left to sweat it out alone.
Springfield State Journal Register - September 29, 2008
Our Opinion: Utility hearings need to be open
IMAGINE IF state’s attorneys, before scheduling a major criminal case in court, got to sit down with the judge and discuss why the charges against the defendant are warranted. There is no record of the content of the meeting, only a note that it occurred.
Belleville News-Democrat - September 28, 2008
Critics say credit meltdown could boost Ameren bills even further
By Mike Fitzgerald
While metro-east Ameren customers digest the news that their electric and gas bills will shoot up by $162 million -- between $2 and $18 per month for Ameren IP and CIPS customers -- here's something else for them to consider: The credit meltdown on Wall Street will likely boost their Ameren bills even further, some consumer experts say.
Peoria Journal Star - September 28, 2008
Our View: New rate hike is a fair compromise
In case downstaters missed the news amid a crazy week on Wall Street, last week utility regulators approved a $162 million electricity and natural gas rate hike for Ameren Illinois. Customers of AmerenCILCO, AmerenCIPS and AmerenIP will notice very soon; the changes OK’d by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) take effect Wednesday.
Rochelle News-Leader - September 26, 2008
Find ways to lower utility bills this season
By Rep. Robert Pritchard
UTILITY companies are warning consumers that winter heating fuel and electricity could be 13 to 25 percent higher than last year, so it’s not too early to start looking for ways to cut heating costs.
KHQA - September 25, 2008
IL Lt. Gov. opposes Ameren rate hike
By Chad Douglas
While Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn was in town for the USDA grants, KHQA asked him what he thought about the proposed rate hike by Ameren. "Ameren is really out of line here. Raising rates when people are really suffering. This is just plain hard," says Quinn.
The Record of Madison and St. Claire Counties - September 25, 2008
Madigan blasts ICC for approving Ameren rate hikes
By Chris Rizo
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan lashed out at state regulators for approving a $162 million rate increase for most Ameren Corp. utility customers in the state.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - September 25, 2008
ICC approves Ameren rate increase
By Jeffrey Tomich
Illinois regulators on Wednesday unanimously approved a $162 million increase in electric and natural gas delivery rates for Ameren utility customers that takes effect next week.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Belleville News-Democrat - September 25, 2008
Ameren gas, power rates to rise; state panel OKs $162 million hike
By Mike Fitzgerald
Ameren Illinois customers will see their gas and electric rates rise by $162 million, the Illinois Commerce Commission ruled Wednesday morning.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
KSDK News Channel 5 - September 24, 2008
Illinois Approves Ameren Rate Hike
By Casey Nolen
Ameren customers in Southern Illinois can expect to see higher gas and electric bills after the Illinois Commerce Commission approved a rate increase Wednesday. The commission granted Ameren IP and CIPS an increase of more than $160 million. Less than what the company wanted, and about $100 million more than what a watchdog group thinks it deserves.
Associated Press - September 24, 2008
Ill. regulators approve $162M Ameren rate increase
State regulators on Wednesday approved a $162 million annual rate increase for Ameren Illinois natural gas and electric customers, money the company said will fund infrastructure improvements throughout its coverage area.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Peoria Journal Star - September 24, 2008
Critics vow to fight Ameren rate hike
By Adriana Colindres
Minutes after the Illinois Commerce Commission unanimously approved an overall $162 million rate hike for the Ameren Illinois utilities on Wednesday, critics of the decision already were talking about fighting it in court.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Peoria Journal Star - September 16, 2008
Lawmaker lashes out at proposed Ameren rate hikes
By Adriana Colindres
The Ameren Illinois utilities don't deserve the proposed $207 million rate hike they seek from electricity and natural gas customers, and the Illinois Commerce Commission should not grant it, a state lawmaker said Tuesday. Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, told the ICC that Ameren is making "a bad faith request."
WSIL 3 - Southern Illinois News - September 12, 2008
Phone Bill Savings
The Citizens Utility Board says you're probably paying too much for phone service. CUB officials held a clinic in Marion Thursday to share some money saving tips.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
WBEZ-Chicago Public Radio - September 11, 2008
Electric Rates Go Up
By Lynette Kalsnes
The Illinois Commerce Commission approved a $273 million increase in the charge for delivering electricity yesterday.
Daily Herald - September 11, 2008
Consumer advocates to appeal ComEd hike
By Anna Marie Kukec
Consumer advocates said Wednesday they plan to appeal a rate hike approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission that allows ComEd to collect $270 million in additional revenue.
Chicago Tribune - September 11, 2008
High-powered changes in how you get electricity
By Joshua Boak
The Illinois Commerce Commission on Wednesday approved a $270 million rate hike for Commonwealth Edison.
Chicago Sun-Times - September 11, 2008
Get ready to dig deeper: ComEd rates rising 6%
By Cheryl Jackson
Electric power provider ComEd got the OK to raise rates by about $270 million -- roughly 6 percent, or $4.50 more, to the average $75 monthly residential bill.
Reuters - September 11, 2008
Illinois OKs $270M rate hike for Exelon's ComEd
NEW YORK, Sept 11 - Illinois' utility regulator approved of a $270 million power delivery rate hike for Exelon Corp's Commonwealth Edison unit that will cover the cost of modernizing and maintaining the system, the power company said in a release late Wednesday.
FOX Chicago - September 10, 2008
ComEd says rate hike coming
Fox Chicago covers community reaction to ComEd's $270 million rate hike.
WGN TV - September 10, 2008
ComEd bills go up
ComEd gets a $270 million rate hike, and consumers aren't happy.
ABC7Chicago.com - September 10, 2008
Utility rates to rise for ComEd customers
By Sarah Schulte
For the second time this year, utility rates are on the rise.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Associated Press - September 10, 2008
Utility rates to rise for ComEd customers
By Jenny Song
ComEd customers in Illinois will soon see an overall 6 percent increase in their electric bills after the Illinois Commerce Commission approved a delivery rate increase for the utility giant Wednesday.
Chicago Tribune - September 09, 2008
As temps drop, bills rise
By Joshua Boak
A hint of fall greeted Chicago on Tuesday, as residents awoke to brisk 50 degree temperatures. Another chill awaits when heating season starts. The average cost of keeping a home warm could be hundreds of dollars higher this winter, according to natural gas utilities and figures compiled by the Citizens Utility Board.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Southern Illinoisan - September 08, 2008
Bradley pushes ICC to reject proposed Ameren rate hike
By Becky Malkovich
Calling it a "bad faith request," State Sen. John Bradley is urging the Illinois Commerce Commission to reject a proposed rate hike for customers of Ameren Illinois. The $207 million increase in electric and natural gas delivery rates proposed by Ameren would affect thousands of local customers of AmerenCIPS, a group already hit hard by rate increases that went into effect last year, the Marion Democrat said.
Daily Herald - September 06, 2008
Nicor offering program for defaulting customers
By Anna Marie Kukec
Naperville-based Nicor Gas is offering its first-ever payment program for defaulting customers, requesting at least half the money in order to reconnect their service before winter.
Marion Daily Republican - September 06, 2008
CUB, Bradley want to help local customers cut high phone bills
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) is holding a free “phone-bill clinic” to inform Marion-area residents about new opportunities to cut their calling costs by potentially hundreds of dollars — including how to get a CUB-negotiated $20 long distance credit.
Aurora Beacon News - September 06, 2008
Complaints heat up for Naperville-based Nicor
By Rowena Vergara
A consumer watchdog group has received nearly 500 complaints about Nicor Gas bills this summer, and it's likely more are on the way. According to Citizens Utility Board's Executive Director David Kolata, some customers are getting billed inaccurately because Nicor is not reading meters every two months as required by state law.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Herald & Review - September 05, 2008
Ameren touts its investment potential to Wall Street analysts
By Tony Reid
As a crucial decision looms on the delivery rates that Ameren Corp.'s Illinois utilities can charge for electricity and natural gas, the company is busy telling Wall Street the best is yet to come.
Chicago Sun-Times - September 04, 2008
The Fixer: Some helpful tips in 'Fixerology'
By The Fixer
Dear Readers: The good folks at the Citizens Utility Board have a new, free, online tool that might be able to save you some dough on your cell phone bill -- possibly hundreds of dollars a year, according to CUB.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - September 04, 2008
Illinois Ameren customers find savings in fluctuating rate
By Jeffrey Tomich
The savviest consumers seize lower hotel rates and airfares by traveling in the off-season. For Skip Berkebile of Belleville, the same concept of off-peak pricing applies to doing laundry and washing dishes. He is among 2,000 Ameren customers in Illinois who have chosen electric rates that change by the hour in an attempt to reduce energy use and take control of their bills.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Herald & Review - September 02, 2008
Web site will help you pick a phone plan
By Tony Reid
Consumers lost in the jungle of cell phone calling plans now have a potential shortcut to savings: www.CUBCellphoneSaver.com.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Crain's Chicago Business - September 01, 2008
Customers fired up over Nicor bills
By Steve Daniels
Hundreds of Nicor customers are fuming over their gas bills, saying the suburban utility is socking them with bloated bills that stem from infrequent meter readings.
Springfield State Journal Register - August 29, 2008
Comcast to limit Internet users to 250 gigabytes
By Jason Piscia
Comcast Corp. says less than 1 percent of its customers will be affected by a newly set limit on Internet use, but local observers say the move is another sign the way most people pay to get online will change.
Southern Illinoisan - August 28, 2008
Electric rate relief: Did it work?
A year ago Thursday, Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed legislation that sent millions of dollars in rebates to electricity customers across the state.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Belleville News-Democrat - August 25, 2008
Major Ameren rate hikes are in the offing; natural gas price could rise 30 percent this winter
Welcome to the new normal of energy prices. The bottom line: In the months and years ahead, you will likely see sharp cost spikes on your Ameren bill for electricity and natural gas. And unless you enact some vigorous conservation measures, you could end up seeing these rising energy costs consume 10 percent or more of your household budget, according to energy experts interviewed.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - August 22, 2008
Here's a free way to save money on your wireless plan
If you have a personal cell phone, you owe it to yourself to try a new online software tool that could show you how to save money with a cheaper wireless plan.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Belleville News-Democrat - August 18, 2008
A terrible time for higher rates
Brace yourselves, AmerenIP customers, for sharply rising bills. Last week, Ameren announced natural gas price increases of 20 percent to 30 percent this winter, just days after an administrative law judge panel recommended Ameren's Illinois operations get a $163.5 million increase in electric delivery charges. The electric increases could go into effect as early as October.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Peoria Journal Star - August 16, 2008
Gordon: Should natural gas hikes result in regulation?
The amount AmerenCILCO is paying wholesalers for the natural gas it then provides its customers is the most it has ever paid.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Belleville News-Democrat - August 15, 2008
Ameren gas bills expected to rise 20 to 30 percent
Bills for Ameren natural gas customers likely will rise 20 to 30 percent this year compared to the previous heating season, the utility giant announced Thursday.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Chicago Tribune - August 14, 2008
CUB gives online help on cell bills
By Wailin Wong
Want to save a few dollars on your cell phone bill? The Citizens Utility Board's new Web site may be able to help.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
WIFR - CBS 23 Freeport - August 13, 2008
Slash Cell-phone Bills with Online Tool
A new online tool could help us save hundreds on our cell-phone bills.The Citizens Utility Board just launched cubcellphonesaver.com.
The Telegraph - August 13, 2008
ICC judges back most of rate increase sought by Ameren
If the Illinois Commerce Commission rules in favor of its administrative law judges' recommendation filed Tuesday, Ameren will receive about $164 million of its requested $207 million rate hike.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Southern Illinoisan - August 12, 2008
Judge: Ameren should get to charge more
Many Ameren customers could face increases in their power and natural gas bills if a recommendation to the Illinois Commerce Commission holds up.
Herald & Review - August 09, 2008
Smart Meters Allow Ameren to Accurately Read Bills
By Tony Reid
Aug. 9--DECATUR -- An army of smart, communicating electric and gas meters is marching across Central Illinois. The Ameren Illinois utilities -- AmerenIP, AmerenCIPS and AmerenCILCO -- have installed more than 670,000 of the meters, more than half its 1.1 million goal in a program that began in 2006.
Belleville News-Democrat - August 05, 2008
Still too high?
Ameren has reduced its planned rate and surcharge increase by more than $41 million for electric and natural gas service, but the amount is still far higher than consumer groups are willing to support.
Daily Herald - August 05, 2008
Nicor profit leaps, still seeks rate increase
Shares of Naperville-based Nicor Inc. jumped Monday after the natural gas holding company said its second-quarter profit leapt 61 percent, results that surpassed an analyst’s expectations.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - August 02, 2008
Ameren Illinois utilities post a loss
By Jeffrey Tomich
Ameren Corp. on Friday said its Illinois electric and natural-gas utilities lost money in the second quarter as costs and bad debt expenses rose and electricity sales declined because of milder spring weather. David Kolata, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board, a Chicago-based consumer group, said the higher profits from Ameren's non-regulated generation business and other areas more than offset the loss in Illinois.
Morris Daily Herald - July 18, 2008
Phone bill clinic offered in Morris
State Sen. Gary Dahl, R-Granville, and the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) are joining forces to help individuals better understand their phone bills and save some money in the process.
The Wall Street Journal - July 17, 2008
Deregulation Jolts Texas Electric Bills
By Rebecca Smith
Texas had some of the cheapest power rates in the country when it zapped most of the state's electric regulations six years ago, convinced that rollicking competition would drive prices even lower. This summer, electricity there is some of the nation's priciest.
Franklin Park Herald-Journal - July 16, 2008
CUB provides ways to save on phone bill
By Mark Lawton
When it comes to saving money on your phone bill, the telephone company might be the worst place to look. "The customer service representatives (at telephone companies) are under a lot of pressure to sell high cost packages," said Sarah Moskowitz, outreach director at the Citizens Utility Board, a utility watchdog group. "They don't really have any obligation to tell people there might be a better package for what they need."
Joliet Herald News - July 13, 2008
Frugal phone service comes with a catch
By Frugal Phone Service Comes With A Catch
T-Mobile is trying to drum up interest in its new home phone plan, which debuted last week and costs $10 a month for unlimited local and nationwide calls. It's not right for everyone.
My Times (Ottawa) - July 10, 2008
Dahl hosts phone bill clinics
State Sen. Gary Dahl, R-Granville, and the Citizens Utility Board are joining to help people better understand their phone bills and save some money in the process.
Daily Herald - July 10, 2008
Natural gas is costlier, and Nicor rates may rise, too
By Rob Olmstead
"It's looking bad," says Pat Clark, of potential natural gas bills this winter. The reason for this trepidation by the associate director of the Citizens Utility Board is that customers everywhere could find themselves looking at whopping natural gas price increases this winter, and Nicor customers in particular may get hit with a service rate hike next spring, too.
WBEZ-Chicago Public Radio - July 09, 2008
Natural Gas Prices Nearly Twice As High As Last Year
Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas customers are paying double what they paid last year. The company predicts prices will likely stay high through the winter when they'll really pack a punch. Rod Sierra is a spokesman for the companies.
Daily Southtown - July 03, 2008
Another gas cost on the rise
By Mike Nolan
Odds are you're not thinking about what it'll cost to heat your home this winter, but maybe you should be. "We hope it's not the case, but we fear it could be an ugly winter," said Jim Chilsen, spokesman for the Citizens Utility Board, a utilities watchdog.
Chicago Tribune - July 02, 2008
Persistence key to finding sympathetic ear at cell companies
By Jon Yates
Judging by the number of e-mails that jammed the Problem Solver's mailbox over the past week, many of you feel Donna Lee Spray's cell-phone induced pain.
Lincolnwood Review - June 26, 2008
Watchdog offers phone-bill clinic
The Citizens Utility Board will hold a free "phone-bill clinic" at Lincolnwood Town Center to show consumers how to battle a sagging economy by potentially cutting hundreds of dollars from their phone bills.
Alton Telegraph - June 22, 2008
CUB helps consumers cut phone charges
By Jeff Brandt
ALTON - One by one, they stepped to the front of the line, phone bills in hand. And most of them went away happy. "A lot of people left here with smiles on their faces," Jim Chilsen said about the group of concerned consumers who participated last week in a free clinic designed to help them cut telephone costs.
Bloomington Pantagraph - June 19, 2008
Ameren drops request to charge customers for consultant perks
By Mike Riopell
SPRINGFIELD — Ameren has scrapped its request to charge Illinois customers for some of its consultant expenses, including more than $560 for St. Louis Cardinals tickets and hotel costs for days they weren’t working.
Alton Telegraph - June 13, 2008
CUB helps consumers lower bills
With consumers paying more these days for food, gasoline and energy to heat and cool their home, it's nice to know there is at least one bill they may be able to reduce. The Citizens Utility Board has been holding a series of clinics at shopping malls around Illinois to teach consumers how they can lower their telephone bills. The next such clinic will be held Tuesday at Alton Square.
Alton Telegraph - June 13, 2008
CUB helps consumers lower bills
With consumers paying more these days for food, gasoline and energy to heat and cool their home, it's nice to know there is at least one bill they may be able to reduce. The Citizens Utility Board has been holding a series of clinics at shopping malls around Illinois to teach consumers how they can lower their telephone bills. The next such clinic will be held Tuesday at Alton Square.
Alton Telegraph - June 11, 2008
Go to CUB's phone clinic
By Terryl W. Francis
With all this talk about a bad economy, record-high energy prices and Ameren's push for a $247 million rate hike, I'm writing to give fellow consumers some hope. There is one monthly bill you can cut: your phone bill. There's good reason why people dread the arrival of the phone bill each month. Most are paying far too much for calling plans and services they just don't need. That's why the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) started sponsoring free phone-bill clinics.
Aurora Beacon News - June 08, 2008
Green event full of ideas, help
By Julie Lord
SANDWICH -- As summer sets in and the Chicago area is turning on the air conditioning and filling up gas tanks, more people than ever seem to be going green. The Citizens Utility Board and ComEd both hosted tables at an event, with the common goal of educating attendees on simple ways to reduce energy consumption and save money.
Chicago Tribune - June 03, 2008
ComEd customers may foot bill for grid upgrade
By Hal Dardick
ComEd customers might be asked to pay a permanent $3 monthly surcharge so the company can augment its electricity delivery system with the latest technology, the utility's leader said Tuesday at a Chicago City Council committee meeting.
Chicago Sun-Times - May 16, 2008
Utility companies creating group to lobby lawmakers
By Cheryl Jackson
Utility companies are putting together an Illinois group of their shareholders to lobby lawmakers on behalf of the businesses.
Alton Telegraph - May 10, 2008
From light bulbs to washing machines
By Steve Whitworth
The nation's new energy bill aims to help Americans see things in a new light and use less fuel to get where they're going.
Herald & Review - May 08, 2008
Clinic teaches consumers to inspect their phone bills
By Tony Reid
DECATUR - The trouble with phone bills is that overwhelming urge to pay them - whatever amount they ask for.
Herald & Review - May 06, 2008
Phone bill clinic to discuss saving money
By Tony Reid
DECATUR - Dial "S" for savings. A utility watchdog group says shaving money off your telephone bill isn t quite that easy, but awful close: it claims one 10 or 15 minute interview with a phone bill expert could save you up to $200 a year in needless charges.
Chicago Sun-Times - May 05, 2008
Chatham woman rings up almost $300 in savings
By Tina Sfondeles
Chatham resident Claire Addams expects to save about $288 a year by making changes to her phone service. Addams, 75, who lives on a fixed income, said she pays about $44 a month on her home's landline service, including paying AT&T for long distance minutes she doesn't use. Addams was among dozens of people who went to the Chatham ShoreBank Friday to get tips from the Citizens Utility Board on how to cut phone bills.
Daily Herald - April 30, 2008
Nicor Gas files delivery rate increase for extra $140
By Anna Marie Kukec
After nearly two weeks of warnings, Nicor Gas did Tuesday what company officials had been promising -- filed for a delivery rate hike.
Chicago Tribune - April 30, 2008
ComEd reaches agreement with ICC on delivery charge increase
Commonwealth Edison Co. has reached a preliminary, non-binding agreement with the staff of the Illinois Commerce Commission to increase its delivery charge by $269 million, or about $4.50 a month for the average customer.
Crain's Chicago Business - April 29, 2008
ComEd clears hurdle toward $269-mil. rate jolt
By Steve Daniels
(Crain’s) — Commonwealth Edison Co. appears to have the inside track for approval of a delivery rate hike of at least $269 million, which would raise the average homeowner’s monthly power bill by about $4.50.
Lincoln Courier - April 26, 2008
Residents save with Power Smart
By Erin Frost
Some Logan County residents are getting smart with their power. They’ve enrolled in a program called Power Smart, which offers users an opportunity to save money on their electric bills.
Daily Herald - April 25, 2008
Nicor wants rate hike to offset non-payment of bills
By Anna Marie Kukec
Mounting bad debt is one of the major reasons Nicor Gas is seeking a delivery rate increase, Nicor Chief Executive Officer Russ Strobel said Thursday.
Rockford Register Star - April 25, 2008
Sagging economy behind rise in utility shutoffs
By Nate Legue
ROCKFORD — Record-high energy prices and a depressed economy are combining to create a surge in utility shutoffs locally and throughout the Midwest.
Chicago Tribune - April 19, 2008
Nicor to seek increase in rates
By Joshua Boak
Nicor Gas said Friday it plans to request a $140 million rate hike from the Illinois Commerce Commission, a proposal that would increase natural-gas bills for its 2.2 million customers in the northern part of the state.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - April 18, 2008
Why power company gave away free light bulbs
By Michael Sorkin
The message on the website of Illinois Rep. Ron Stephens offered free light bulbs starting April 1. It was not an April Fools' Day joke.
Galesburg Register-Mail - April 15, 2008
CUB annouces phone credit
By David Kolata
When I tell consumers across the state that they shouldn’t be paying more than a nickel a minute to call long distance, they’re shocked. Just imagine the look on their faces when I tell them that now they’re also eligible for an automatic $20 long-distance credit.
Bloomington Pantagraph - April 14, 2008
Blagojevich names power agency head
By Mike Riopell
SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Rod Blagojevich Monday appointed a University of Illinois at Chicago energy expert to lead the new state agency aimed at curbing energy costs.
Joliet Herald News - April 11, 2008
ComEd plan faces critics in Joliet
By Tony Graf
JOLIET -- ComEd leaders visited Joliet on Thursday, making their case for a proposed electricity rate increase to maintain the utility's system, keep up with growing demand, and modernize the business's workings.
MidwestBusiness.com - April 10, 2008
Chicago ComEd Opponents Speak Out on Wednesday Against Rate Increases
By Stephanie Huls
The electric service provider has proposed that the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) grant a $361.3 million delivery rate increase that would amount to bills increasing 8 percent. For the average consumer, this is about $6 more on a $75 monthly bill.
CBS2Chicago.com - April 09, 2008
Seniors speak out against possible ComEd rate hike
By Derrick Blakley
At a time when gas prices are skyrocketing, the cost of even basic foods is soaring, and falling property values are making homeowners feel poorer, Commonwealth Edison wants to take a bigger bite out of your wallet.
Crain's Chicago Business - April 02, 2008
Consumer advocates step up criticism of surcharges ComEd wants
By Lorene Yue
(Crain’s) — Consumer advocates are stepping up their criticism of two surcharges Commonwealth Edison Co. wants to include on customer bills.
ABC7Chicago.com - April 02, 2008
ComEd proposes another rate hike
By Theresa Gutierrez
The cost for electricity could be going up yet again. Commonweath Edison is proposing a rate hike at the tune of $361 million. The company position: the increase will help pay to bring power into your home.
Daily Herald - April 02, 2008
ComEd defends rate hike proposal
By Anna Marie Kukec
As the Illinois Commerce Commission gears up next week for public hearings on a ComEd delivery rate increase proposal, consumer advocates and utility officials took swipes at each other Wednesday. The Illinois attorney general's office, the Citizens Utility Board and AARP blasted ComEd for seeking about $361 million in additional revenue by hiking the delivery rate and seeking other money from special riders, or extra fees attached to monthly electric bills.
Bloomington Pantagraph - April 01, 2008
Panel staff wants cut in Ameren rate plan
By Tony Reid
SPRINGFIELD — The Ameren Illinois utilities’ bid for electric and gas rate hikes worth $247 million is getting a lukewarm response from experts who have spent months picking through the companies’ accounts. The professional staff, working for state regulators who must decide the issue, has recommended reducing that $247 million to just $47 million.
Daily Herald - March 28, 2008
Learn to cut costs at phone bill clinic
By Lee Filas
Phone service customers looking to cut costs can go, monthly bill in hand, to Gurnee Mills Saturday for a free "phone bill clinic."
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Chicago Tribune - March 21, 2008
Call for wireless regulation gets louder
By Wailin Wong
Consumer discontent with wireless service has been brewing for years, resulting in lawsuits across the country and requests for government intervention. Now there's movement at the federal level to address long-standing concerns such as mandatory contract extensions, early termination fees and confusing billing.
Peoria Journal Star - March 21, 2008
AmerenCILCO hiking energy rates again
By Steve Tarter
PEORIA - Another rate increase is looming for AmerenCILCO customers. "Unfortunately, we're still paying the price for the reverse auction of last year," said CUB Executive Director David Kolata.
Morris Daily Herald - March 21, 2008
Illinois consumers can take advantage of low phone rates
By David Kolata
When I tell consumers across the state that they probably shouldn't be paying more than $25-$30 a month for phone service, they're shocked. But it's true. Now, their savings could be even bigger, thanks to a CUB-negotiated $20 credit attached to one of the best long-distance plans we've ever seen: Pioneer Telephone's “Rate Buster.”
Belleville News-Democrat - March 19, 2008
Citizens Utility Board to give phone bill savings tips at Collinsville clinic
Members of the Citizens Utility Board will be at the Collinsville Public Library today to help people learn how to save money on their phone bills. Consumers can go to the library at 408 W. Main St. from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. today for an individualized cost-cutting analysis. A recent phone bill should be brought to the event. "These clinics offer consumers a chance to meet one-on-one with experts who can analyze their bills and suggest easy, practical ways to save hundreds of dollars a year," said Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn.
News-Gazette - March 17, 2008
Group to host 'clinic' on phone bills
By Debra Pressey
CHAMPAIGN – It just amazes Jim Chilsen how many people pay for things on their phone bills that they never use. He was even one of those people once. Years ago, he said, he was paying his phone company a monthly insurance fee to cover potential repair costs to his interior phone wiring. "And what makes it even worse, I was living in an apartment building," said Chilsen, spokesman for the Citizens Utility Board, a Chicago-based utility consumer watchdog organization.
Belleville News-Democrat - March 16, 2008
Ameren contributions help fuel campaigns; is it support or persuasion?
By Rickeena J. Richards
As the Illinois Commerce Commission investigates Ameren's recent rate increase proposal, some people are looking at the utility's contributions to political campaigns and questioning whether it is really needed.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - March 14, 2008
You can pay less for long-distance calls
By Michael Sorkin
Now the folks at the Citizens Utility Board in Illinois have done much of the homework for you. CUB is a consumer-funded watchdog
Clinton Daily Journal - March 13, 2008
Power rate to increase 2% in June
By Robert Manor
Electricity rates for Commonwealth Edison residential customers, which shot up after prices were set by an auction in 2006, will go up another 2 percent, an increase resulting from higher market prices for power, the utility said Wednesday.
Daily Herald - March 13, 2008
ComEd to raise electric bills in June
By Anna Marie Kukec
You can expect to pay more for electricity starting in June. About 3.4 million residential customers of ComEd will pay 2.5 percent more, or about $2 more a month based on a $75 monthly bill.
Chicago Tribune - March 13, 2008
Power rate to increase 2% in June
By Robert Manor
Electricity rates for Commonwealth Edison residential customers, which shot up after prices were set by an auction in 2006, will go up another 2 percent, an increase resulting from higher market prices for power, the utility said Wednesday.
Daily Herald - March 13, 2008
ComEd to raise electric bills in June
By Anna Marie Kukec
About 3.4 million residential customers of ComEd will pay 2.5 percent more, or about $2 more a month based on a $75 monthly bill.
Chicago Sun-Times - March 10, 2008
Touch-tone service: CUB gets phone fixed fast
By Stephanie Zimmermann
A real person answered the CUB 1-800 number and I finally got the help I needed. CUB contacted the phone company on my behalf, and within 48 hours someone from the executive appeals department telephoned me. My touch-tone service was restored a few days later. Readers may not realize that CUB offers help for more than just rate issues.
Medill Reports Chicago - March 06, 2008
ComEd, shocked by high interest rates, may pass costs to customers
By John Detrixhe
The disastrous lack of liquidity in short-term lending markets has claimed another victim: Commonwealth Edison. And the fallout will probably show up in electric bills.
Daily Southtown - March 05, 2008
Deception at your doorstep
By David Kolata
Say one day, a door-to-door salesman guarantees you savings on your natural gas bill. He claims to work with the government, or with Peoples Gas or Nicor. Maybe he asks you to sign a petition for "lower gas prices." He can lock you into a rate of $1.09 per therm for five years. You'll be protected from future rate hikes, he promises.
Medill Reports Chicago - March 04, 2008
Consumer coalition alleges that U.S. Energy Savings Corp. tricked seniors and non-English speakers into paying more for gas
By Molly Seltzer
DeLaforgue happens to be the co-director of Citizen Action/Illinois, which on Monday joined with Chicago-based Citizens Utility Board and AARP Illinois to file a complaint against U.S. Energy with the Illinois Commerce Commission. U.S. Energy, a subsidiary of Energy Savings Income Fund, stated in a release Tuesday that it “denies the allegations raised and will vigorously defend” itself.
Chicago Tribune - March 04, 2008
U.S. Energy Savings' sales practices fraudulent, consumer groups allege
Three consumer activist groups filed a complaint Monday with the Illinois Commerce Commission alleging that natural gas supplier U.S. Energy Savings Corp. uses fraudulent sales practices.
CBS2Chicago.com - March 03, 2008
2 Investigation Leads To Action In Gas Gamble
By Pam Zekman
Sales people may have come to your house offering to help you save money on the gas bill. People who signed up wound up trapped in a gas gamble.
Crain's Chicago Business - March 03, 2008
Natural gas marketer faces new complaint
By Steve Daniels
Three consumer groups filed a new complaint Monday with state utility regulators against U.S. Energy Savings Corp., a natural gas marketer whose selling practices have been a source of controversy in the past.
News-Gazette - March 01, 2008
AmerenIP tops Urbana council's agenda
By Urbana – The City Council Is Expected To Vote Monday To Join Champaign In Intervening In Amerenip's Request For An Electric Rate Increase.
URBANA – The city council is expected to vote Monday to join Champaign in intervening in AmerenIP's request for an electric rate increase. Mayor Laurel Prussing said the city will vote on a resolution to intervene in the rate case, now before the Illinois Commerce Commission, and to budget $16,700 to help pay for the costs of intervention.
Daily Illini - February 27, 2008
Forum to question Ameren rate boost
By Sarah Small
In response to the rate increase request filed by Ameren in November, the Illinois Commerce Commission is hosting a forum to educate residents about the potential rate adjustment, and to give them a chance to respond.
MidwestBusiness.com - February 25, 2008
Illinois Proponents ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ on $2.5 Billion Taylorville Center
While proponents of cleaner burning coal in Illinois still have one large-scale project in the works, now it is up to Illinois state legislators to approve rather than the Bush administration.
Crain's Chicago Business - February 25, 2008
Pay shock at ComEd
By Steve Daniels
Commonwealth Edison Co. wants electricity customers to foot the bill for nearly $9 million in long-term incentive payments to senior executives and another $9 million in bonuses to all employees.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Daily Herald - February 22, 2008
Nicor to seek rate increase as profit slips
By Anna Marie Kukec
Naperville-based Nicor Inc. said Friday it's planning to file for a delivery rate hike in the coming months after posting lower profits during its fourth quarter.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Galesburg Register-Mail - February 22, 2008
Energy conservation incentives begin June 1
By Tim Landis
That old refrigerator could be worth $35 this summer. Provided it was made prior to 1993. A refrigerator-recycling program is among a laundry list of consumer incentives that will be offered in Illinois starting June 1 to encourage reduced power usage.
Marion Daily Republican - February 22, 2008
New bill would hold Ameren accountable for outages
By Diane Wilkins
SPRINGFIELD - State Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, has joined several downstate lawmakers, representatives of AARP Illinois and the Citizens Utility Board to announce new legislation filed in the Illinois House to require that most downstate electricity customers be compensated by their utility company for extended power outages of a preventable nature.
News-Gazette - February 20, 2008
City to fight street lighting rate proposal
By Mike Monson
The city of Champaign and possibly other area cities will focus on fighting a proposed 41 percent increase in street lighting costs in the pending AmerenIP rate case.
Peoria Journal Star - February 20, 2008
Residents fight Ameren rate hike
By Michael Smothers
Another energy cost increase for central Illinois residents this year will help prevent more hikes in the future, a top official with the utility argued at a public hearing Tuesday night.
MidwestBusiness.com - February 19, 2008
Chicago Consumers Hit With New People Gas Increase Based on Expected Use
For the second time in a year, utilities customers in Chicago will see a rate increase. This time, though, it’s not ComEd. Gas bills are going up as well.
The Times - February 13, 2008
U.S. Energy defends its business practices
By Keith Benman
A Canadian company accused of bilking utility customers in Indiana and Illinois is acknowledging it has a "significant number of complaints" but is denying allegations of deceptive marketing.
Quad City Times - February 13, 2008
Ameren wants to offer incentives to use
By Mike Riopell
SPRINGFIELD — Ameren has turned in a proposal intended to reward customers who use less natural gas only weeks after getting approval for a similar plan involving electricity.
WBBM Newsradio 780 - February 13, 2008
ComEd Doesn't Deserve Rate Hike, Says Atty. Gen., CUB
By Bob Roberts
CHICAGO (WBBM) - The Illinois Attorney General's office and the Citizens Utility Board say ComEd does not deserve the $361 million rate hike the utility is requesting from the Illinois Commerce Commission.
Chicago Tribune - February 13, 2008
Madigan, CUB fight ComEd rate hike
By Joshua Boak
The Citizens Utility Board and the Illinois attorney general's office oppose an electricity rate hike requested by Commonwealth Edison, amplifying debate about who should pay to expand and modernize the state's power grid.
The Times - February 12, 2008
Customers: U.S. Energy Savings cost them big
By Keith Benman
When the natural gas bill for Charles Schepel's home in Cedar Lake went through the roof this winter, he took a closer look at his NIPSCO bill.
Chicago Tribune - February 12, 2008
Nuns allege gas supplier misled them
By Joshua Boak
A group of Chicago-area nuns claims that an unregulated natural gas utility, since charged with fraud by the Illinois attorney general, pressured them into signing an exploitative contract.
Chicago Tribune - February 12, 2008
Nuns allege gas supplier misled them
By Joshua Boak
A group of Chicago-area nuns claims that an unregulated natural gas utility, since charged with fraud by the Illinois attorney general, pressured them into signing an exploitative contract.
Rockford Register Star - February 12, 2008
CUB challenges ComEd rate hike
By Nate Legue
A consumer watchdog group and the state’s top law enforcement official are criticizing a proposed ComEd rate hike, saying Tuesday that the electric utility understated its income and inflated its expenses to justify a $361 million increase.
Crain's Chicago Business - February 12, 2008
CUB, attorney general oppose ComEd rate hike request
By Lorene Yue
(Crain’s) — A utility watchdog group has filed its official opposition to Commonwealth Edison’s desire to increase its delivery service charge, saying the utility company is basing its request on understated income and overstated expenses.
Daily Herald - February 12, 2008
ComEd hike is too big, watchdog group charges
By Anna Marie Kukec
The Citizens Utility Board on Tuesday said a study shows ComEd understated its income and overstated its expenses to convince the state it needs to get a delivery rate hike of roughly $361 million.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - February 10, 2008
As FutureGen fizzles, a different clean coal plant waits
By Jeffrey Tomich
As Illinois bemoans the decision by the administration of President George W. Bush to scrap plans for the experimental FutureGen power plant in Mattoon, Ill., another "clean coal" project remains on hold, awaiting legislation that developers say is critical to move forward.
Daily Herald - February 08, 2008
ComEd plans to push efforts that cut bills
By Anna Marie Kukec
The Illinois Commerce Commission, which regulates ComEd, has approved energy efficiency programs proposed by ComEd, downstate utilities and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
CBS2Chicago.com - February 07, 2008
Confused Consumers Losing Out On Gas Gamble
By Pam Zekman
Everyone wants to save money on home gas bills and when people hear the name "U.S. Energy Savings," it seems to imply they will. The company is an alternative supplier, which means it can charge you whatever it wants for gas. Regulated utilities such as Peoples Gas can only profit from the delivery fees. But as CBS 2 Investigator Pam Zekman reports some customers of U.S. Energy Savings are getting caught in a gas gamble.
Daily Herald - February 06, 2008
Controversial gas billing system OK'd
By Anna Marie Kukec
The Illinois Commerce Commission on Tuesday approved a controversial plan on how Chicago consumers will be billed for the delivery of natural gas, a decision hailed by utilities but condemned by consumer advocates.
Daily Herald - February 06, 2008
Rate hike plan covered in obscuring gas
By Daily Herald Staff
Excuse our pessimism, but a proposal by Peoples and North Shore gas companies strikes us as yet another rate hike hidden in yet another novel billing plan that makes it impossible for consumers to understand. As such, a billing technique called decoupling is exactly what consumers do not need in that it creates confusion over the cost of a basic necessity. And that can be a deterrent to conservation -- which ought to be an intrinsic part of all our energy use -- if it makes it unclear how bill payers can control that cost. And, ofc ourse, other providers like Nicor Gas are watching closely to see if "decoupling" might benefit them, too.
Chicago Tribune - February 05, 2008
Gas rate battle heats up
By Joshua Boak
Residential customers in Chicago and some northern suburbs could end up paying more for natural gas that they never actually use if the Illinois Commerce Commission on Tuesday approves a rate increase and restructuring being blamed in part on global warming.
Chicago Sun-Times - February 05, 2008
Peoples to raise natural gas prices 4 to 5 percent
By Francine Knowles
Customers of Peoples Gas will be hit with a rate increase in the wake of Illinois Commerce Commission action Tuesday. The commission unanimously approved the utility’s parent company, Integrys Energy Group Inc.’s, controversial proposal for a $71 million distribution rate increase, or between 4 to 5 percent.
Daily Herald - February 05, 2008
Is natural gas billing plan full of hot air?
By Anna Marie Kukec
Peoples Gas and its sister company, North Shore Gas, said Monday its proposal before the Illinois Commerce Commission aims to change how you are billed for using natural gas. It wants to use a billing technique called decoupling, or a balancing tool. This would offer a credit when it's colder, even though you used more gas. But then it would levy a charge when it's warmer and you used less gas.
Belleville News-Democrat - February 04, 2008
New laws aim to help TV customers get good service
By Laura Girresch
Under two state laws passed last summer, companies can get a statewide license to provide television service -- creating competition for local cable companies -- and metro-east communities now can use the threat of fines to ensure customers are treated right. Hoping to make protecting television customers easy, Belleville passed an ordinance last month that gave the city direct power to enforce good customer service, in accordance with the state laws.
Quad City Times - January 31, 2008
Group to host clinic to help phone users save money
By Kurt Allemeier
Illinois consumers who are concerned they are paying too much for phone service can attend a free “phone bill clinic” hosted by the Citizens Utility Board today at the Rock Island Public Library.
Quad City Times - January 31, 2008
Group to host clinic to help phone users save money
By Kurt Allemeier
Illinois consumers who are concerned they are paying too much for phone service can attend a free “phone bill clinic” hosted by the Citizens Utility Board today at the Rock Island Public Library.
Rockford Register Star - January 30, 2008
CUB offers clinic on phone bills
By Melissa Westphal
The Citizens Utility Board is teaching consumers how to save money on their phone bills with a free clinic Thursday night. Board experts will sit down with residents for a one-on-one phone-bill analysis from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Rockford Public Library, 215 N. Wyman St., in Meeting Room B. Participants should enter through the Mulberry Street entrance.
WEEK - NBC 25 - January 30, 2008
Help With Your Phone Bills
By Denise Jackson
There is a way you might be able to save money on your phone bill. The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) will hold a free phone bill clinic for local residents next week. CUB Executive Director David Kolata and Lt. Governor Pat Quinn stopped by Peoria earlier today to invite residents to the seminar.
Peoria Journal Star - January 29, 2008
2 trillion new messages: While young people still send the most texts, adults and businesses are catching on
By Steve Tarter
Do U txt? If you don't, chances are you remember phone booths and black-and-white television. In the digital age, where more than 230 million Americans have cellular telephones - up from 4 million in 1990, according to the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association - an increasing number of those cell phone users now communicate without talking.
Chicago Tribune - January 29, 2008
CUB works out $20 credit with phone carrier
By Jon Van
Illinois residents who sign up for a long-distance phone plan that charges about 3 cents a minute for calls can get a $20 incentive to do so, the Citizens Utility Board said Monday.
Chicago Tribune - January 28, 2008
AT&T will start offering TV service
By Jon Van
After a few false starts and missed deadlines, AT&T Inc. launches video service for residents in most Chicago suburbs Monday. AT&T's TV service, called U-verse, will become available in parts of 175 suburbs. The rollout will be low-key to guard against unrealistic consumer expectations, AT&T executives said, but it does mark the phone giant's largest foray into television.
Waukegan News Sun - January 22, 2008
Free home weatherization kits, publications offered by CUB
By Kendrick Marshall
Seniors and low-income families could reduce energy costs by at least $180 this year, according to a statewide consumer rights organization. Concerned about the rising cost of utility and phone services for disadvantaged residents, the Citizens Utility Board is offering free home weatherization kits and money-saving publications that will be distributed to North Shore Gas customers this week.
Daily Herald - January 18, 2008
Ameren chief says to expect more frequent rate increase requests
By Tony Reid
Ameren Corp. said it will improve customer service and, in return, it needs to be able to raise power bills a lot more often.
Paris Beacon News - January 15, 2008
Local Task Force holds second public meeting Wednesday
By Kathy Rhoads
Attending Wednesday’s public presentation will be Brian McDaniel of the Citizens Utility Board. McDaniel will provide information on the work of the CUB and the current status of the cost of utilities.
News-Gazette - January 14, 2008
Comments on request by Ameren to be heard
An upcoming forum will allow area citizens to tell the Illinois Commerce Commission what they think about Ameren's request to raise power delivery charges by almost a quarter of a billion dollars in November.
Chicago Tribune - December 11, 2007
AT&T dials up monthly cost of old-fashioned Internet access
By Jon Van
The old-fashioned way to get Internet access -- through a dial-up modem -- is alive and well, and for some it is about to get more expensive.
Crain's Chicago Business - December 10, 2007
ComEd's 10% Rate Shock
By Steve Daniels
Exelon Corp. CEO John Rowe's decision to link Commonwealth Edison Co. to an East Coast power grid will raise Chicago-area residents' electric bills by 10% in 2009, according to a new estimate by state regulators.
New York Times - November 06, 2007
Competitively Priced Electricity Costs More, Studies Show
By David Cay Johnston
Retail electricity prices have risen much more in states that adopted competitive pricing than in those that have retained traditional rates set by the government, new studies based on years of price reports show.
The Wall Street Journal - October 21, 2007
ComEd Seeks Rate Increase To Offset Rising Costs of Materials
By Rebecca Smith
Citing the rising costs of everything from electricity wires to poles, big Chicago utility Commonwealth Edison Co. hopes to raise $361 million more a year through significant rate increases to homes and businesses.
The Beachwood Reporter - October 18, 2007
The [Thursday] Papers
By Steve Rhodes
"Commonwealth Edison residential customers would see their bills spike about 8 percent if the Illinois Commerce Commission approves a delivery service rate increase request filed by the utility Wednesday," the Sun-Times reports.
Daily Herald - October 17, 2007
ComEd seeks 8-percent rate hike
By Anna Marie Kukec
ComEd said Wednesday it intends to file for an electricity delivery rate increase to obtain about $361 million in additional revenue.
Chicago Tribune - October 16, 2007
Legal fight brews on proposed phone tax
Plan unconstitutional, AT&T, CUB assert
By Jon Van
Cook County's proposed $4 monthly tax on all telephones in the county, including cellular phones, is probably unconstitutional, lawyers for AT&T Inc. and for the Citizens Utility Board argued Monday, but the commissioner backing the tax said he will push ahead with it.
Daily Herald - October 15, 2007
CUB director urges fight against hikes
By David Kolata
To the editor: Many people may not know that the Cook County Board of Commissioners is considering a massive tax increase on electric, natural gas, and telephone service.
Combined, these taxes would slap the average family with about $360 in extra costs a year, according to preliminary estimates. That's without the mandated yearly increases for inflation.
Chicago Tribune - October 15, 2007
Bell sounds in fight against Cook phone tax
By Jon Van
On Friday the Citizens Utility Board put a call to arms on its Web site asking consumers to unite in fighting the proposed new local taxes. Groups ranging from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce to the Ministerial Alliance Against the Digital Divide also seek to kill the tax hikes before they gain traction.
Lincoln Courier - October 12, 2007
ICC changes Ameren rate structures
By Adriana Colindres
Responding to complaints that customers with electric heating systems got hit the hardest by this year's electric rate hikes, the Illinois Commerce Commission on Thursday changed how the Ameren Illinois utilities charge different customers for power.
Daily Review Atlas - October 12, 2007
ICC approves utility rates
The Illinois Commerce Commission today approved implementation of more "just and reasonable" electric rate design formulas for Commonwealth Edison and the Ameren utilities.
The Glenview Watch - October 10, 2007
Henrietta Saunders warns neighbors of an energy scam
“Yesterday I received a brochure in the mail offering "Guaranteed Lower Gas Price this winter." This was very appealing, so I checked it out with CUB, the Citizens' Utility Board of Illinois.
Peoria Journal Star - October 10, 2007
Want to cut your electric bill this year?
Program will allow customers to pay prices based on usage
By Adriana Colindres
Residential customers of AmerenCILCO, AmerenCIPS and AmerenIP now have the option of enrolling in a "real-time pricing" program, which would let them pay hourly, market-based prices for electricity instead of traditional flat rates.
Chicago Tribune - October 05, 2007
Chicago area adding 331 to area code tally
A second area code taking effect Sunday in a large swath of Chicago's west suburbs will mean dialing extra digits to make local phone calls.
Daily Herald - October 05, 2007
Hey, 630-ers: Get ready to dial all 10 digits
By Marni Pyke
Despite official assurances the transition will be a breeze, the Citizens Utility Board isn't buying it.
CUB Executive Director David Kolata called the extra dialing an inconvenience and blames inefficiencies in the distribution of numbers.
"It's a totally artificial crisis," Kolata said.
Belleville News-Democrat - October 05, 2007
Ameren starts pulling plug on late payers
Utility ends self-imposed moratorium
By Jennifer K. Hasamear
David Kolata, executive director of Citizens Utility Board, said the rate relief plan approved by the state general assembly was "a good step forward."
"There is still a lot of work to be done," Kolata said. "We think that Ameren needs to continue to understand that there are still people struggling to pay their bills, and that a fair payment plan needs to established that is reasonable for the consumer."
The Citizens Utility Board does not have any funding to assist with utilities bills, but Kolata said it certainly can point consumers to those resources that are available.
"We've only received a couple calls at this point," Kolata said. "We're going to stay on top of it because we want to make sure that Ameren is reasonable here."
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - October 04, 2007
Ameren starts power cutoffs in Illinois
By Angie Leventis
Ameren Illinois utilities on Thursday began disconnecting the electricity of residential customers who are behind three months or more in payments.
Daily Southtown - September 26, 2007
Don't get burned by bad deals in natural gas market
By David Kolata
Let's face it, a lot of people like to gamble. And, you have to admit, an occasional trip to the blackjack or poker table can be a lot of fun. But there's one bet you should beware of: switching natural gas companies.
Crain's Chicago Business - September 25, 2007
ComEd credits on October bills to average $60
By Steve Daniels
Commonwealth Edison’s residential customers will see a credit on their October electric bills that the utility says will average $60 per household.
The Consumerist - September 25, 2007
Get AT&T Dry Loop For $23.99
By Ben Popken
Thanks to the efforts of the Illinois Citizen's Utility Board, people all across the Midwest, Southwest California, Nevada and Connecticut, can get AT&T dry loop DSL for only $23.99 (express) or $28.99 (pro), instead of $43.99 or $48.99.
WHOI - September 20, 2007
IL American Water wants rate hike
By Kim Carollo
Illinois American Water wants a rate increase, and depending on where you live, it could be higher than 25%.
News-Gazette - September 19, 2007
Cities preparing to intervene in water rate case
By Mike Monson
The city council approved a preliminary step Tuesday toward intervening in Illinois American Water's request for a nearly 60 percent rate increase.
Bloomington Pantagraph - September 19, 2007
Utility board warns of gas marketing scams
By Scott Miller
Nicor Gas customers should beware of recent marketing pitches from unregulated suppliers, the watchdog Citizens Utility Board warned in a consumer alert issued this week.
WSIL 3 - Southern Illinois News - September 19, 2007
Coal Gasification: Cleaner Coal, More Jobs
By Emily Eddington
"I think we're sitting on the Saudi Arabia of coal, but it's high sulfur content. You burn it and a lot of CO2 goes up into the atmosphere-- contributes to global warming," says David Kolata, Executive Director of the Citizens Utility Board.
Crain's Chicago Business - September 18, 2007
Unregulated gas suppliers often cost more: CUB
By Brandon Glenn
Chicago-area households that drop their traditional natural gas companies in favor of unregulated suppliers usually get burned, according to consumer watchdog group Citizens Utility Board.
Chicago Tribune - September 18, 2007
CUB: Natural gas plans are no bargain
By Robert Manor
Pat Clark said a U.S. Energy Savings door-to-door salesperson approached her with a special offer a couple weeks ago, one purporting to save her money.
ABC7Chicago.com - September 18, 2007
Consumers warned to watch out for natural gas offers
By Sarah Schulte
Marilyn Murphy describes herself as a smart-minded business woman who fell for a good sales job. Over a year ago, the Logan Square resident got a knock on the door from a sales reprehensive from U.S. Energy Savings. The company is an unregulated natural gas supplier.
CBS2Chicago.com - September 17, 2007
Consumer Alert: Beware Of New Gas Company Scams
Illinois consumers have been duped into overpaying for natural gas after switching from traditional services to unregulated gas suppliers, according to a new consumer alert from the Citizens Utility Board.
Daily Southtown - September 14, 2007
Homer Glen considers buying Ill. American facilities
By Duaa Eldeib
After residents complained of Illinois American Water Co. bills as high as $1,700, and following state Attorney General Lisa Madigan's lawsuit on behalf of the village when bills shot up by as much as 2,500 percent, village officials are considering acquiring Illinois American Water Co. facilities.
Daily Illini - September 13, 2007
Illinois American Water Company seeks 60 percent increase in rates
By Patrick Wade
Illinois American Water Company hopes to hike Champaign County water rates 60 percent, a move that has city and village officials investigating if the increase is necessary.
Southern Illinoisan - August 26, 2007
Ameren disputes claims in winning letter
By Stan E. Ogden
The $1 billion rate relief package adopted by the Illinois General Assembly will provide real and substantial assistance to our hard-hit residential electric customers, not the "smoke and mirrors" suggested in Mr. John Carvell's letter. Let me explain.
Crain's Chicago Business - August 26, 2007
ComEd rate relief on ice
By Steve Daniels
Springfield's power struggles are jeopardizing electric-rate relief for Commonwealth Edison customers.
A key provision in legislation that would cut ComEd rates expires early next month unless the governor signs the bill. It's been on his desk since July 31.
My Kendall County - August 17, 2007
Citizens Utility Board appoints new officers, 14th District vacancy exists
By Gary Karafiat
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB), a nonprofit, nonpartisian organization that represents the interests of residential utility customers in Illinois has recently installed new officers to lead its board of directors.
The new leadership includes President Robert Craig Neff of Northbrook, Vice President Mike Hilliard of Joliet, Treasurer L. Kristofer Thompson of Chicago, and Secretary George Miller of Melrose Park.
Bloomington Pantagraph - August 14, 2007
Consumers expecting relief waiting on governor’s OK
By Mike Riopell
Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s delay in acting on a plan to send Ameren and ComEd customers rebates for their power bills could mean that the money might not go out as early as planned.
Peoria Journal Star - August 14, 2007
New deal for electric rate relief
Long-term agreement will expire Friday if governor doesn't sign plan
By Adriana Colindres
A new long-term agreement has been negotiated to try to keep future electricity costs as low as possible for Ameren Illinois customers, Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office said Monday.
Kane County Chronicle - August 13, 2007
Properly dispose of bulbs
According to Energy Star, if every American home replaced just one light bulb with a CFL, we would save enough energy to light more than 2.5 million homes for a year and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of about 800,000 cars.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - August 12, 2007
Market prices keep power on in Illinois
By David Nicklaus
Gov. Rod Blagojevich hasn't said whether he will sign the bill, but if he does, all of the screaming and table pounding will have accomplished two modest goals:
•Residents will get credits on their bills for this year as well as in 2008 and 2009.
•The state will scrap the controversial auction process that was used to set electricity prices this year.
Jefferson City News Tribune - August 11, 2007
Ameren announces earnings
Ameren Corporation announced second quarter 2007 net income of $143 million, or $.69 per share, compared to second quarter 2006 net income of $123 million, or $.60 per share.
Net income for the first six months of 2007 was $266 million, or $1.29 per share, compared to $193 million, or $.94 per share in the first half of 2006.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - August 10, 2007
Heat renews discussion about utility rule
By Jeffrey Tomich
Illinois, too, has a rule that prohibits utilities from cutting off natural gas or electric service to customers on sub-freezing days, but no companion regulations to prevent disconnections during periods of extreme heat, said Beth Bosch, a spokeswoman for the Illinois Commerce Commission.
Chicago Tribune - August 10, 2007
Ex-Nicor execs accused of fraud by SEC
By Robert Manor
The Securities and Exchange Commission Thursday filed a civil suit against three former top executives of Nicor Inc., alleging financial fraud.
The Citizens Utility Board estimates the scheme cost consumers $190 million and is pursuing a refund. The Illinois Commerce Commission is also investigating.
Chicago Sun-Times - August 10, 2007
Nicor shock
ENERGY | Ex-CEO charged with fraud regarding 1999-'02 rate program
By Mary Wisniewski
Thomas Fisher, former CEO of Nicor, faces federal civil fraud charges over an abandoned rate program that might have cost suburban natural gas consumers more than $190 million.
"The allegations are really a bombshell and lend support to our claims that customers deserve huge refunds," said David Kolata, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board, a consumer watchdog group.
Securities and Exchange Commission - August 09, 2007
SEC Files Fraud Charges Against Nicor's Former CEO, CFO and Treasurer
The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced the filing of a civil injunctive action against former senior officials of Nicor, Inc., a major Chicago-area natural gas distributor, alleging financial fraud lasting from 1999 to 2002. The SEC's complaint alleges that former Chairman, CEO and President Thomas Fisher, former CFO and Executive Vice-President Kathleen Halloran, and former Treasurer and Vice-President George Behrens engaged in or approved improper transactions, and misrepresented Nicor's gas inventory in order to meet earnings targets and increase the company's revenues under a performance-based utility rate plan.
National Center for Policy Analysis - August 09, 2007
SMART METERS AND DEMAND RESPONSE PRICING
By Joe Barnett And Sean Shurtleff
Smart electrical meters hold the key to lower electrical power costs. Electronic smart meters can continuously communicate information about electric power usage through broad-band over power lines (BPL), computer signals over radio frequency (Wi-Fi), or normal radio frequency (RF) transmission. These capabilities allow utilities to monitor power outages and spikes, and to reduce the flow of power to specific customers, says the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA).
Baltimore Sun - August 08, 2007
Let's see why grid watchdog barked
By Jay Hancock
Don't do it, Mid-Atlantic states. Don't accept the electric grid's offer to settle your complaint. Don't let the dirty secrets that have begun to emerge get covered up.
Expose possible abuses found by an internal watchdog at PJM Interconnection, the regional grid manager. Identify the generation company he said reaped $20 million in "excess payments" over two weeks. Find out who might be getting away with similar shenanigans.
Northwest Herald - August 08, 2007
Board addresses phone-bill hangups
By Jillian Compton
Sue Kurtz suspected Tuesday that she was paying too much for her long-distance telephone service when she started a free consultation with the Citizens Utility Board.
She paid $22.73 for 65 minutes of long-distance service with AT&T from June 17 to July 16. That’s almost 35 cents a minute, which is seven times the maximum rate that the board suggests consumers accept.
Bloomington Pantagraph - August 07, 2007
Democrats won't hold up budget over electric rates
By Mike Riopell
A key group of lawmakers that in May tried to hold up a state budget unless Illinoisans got relief from higher power bills aren't planning an encore, their leader said Tuesday.
Chicago Tribune - August 07, 2007
Sparks fly on utility deal
Madigan says delay by Blagojevich left customers paying
By Jeffrey Meitrodt
Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan has accused Gov. Rod Blagojevich of costing Downstate electricity customers $27 million because he has not signed a rate-relief measure the legislature recently passed, but the administration contended Monday that she should have negotiated a better deal.
Daily Herald - August 05, 2007
Senior health fairs
Senior citizens are invited to attend health fairs this week. The events include vision and diabetes screenings and information on Medicare, Illinois Cares Rx and other programs. Representatives from the Citizens Utility Board will be available to review phone bills and provide suggestions about ways to save money. Admission is free. The fairs are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at the Fox Valley Park District Prisco Center, 150 W. Illinois Ave., Aurora, and Wednesday at the Geneva Park District Community Center at Sunset Park, 710 Western Ave. Call (630) 264-2334.
The Courier News - August 05, 2007
Gov. defends delay on electric rates
Gov. Rod Blagojevich defended the delay Saturday, saying consumers won't end up paying more if he takes time to review the legislation.
Springfield State Journal Register - August 05, 2007
Governor leery of Ameren contract deadline
Says he won't sign rate relief plan without review
By Adriana Colindres
Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Saturday issued a public statement re-emphasizing his intention to review closely a $1 billion electric rate relief plan before he decides whether to sign the legislation into law.
Waukegan News Sun - August 04, 2007
I'm still dreaming of a dark Christmas
Dear Scott:
Last winter you suggested that we should have a dark Christmas this year with no outdoor lights to protest Commonwealth Edison's rate hike. Now it appears we won't have to since it looks like a deal has been struck to rebate Illinois customers. I would like your comment on this.
J.D., Vernon Hills
Dear J.D.:
A cynic would say that state lawmakers are purposely trying to create as much obfuscation as possible so that none of us can understand what's going on.
Chicago Tribune - August 04, 2007
State job holds power; requirements shocking
Governor prepares to search for agency chief, but would anyone want the post?
By Robert Manor
Anyone want to be the power czar of Illinois?
Peoria Journal Star - August 04, 2007
Advocate: Cost of no signature is $27 million
Governor still holding off on approving electric rate legislation, despite pleas
By Adriana Colindres
Rejecting pleas from lawmakers, a utility company executive and the Illinois attorney general, Gov. Rod Blagojevich did not act Friday on the $1 billion electric-rate relief plan that awaits his signature.
Chicago Tribune - August 03, 2007
Rate relief taken off fast track
Governor in no hurry to sign electric bill
By Jeffrey Meitrodt And Monique Garcia
Gov. Rod Blagojevich will take up to 60 days to review the $1 billion electric rate-relief package approved by state lawmakers last week despite warnings from lawmakers and the attorney general's office that delays could lead to higher bills for consumers.
"We are not going to be rushed into precipitously or prematurely signing a very complicated bill that is going to affect what people pay for electricity in Illinois for a decade or more," said Marty Cohen, the governor's director of consumer affairs.
Peoria Journal Star - August 03, 2007
Ameren profits up 16 percent
Though earnings from some of company's Illinois operations down
By Anita Szoke
Ameren Corp.'s profits increased 16 percent in the second quarter, boosted by warm weather and higher power prices in its unregulated generation business.
Journal Gazette - August 03, 2007
Doubt cast on parts of electric rate relief deal
By Mike Riopell
Lawmakers warned Thursday that Gov. Rod Blagojevich must approve a plan to lower Ameren and ComEd bills today or parts of the deal could be at risk.
Springfield State Journal Register - August 03, 2007
Trouble looms for electric-rate relief
Attorney general: If governor doesn’t OK deal today, consumers will suffer
By Adriana Colindres
Gov. Rod Blagojevich won’t be rushed on a decision about whether to sign into law the $1 billion electric rate relief deal that utility companies and some state officials negotiated, an aide said Thursday.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - August 03, 2007
Blagojevich rejects call to sign rate bill quickly
By Adam Jadhav
Gov. Rod Blagojevich will take his time to review the $1 billion electric rate relief package passed last week, and if he feels it's not the best deal, he will try to negotiate a better one, an aide to the governor said Thursday.
Blagojevich has appointed aide Marty Cohen, once the head of the Citizens Utility Board, a consumer group, to review the legislation. Cohen said the legislation was too complicated to be approved quickly and that under the state constitution, Blagojevich has 60 days to act.
"First we're going to look at all the details," Cohen said. "If there are ways to improve it, we're going to try."
Forbes - August 02, 2007
Ameren affirmed, removed from negative watch on power rate relief pact - Fitch
Fitch Ratings affirmed and removed its ratings on Ameren Corp from negative watch, after the Illinois legislature, the state's utilities and power suppliers reached an agreement on the procurement and recovery of power purchase costs.
Central Illinois Proud - August 02, 2007
Higher Electric Rates Boost Ameren's Bottom Line
Ameren has released its second quarter profit report. The numbers show all Ameren companies in both Illinois and Missouri with a net income of $143 million between April and June. That's $20 million higher than last year.
Northwest Herald - August 02, 2007
Board: Illinois phone bills too high
By Jillian Compton
If you have three-way calling, voice mail or wire insurance on your home telephone, you might be among the thousands of Illinois residents who the Citizens Utility Board says are paying too much for phone service.
Business Wire - August 01, 2007
Fitch Places Comed's Ratings on Watch Positive After Rate Compromise Agreement
Fitch Ratings has placed the ratings of Commonwealth Edison Co. (Comed) (Issuer Default Rating [IDR] 'BB') on Rating Watch Positive and removed all ratings from Rating Watch Negative. The Rating Watch Positive reflects the legislative approval of a rate compromise agreement among the Illinois legislature and the state's utilities and power suppliers, to provide $1 billion of rate credits over a four-year period for residential and small commercial customers in Illinois. If approved by the Governor, Fitch would anticipate raising Comed's senior unsecured debt rating to investment grade. For a list of ratings see the end of this press release.
The Northwest Indiana Times - August 01, 2007
Utility rate relief still drawing lines
By Ryan Keith
It's fitting that disagreement over a $1 billion relief package for utility customers would continue even after the package was sent to the governor's desk.
Daily Southtown - August 01, 2007
People power unplugs auction, sparks reform
By David Kolata
When CUB launched its fight to roll back the big ComEd rate hike earlier this year, many predicted the "power" of the utilities would win out.
Sauk Valley Newspapers - July 30, 2007
Bill would give competition another chance
What We Think
Competition. It works in the free market to the benefit of all. Companies compete with each other to provide goods and services. As a result, prices are kept low and quality must be kept high. Consumers benefit by being able to choose which quality product or service to buy from firms competing for their hard-earned dollars.
It was supposed to work that way in the Illinois electric market when lawmakers passed the Illinois Electric Service Customer Choice and Rate Relief Law of 1997.
Daily Southtown - July 30, 2007
ComEd rate deal rolls back hike, ends 'reverse auction'
The issue: State pols, ComEd leaders agree on electric bill rebates and new state agency to buy and sell power to electricity distributors. We say: Deal offers some rate relief and would put an end to auction process, which was a factor in very large electric bill increases.
WSIL 3 - Southern Illinois News - July 30, 2007
Ameren Explains Rate Relief Plan
By Lindsey Mastis
A billion dollar plan to reimburse people in Illinois for high electric rates is still waiting to be signed into law by Governor Rod Blagojevich, but already people are trying to figure out just how much they will get back.
Southwest News Herald - July 30, 2007
ComEd Bill Waits Signature
Legislation Passes Through Illinois House and Senate
By Dermot Connolly
Local residents may soon get rebates on their Commonwealth Edison bills in the coming months, if Gov. Rod Blagojevich signs a bill that passed the Illinois House and Senate last week.
Chicago Tribune - July 29, 2007
Illinois back in power market
Electricity experiment will be watched closely
By Robert Manor
For the second time in as many years, Illinois is embarking on a great experiment, this time hoping government can negotiate the cheapest possible electricity for your home.
The Courier News - July 29, 2007
Two views of $1B electric rate deal
By Ryan Keith
A $1 billion relief package for consumers fed up with high electric rates sailed through the General Assembly, but not without criticism that highlighted two different ways of looking at the complex, emotional issue.
Journal Gazette - July 29, 2007
Guest column: Electric rate relief plan falls short
This past week the state House of Representatives passed a so-called “rate relief” bill for Illinois’ electrical customers. Much ado was made about $1 billion for consumers in relief. You deserve to know the hard facts of this legislation.
CNNMoney.com - July 27, 2007
POWER POINTS: Utilities, Governments, Consumers Sometimes Agree
Sometimes tough negotiations under pressure can lead to a deal that everyone likes.
"Overall, it's a much more consumer-friendly framework for buying power," said David Kolata, executive director of the Chicago-based Citizens Utility Board.
The Illinois Power Agency will be charged with negotiating lower prices for consumers and will develop a resource plan to determine the best mix of power sources to meet customers' needs, Kolata said.
Earth Times - July 27, 2007
Clean Coal Supporters Applaud Illinois Senate on Legislation; House Action Now Needed for Taylorville Energy Center
A diverse coalition of labor, civic, environmental and coal industry leaders today commended the Illinois Senate for its overwhelming passage without opposition of HB 3388, the Clean Coal Development Program Law, and asked the House to pass the bill this session so the Taylorville Energy Center could move forward this year. The law would support privately developed clean coal Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) power plants in Illinois such as the Taylorville project.
The Taylorville Energy Center will also help hold the line on electric rates. In joining many other newspapers that have editorialized in support of this project -- including the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Chicago Sun-Times, and State Journal-Register -- the Daily Herald recently pointed out, "Finally, no less a consumer advocate than the Citizens Utility Board backs the Taylorville plant because it would produce electricity relatively inexpensively, saving Illinois consumers an estimated $190 million a year by displacing more expensive sources."
Chicago Suburban News - July 27, 2007
Lawmakers finally OK electric rate deal
By Adriana Colindres
After months of bickering, Illinois lawmakers on Thursday approved a $1 billion relief deal for people who get their electricity from Ameren and Commonwealth Edison.
Crain's Chicago Business - July 27, 2007
Legislature passes rate-hike relief
A plan to give angry consumers $1 billion in relief from surging electricity prices sailed through the Illinois General Assembly on Thursday, despite some complaints that it doesn't go nearly far enough.
Chicago Sun-Times - July 27, 2007
Legislature approves electricity rate relief
$1 BILLION | GOP lawmakers blast plan
By Whitney Woodward
A $1 billion electricity rate relief package rocketed through the Illinois Legislature on Thursday over the objections of Republican lawmakers who said the plan doesn't give consumers significant help from high power prices.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - July 27, 2007
Illinois utility rate relief passes
By Kevin Mcdermott
The Illinois Legislature passed on Thursday a $1 billion electric rate-relief package, sending it to Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who has indicated he will sign it.
CBS2Chicago.com - July 26, 2007
State Lawmakers Pass Electric Rate Relief Bill
Bill Headed To Governor's Desk, But Some Say It Does Not Go Far Enough
By Mike Flannery
A bill that provides Illinois residents relief from sky-high rates for electricity was approved Thursday night by state lawmakers and is on its way to the governor’s desk.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - July 26, 2007
Plan to refund part of electricity rate hikes advances in Illinois
By Kevin Mcdermott
A proposal that would give almost $1 billion back to rate-weary Illinois electricity customers passed an Illinois House committee Wednesday, the first step toward likely passage into law in the coming weeks.
ILLINOIZE - July 26, 2007
Power Shift
By Jack Darin
The environmental benefits of the clean energy pieces of the rate deal are as significant as the shift in the politics of environmental protection in Illinois.
Journal Gazette - July 26, 2007
Electric deal clears committee
By Mike Riopell
A deal that would send rebate checks to most Illinois Ameren customers won its first official approval Wednesday night, despite Republican opposition.
Chicago Suburban News - July 26, 2007
Electric rate-relief deal advances in House
By Adriana Colindres
Voting along partisan lines, an Illinois House committee on Wednesday advanced a $1 billion electric rate-relief deal
News-Gazette - July 26, 2007
House to weigh rate relief
By Kate Clements
Legislation to ease the shock of this year's dramatic electricity rate hikes is poised for passage in the House today, despite some complaints that it doesn't go far enough.
"I think it's a very good, very positive resolution," said the bill's sponsor, state Rep. George Scully, D-Flossmoor.
Citizens Utility Board Executive Director David Kolata agreed.
"We think that, all things considered, this is a reasonable deal for consumers," he said. "We've said all along that to solve our rate crisis, we need to do two things: We need to have significant rate relief for consumers, and we need to end the reverse auction that caused this mess in the first placeand replace it with a plan for buying energy that's fair for consumers. We think that this proposed settlement meets both of those conditions."
Homer Sun - July 25, 2007
Clinic shows ways to cut phone bills
By Joe Hosey
If you have a feeling the phone company is ripping you off, there is probably a way to reduce your bill, and representatives from the Citizens Utility Board spent five hours July 21 showing residents how.
Crain's Chicago Business - July 25, 2007
Exelon CEO: No plans now to spin off ComEd
By Steve Daniels
Exelon Corp. CEO John Rowe said Wednesday he has no intention now of separating Chicago electric utility Commonwealth Edison Co. from the rest of the company.
But Mr. Rowe told investors in a conference call Wednesday that ComEd still brings value to Exelon, despite the fact that it contributes far less in earnings to the holding company than it did even a few years ago. Among other things, ComEd gives Exelon important relationships with politicians in Illinois.
Herald & Review - July 25, 2007
Ameren outlines electric rate rebates
By Tony Reid
Ameren Corp. spelled out how much cash customers will receive and when they should get it during a Tuesday news conference about the $1 billion electric rate relief package the company agreed on with leading lawmakers.
The detailed news about the contents of the relief package was welcomed Tuesday by the Citizens Utility Board, a consumer watchdog group, but Executive Director David Kolata wants more information. He said he understands the deal between Ameren and lawmakers also involves some five-year agreements on buying base load power to cover the period while the new Illinois Power Agency is being created.
"If the prices on those contracts are good, then the overall value of this deal is much greater than $1 billion, or conversely, it could be lower," said Kolata. "But, so far, I'm not sure if we're going to find out."
Overall, however, he welcomed the relief package as offering significant rate relief and a future energy purchase plan that was good for consumers.
WJBC - AM 1230 - July 25, 2007
CUB says end of reverse auction highlights relief deal
The head of the Citizens Utility Board says his group is supporting the latest electric rate compromise because it's realistic and it does away with a reverse auction process that led to outrageous increases earlier this year.
Dave Kolata tells WJBC's Laughlin and Reynolds, that's the best part of the deal.
Kolata also calls the $1 billion in relief "significant." But, he calls the deal a starting point and says negotiations to keep rates down will have to continue in future, legislative sessions.
ABC7Chicago.com - July 25, 2007
ComEd promises rebates and rate reductions
By Andy Shaw
ComEd customers are getting relief on their electric bills. The utility giant is promising rebates and rate reductions in the months ahead. The relief follows a major surge in electric rates this year.
"All things considered, this is a good deal for consumers. I would characterize it as the consumers have won the round, but the fight continues. This is really a starting point," said David Kolata, Citizens Utility Board.
Northwest Herald - July 24, 2007
State leaders tout electric-rate deal
Rebate checks worth hundreds of dollars. Discounts of up to 70 percent on electric rates. A state agency to negotiate lower prices for electricity.
A consumer advocate said the agreement still needs further review but expects it will benefit consumers greatly. “This is certainly a step forward,” said David Kolata, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board.
Daily Southtown - July 24, 2007
Electric rate deal makes the best of bad situation
By Phil Kadner
Given the mess created by politicians in Springfield, I actually think the deal legislators worked out with ComEd and Ameren is a good one.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - July 24, 2007
Illinois utility rate relief: Refunds, rate cut, reform
By Adam Jadhav
Legislative leaders on Monday promised Illinois consumers a $1 billion package of electric rate refunds, scaled back rate hikes and long-term reform.
House Speaker Michael Madigan, Senate President Emil Jones and Attorney General Lisa Madigan joined most of the Metro East legislative delegation in announcing the deal between state negotiators and the utilities, a compromise that might end a lengthy stalemate in Springfield.
Springfield State Journal Register - July 24, 2007
Rebates for Ameren customers
Electric-rate relief outlined; Madigan, Jones predict passage
By Adriana Colindres
Rebate checks, each potentially worth hundreds of dollars, could arrive in the mailboxes of Ameren Illinois’ electricity customers by September, state officials said Monday while unveiling details of a $1 billion electric-rate relief deal.
Chicago Sun-Times - July 24, 2007
The state's energy relief plan: What it means for you
UTILITY RATES | Deal includes monthly credits, lump-sum rebate, state power-buying agency
By Dave Mckinney And Whitney Woodward
Commonwealth Edison customers who pay $100 a month on average for electricity would see $11 monthly credits under a utility rate deal announced Monday.
The Peoria Chronicle - July 24, 2007
Ameren touts benefits of rate relief
How about Ameren’s customers?
I think they’re going to be happy, too. Here are a couple of pie charts that Ameren released today to show the effect this rate relief will have on customers’ electric bills.Sauk Valley Newspapers - July 24, 2007
Leaders tout $1B electric rate deal
Rebate checks worth hundreds of dollars. Discounts of up to 70 percent on electric rates. A state agency to negotiate lower prices for electricity.
A consumer advocate said the agreement still needs further review but expects it will benefit consumers greatly. "This is certainly a step forward," said David Kolata, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board.
Chicago Tribune - July 24, 2007
Electric customers to get rebates, reductions
Proposal could trim average ComEd bill $8 a month
By Jeffrey Meitrodt And Robert Manor
Customers of Commonwealth Edison and Ameren Illinois will share in $1 billion of refunds and discounts, officials said Monday.
David Kolata, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board, said the deal appears to be fair for consumers. He said CUB is collecting information to analyze the effect of the rebates on consumers' bills, a process that could take some time.
"The auction is dead and the system that replaces it looks to be very good," Kolata said. "We are optimistic."
Illinois Channel - July 24, 2007
Electric Rate Relief Details
Ameren Corporation and the Ameren Illinois utilities today announced a comprehensive $488 million rate relief package to provide immediate relief to their Illinois electric customers. The broad-based assistance is part of a more than $1 billion agreement that will reduce electric bills for every residential customer of the Ameren Illinois utilities.
Southern Illinoisan - July 24, 2007
Ameren backs relief plan
Ameren Illinois utilities CEO and President Scott Cisel said Monday the new $1 billion electric rate relief agreement includes significant rate relief for customers and promises long-term reform aimed at keeping electric rates stable throughout the state.
Northwest Herald - July 24, 2007
A bright idea on power
After months of wrangling, the state Legislature appears to have come up with an electric-rate relief plan for consumers.
“We are still looking at the details,” said David Kolata, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board. “But this does appear to be a step forward.”
Dow Jones - July 18, 2007
Ameren, ComEd Near $1.1 Billion Rate Deal With Illinois Lawmakers
By Christine Buurma
NEW YORK -(Dow Jones)- Ameren Corp. (AEE) and Commonwealth Edison Co. are nearing an agreement with Illinois legislators to provide just over $1 billion in rate relief to electricity customers and avoid a rate freeze, with a final agreement expected within a week. "A deal is very close," said David Kolata, the executive director of the Citizens Utility Board, a Chicago-based consumer advocacy group that is involved in the rate negotiations. "We're withholding judgment until we see the final details, but what we've seen so far is very promising."
Chicago Tribune - July 18, 2007
State agency may replace electricity auctions
By Robert Manor
A pending solution to high electricity prices would likely include the creation of a state agency to buy power for consumers, the state's leading consumer advocate on utility issues said Wednesday. "It is our understanding that responsibility for buying power for consumers will be taken over by a new state agency, the Illinois Power Agency, which will do everything it can to keep rates low," said David Kolata, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board.
Forbes - July 18, 2007
Ill. Electric Rate Deal May Be Nearing
By Ryan Keith
After a series of false starts, a deal to provide consumers relief from soaring electric rates might be coming soon at the state Capitol. Sen. James Clayborne, a key Democrat negotiator on the issue, said Tuesday an agreement is "very, very close" more than seven months after electricity prices exploded.
Joliet Herald News - July 18, 2007
CUB can cut the cost of your calls
By Cindy Wojdyla Cain
JOLIET -- The Citizens Utility Board wants to cut the fat out of your phone bill. CUB is sponsoring a phone bill clinic at the Westfield Louis Joliet mall from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Daily Herald - July 18, 2007
A good Internet deal? Weigh the options
By Anna Marie Kukec
Chicago-based Citizens Utility Board on Tuesday issued an alert to consumers that they should check out a $10 high-speed Internet deal from AT&T Inc. It’s one of the lowest in the industry right now — if you can find it on the AT&T Web site.
ABC7Chicago.com - July 17, 2007
Electric rate agreement appears imminent
By Kevin Roy
It appears relief is on the way for consumers stung by rising electric rates. A deal being worked out in Springfield would save customers a total of more than $1 billion. Customers may start saving money as early as next month.
engadget - July 15, 2007
Man's quest for $10 AT&T DSL ends in success... kind of
By Joshua Topolsky
Mark "Rizzn" Hopkins' internet ordeal is over, and he has detailed all the painful, laborious, and clearly unnecessary steps needed to put yourself into Cashville with AT&T's cheap-o DSL service over on his website.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - July 15, 2007
Utility rate deal appears near
By Kevin Mcdermott
A truce in Illinois' electric-rate battle could come as early as this week, with a potential agreement for Ameren and other utilities to refund about $1 billion to customers over the next three years, sources close to the negotiations say.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Chicago Tribune - July 13, 2007
AT&T DSL bargain goes unadvertised
By Jon Van
AT&T Inc. executives say they are frustrated that 40 percent of American households are high-speed holdouts, still using dial-up connections to go online, but consumer advocates say AT&T could do more to lure them into the broadband world.
Chicago Tribune - July 12, 2007
DuPage to get new area code: 331
By Gerry Smith
A large swath of west suburban Chicago will dial an extra four digits to make local phone calls when state regulators add a second area code this fall.
Daily Herald - July 12, 2007
Get ready to dial all 10 digits in DuPage
By Erin Holmes
In 90 days, DuPage County officially will welcome a new area code - spelling the end to telephone dialing as the 630 faithful know it now.
Daily Illini - July 09, 2007
Illinois esidents, lawmakers still waiting on electric rate deal
By Ryan Keith
In February, Ellie Dorchincez was fighting mad about her soaring electric rates. In July, she's fighting her growing frustration over the lack of response by state officials. Dorchincez, who owns a small grocery store in Benton, says she and many others in southern Illinois - where many saw electric bills more than double when a 10-year rate freeze ended in January - still hope for some help from lawmakers.
WANDtv - July 08, 2007
Residents, lawmakers still waiting on electric rate deal
But patience is wearing thin as lawmakers continue negotiations. They're still discussing about one billion dollars in relief for consumers over several years and changes to the way power is bought and sold in Illinois.
Crain's Chicago Business - July 02, 2007
ComEd spinoff in S'field mix
By Steve Daniels
Exelon Corp. and state lawmakers agreed last week to pave the way for a spinoff of Chicago electric utility Commonwealth Edison Co. as a separate, publicly traded company.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Southern Illinoisan - June 30, 2007
Rate relief talks will continue next week
By Mike Riopell
SPRINGFIELD - Though lawmakers and corporate officials continue to meet behind closed doors to solve turmoil over high power bills, Ameren and ComEd customers are left to wonder when or if they'll eventually catch a break.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Dow Jones - June 29, 2007
Illinois utilities propose $950 million in rate relief
By Christine Buurma
NEW YORK -(Dow Jones)- Exelon Corp. (EXC) utility Commonwealth Edison Co. and Ameren Corp. (AEE) have increased their offer of electricity rate relief for Illinois customers to $950 million from $500 million and are nearing an agreement with state lawmakers that would avoid a three-year rate freeze.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Daily Herald - June 28, 2007
New energy option controls your thermostat
By Adam Amaro
ComEd and Comverge Inc. are testing Load Guard, an automated system that allows customers to conserve energy during peak afternoon hours when the price of electricity rises above a pre-set level.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Daily Southtown - June 27, 2007
Hit the pause button, CUB's got good news
By David Kolata
It's no surprise that customer-satisfaction surveys put the cable industry dead last, below such perennial punching bags as cell phone companies and HMOs. But before you fling your remote control out the window, take heart that Illinois legislators have just passed the nation's toughest cable consumer protections -- and that could mean money in your pocket.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Socialist Appeal - June 27, 2007
Energy Deregulation in IL an Attack on Working People
By Josh Lucker
Ameren, which provides energy services to customers in Missouri and Illinois, has begun circulating a letter to all of their Illinois customers, warning them to expect even higher rates during the summer, along with tips on how to “tighten their belts”. Millions across the state are already outraged at the massive increase in their electric bills since the start of the year. This has led to widespread discontent among working people, as explained by Patty M., a retail worker and Ameren customer, who told Socialist Appeal: “Our bill doubled in one month, but my income didn’t double.” The deregulation policies in the utilities sector can only be described as a direct attack on working people.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - June 27, 2007
Agreement will keep Illinois operating until the end of July
By Kevin Mcdermott
One proposed annual budget already has been passed by the House, but downstate Democrats are effectively holding it hostage until their leaders agree to pass legislation lowering electric rates, which increased dramatically this year, especially in Southern Illinois. Talks between legislators and Ameren and ComEd utilities are under way, but no new progress had been reported as of Tuesday.
Daily Illini - June 27, 2007
Bungling the state budget
The other figure most complicit in this mess is Senate President Emil Jones. Since the January expiration of the electric rate-freeze, Jones has repeatedly blocked attempts by downstate lawmakers to pass legislation designed to provide relief to consumers who have seen their bills skyrocket.
Peoria Journal Star - June 27, 2007
Senate could vote today on electric rates
Measure would freeze costs at 2006 levels
By Adriana Colindres
While negotiators kept trying Tuesday to settle the controversy over Illinois' dramatically higher electric rates, Senate President Emil Jones said his chamber might vote today on legislation to roll back electric rates to 2006 levels and freeze them there.
Forbes - June 27, 2007
Coal's Many Friends
By Matthew Swibel
A majority of 69 senators, including presidential candidate Barack Obama, D-Ill., actually voted for at least one of the two pro-coal amendments offered during last week's debate--one by Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Ky., and one by Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont.
Crain's Chicago Business - June 27, 2007
Utility firm interviewing brokers about One Pru Plaza lease
By Eddie Baeb
Integrys Energy Group Inc., the new parent of Peoples and North Shore Gas, is interviewing real estate brokerage firms about its headquarters lease at One Prudential Plaza as part of a companywide review of its facilities.
Southern Illinoisan - June 26, 2007
Aide says governor open to rate freeze alternative
By Mike Riopell
Gov. Rod Blagojevich's few public comments about the politically sensitive topic of high electric bills have suggested he would sign off on a plan to cut Ameren and ComEd rates back to their 2006 levels.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Crain's Chicago Business - June 23, 2007
Big payday for Exelon investors
By Steve Daniels
Exelon Corp. shareholders who stick with the company through the contentious struggle to set new electric rates in Illinois have a reward waiting for them. David Kolata, executive director of CUB, says about ComEd's parent company: "They were an enormously profitable company under the old rates, and under the new rates they're making windfall profits."
Crain's Chicago Business - June 22, 2007
Exelon to pay lion's share in rate relief deal: sources
By Steve Daniels
Exelon Corp. will shell out most of the $1 billion that Illinois’ two big electric utilities have agreed to pay in a rate-relief deal being negotiated in Springfield.
Newsday - June 22, 2007
Senate passes pro-renewables Energy Bill
By H. Josef Hebert
The Senate late Thursday voted 65-27 to pass the first energy bill since Democrats took control of Congress in January. But it was far from a complete victory.
Southern Illinoisan - June 22, 2007
Energy assistance programs feeling the heat
By Ashley Wiehle
High temperatures combined with even higher electric bills have had a negative effect on energy assistance programs.
Local administrators of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program say funds were quickly depleted after higher electric rates went into effect and that $6 million in Keep Cool Illinois funds set to begin July 9 will follow suit.
Chicago Tribune - June 22, 2007
Senate cable TV bill clicks
Consumer protection, competition are keys
By Ray Long, Monique Garcia And Jeffrey Meitrodt
"We are frankly thrilled by the service-quality standards that are in this bill," said David Kolata, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board, a public watchdog group.
Baltimore Sun - June 20, 2007
PJM electric grid's watchdog muzzled
By Jay Hancock
Managers of a major electricity grid, of which ComEd belongs, repeatedly silenced a supposedly independent watchdog who was concerned that power generation companies could reap outsized profits in newly deregulated electricity markets, documents show.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Chicago Tribune - June 20, 2007
Senate cable TV bill clicks
By Ray Long And Monique Garcia
SPRINGFIELD -- Lawmakers predicted cable TV viewers would get better service, more competitive rates—and even credits when a cable technician is tardy on service calls—under legislation the Senate sent to the governor Tuesday. "We are frankly thrilled by the service-quality standards," said CUB's David Kolata.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Associated Press - June 19, 2007
AT&T lowers the volume on mandated DSL offer
By Peter Svensson
NEW YORK -- Without any sort of fanfare, AT&T Inc. has started offering a broadband Internet service for $10 a month, cheaper than any advertised plan. But Illinois consumers will have to hunt to find details of the deal.
Associated Press - June 19, 2007
AT&T lowers the volume on mandated DSL offer
By Peter Svensson
Without any sort of fanfare, AT&T Inc. has started offering a broadband Internet service for $10 a month, cheaper than any advertised plan. But Illinois consumers will have to hunt to find details of the deal.
CBS2Chicago.com - June 19, 2007
Tucker's Tips: Fighting Unfair Billing
By Dorothy Tucker
If you're having trouble with a collection agency, in connection with mistaken electric, natural gas, or phone company bills, contact the Illinois Citizens Utility Board. CUB represents consumers in their fight against public utilities and communication companies.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
ABC7Chicago.com - June 18, 2007
Possible deal could bring electricity rate relief
By Paul Meincke
Electricity customers may soon get relief from rising rates. State legislative leaders and utility company executives may be closing in on a deal.
Comment on CUB's Blog.
Marion Daily Republican - June 15, 2007
A Conversation With ... John Bradley
Reporter Diane Wilkins talked with Illinois Rep. John Bradley about what is being accomplished during to overtime session of the General Assembly.
Peoria Journal Star - June 15, 2007
'Progress' made on utility rates
Lawmakers express hope two sides are near resolution
By Adriana Colindres
After meeting privately for about three hours Thursday to discuss Illinois' problem with soaring electricity rates, top utility company executives and Democratic legislative leaders said little other than that they made "substantial progress."
News-Gazette - June 15, 2007
Progress reported on electric rate issue
By Kate Clements
Top utility executives and legislative leaders indicated that they were close to some sort of rate relief deal on Thursday, but refused to provide any details.
Chicago Tribune - June 15, 2007
Relief from high electric bills seen
Rate-freeze threat prods utility giants
By Jeffrey Meitrodt And Monique Garcia
Top legislative leaders emerged from a three-hour meeting with utility executives Thursday, saying they are close to reaching a deal that would provide customers some relief from soaring electricity bills this summer while avoiding a threatened court battle over a rate freeze.
Bloomington Pantagraph - June 15, 2007
Power bill progress reported
By Mike Riopell
Key players in the state debate over high power bills emerged from a lengthy closed-door meeting Thursday using a similar — and familiar — refrain.
Crain's Chicago Business - June 15, 2007
'Substantial progress' in talks on rate-hike relief
By Greg Hinz
Illinois lawmakers finally may be nearing agreement on a pact to limit the impact of electric-rate increases on Illinois consumers.
Marion Daily Republican - June 13, 2007
Bradley deemed a 'Friend of the AARP'
By Diane Wilkins
"I am truly humbled and appreciative of this recognition," Bradley said. "This has been a combined effort with AARP, the Citizens Utility Board and the citizens of Southern Illinois."
Peoria Journal Star - June 12, 2007
FCC fund freeze could signal bad news
Illinois may be cut off from money to expand wireless coverage to rural areas
By Steve Tarter
The Federal Communications Commission, which administers the fund, is expected to propose changes that could include providing the same subsidies to states that they received before. That could be a problem for Illinois wireless operators that haven't received significant funding in the past, Rooney said.
Bloomington Pantagraph - June 12, 2007
No shortage of opinions from former Illinois Gov. Walker
By Blackwell Thomas
Asked what he thought of the current legislative session in which lawmakers have failed to hammer out a budget or provide electric-rate relief, Walker said politics in Illinois is a “rotten system.”
Chicago Tribune - June 12, 2007
Nothing 'reasonable' about ComEd deal
By Gerald Wolin
The Illinois Commerce Commission, in cooperation with the state's electric utilities, designed an electric auction process for procuring electricity that resulted in unjustifiably high prices.
Sauk Valley Newspapers - June 12, 2007
Personalities derail progress
By Rich Miller
Then, of course, there's the budget bill that was passed by the House last month but still is in the House because one of Madigan's members placed a parliamentary hold on the legislation. The Senate president's people believe that Madigan did it deliberately to stop the Senate from passing the bill and avoid any potential government shutdown when the fiscal year ends. Madigan claims his downstate members placed the hold on the bill to prevent any budget action until some sort of agreement could be reached on the electric utility rate issue.
Quincy Herald-Whig - June 11, 2007
Tracy reflects on challenging first year
By Doug Wilson
Tracy said one of her biggest disappointments has been the lack of a resolution on electric rate relief. Tracy has been critical of lawmakers who froze rates 10 years ago and then did nothing to prepare for the end of the freeze on Jan. 1. Environment News Service - June 11, 2007
Illinois Clean Coal Power Plant Wins First Permit
Illinois has issued the nation's first permit for a commercial clean coal generating plant. The air pollution limits set by this permit are much lower than those for conventional coal plants because high-sulfur Illinois coal will be turned into a synthetic gas before it is burned.
Herald & Review - June 11, 2007
Pay raise was bad move at wrong time
By H&r Editorial Staff
As most folks know, the General Assembly did not meet its May 31 adjournment deadline. Despite Democrat majorities in the House and Senate and a Democrat governor, the General Assembly ended its official session without a budget and without addressing the issue of skyrocketing electric rates. The General Assembly is still meeting, trying to come up with a compromise. That will be a little more difficult now, since most bills will require Republican participation to reach a three-fifths majority.
Illinois Review - June 11, 2007
"Pritchard's Perspective" deserves praise
By Ir Editor
An agreement between the state and Illinois utility companies to lower rates for electricity consumers still has not been reached. Talks last week were dominated by the Attorney General.
Peking Dork - June 11, 2007
Electricity Rates Rising in Illinois
JAMES CLAYBORNE, State Senator: The whole purpose of deregulating is to create more competition and create more choice, in terms of suppliers coming into the residential market, as well as industry, creating industry where they will -- they do nothing but produce power. And as a result, that should cause rates to go down, should cause more competition.
Harvard Business School Working Knowledge - June 11, 2007
Teaching the Next Generation of Energy Executives
By Julia Hanna
A new generation of energy industry managers will make decisions that affect the quality of life for hundreds of millions of people. At Harvard Business School, students in professor Forest Reinhardt's Energy course are learning the complexities and realities of developing and implementing strategy in such a complex environment.
Southern Illinoisan - June 10, 2007
Energy program helps reduce greenhouse gases
By John D. Homan
"With rising utility costs, we must continue to step up to help small businesses lower their energy bills and implement effective green solutions," said Gov. Rod Blagojevich. "Many energy efficiency improvements are incredibly cost-effective, but businesses frequently are unaware of their opportunities in choosing an efficient and sustainable design."
Herald & Review - June 10, 2007
Energy efficiency in homes starting to take priority
By Mike Riopell
As power bills rose across the state this year, Southern Illinois solar-panel technician Aur Beck fielded more calls than usual from people wanting to generate their own electricity. "They want to eliminate their electric bill," he said.
Southern Illinoisan - June 10, 2007
Illinois' Big Three need to end this stalemate
Whenever this session ends, it should not do so without relief for electric customers. And, as the Big Three - Blagojevich, Madigan and Jones - continue to craft a spending plan, we're hopeful they will not rely on a major expansion of gambling as the key source of new revenue to do it.
Peoria Journal Star - June 10, 2007
UAW turns to ICAA for electricity
By Paul Gordon
"What people have to realize is that we're not going back to 1997 electric rates. It's just not going to happen. But through ICAA, we believe we can certainly buy electricity from suppliers at rates that are a lot less than what Ameren and ComEd are locked into."
Marion Daily Republican - June 09, 2007
Untanging your phone bills: CUB offers help to seniors
By Diane Wilkins
Citizens Utility Board Director David Kolata, along with several counselors, was at the Marion Senior Citizens Friday to offer help with “Untangling Your Telephone Bills.”
CUB has been traveling throughout Illinois in an effort to reduce phone charges.
Macomb Journal - June 08, 2007
Senate puts off electric rate freeze vote
Rep. Bob Flider, a Mount Zion Democrat who has been involved with the electricity negotiations, called the CORE ads "silly."
WPSD-TV Channel 6 - June 08, 2007
Phone Bill Clinic Untangles Confusing Bills
By Holley Doucet
Seniors in Marion, Illinois got help making sense of confusing phone bills.
The first thing utility expert Bryan McDaniel tells every phone customer is to drop their "Inside-wire maintenance plan."
Wire problems only happen on average once every 20 to 30 years.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - June 08, 2007
Laclede proposes letting customers choose fix-rate plans
By Jeffrey Tomich
In Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, where two companies offer plans similar to the one proposed by Laclede, more than 90 percent of customers ended up paying more than they would have otherwise, said Dave Kolata, executive director of the Citizens Utility Board.
"It is definitely a buyer-beware marketplace," he said. "It's something that can work, but it depends on the premium. One of the biggest problems is that it's very difficult to find the information needed to make an informed decision."
WJBC - AM 1230 - June 08, 2007
Coal Gasification Plant Gets IEPA OK
A planned $2 billion plant that would turn high-sulfur Illinois coal into a synthetic gas for electricity generation has the go-ahead to begin construction.WJBC - AM 1230 - June 08, 2007
Legislature Recesses, No Progress
Lawmakers Thursday adjourned until next week…without much, if any, progress on a new state budget.
WBBM Newsradio 780 - June 08, 2007
Springfield Remains in A Deadlock
By Craig Dellimore, Political Editor
Budget talks remain at an impasse in Springfield... and Illinois legislators are taking some cooling-off time.
Rockford Register Star - June 08, 2007
Pass electric rate relief
By Murriel Riedesel, Belvidere
The best solution would roll rates back and provide people with an immediate rebate while a long-term solution is worked out. This makes sense, as people are facing arrearages so high they are filing for bankruptcy or taking out loans from family and friends.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - June 08, 2007
Civil justice measures stall in Illinois Legislature
By Adam Jadhav
A number of civil justice questions might be left unsettled in an Illinois Legislature overtime session that is likely to be consumed by budget and electric rates issues.
Daily Southtown - June 08, 2007
An 'utter failure' to serve taxpayers
By Christine Radogno (r-lemont)
As a state senator for the last 10 years, I have never witnessed a spectacle like the one I've watched unfold this Legislative session.
Daily Southtown - June 08, 2007
Do-nothing session merits no pay raises
Illinois lawmakers failed to address a long list of crucial issues in the session that entered overtime last week. The huge electric rate increases are still looming over consumers. The state's pension funds continue to be grossly underfunded and headed to a crisis. Despite widespread public support for reform of the school funding system, lawmakers still are scared silly to fix the inadequate and unfair methods for supporting public schools.
Chicago Sun-Times - June 08, 2007
Emil's 'whacks' not a hit with legislators
Senate president should remember 'Godfather' wasn't success forever
By Rich Miller
Senate President Emil Jones often recommends that Statehouse newbies watch "The Godfather, Part 1" to get an idea of how Springfield operates. It's a good idea, and I told my intern this year that he needed to watch the flick as well.
Peoria Journal Star - June 08, 2007
Senate waits for rate-freeze vote
It will be at least one week before senators vote on controversial bill
By Adriana Colindres
The Illinois Senate will wait at least another week to vote on sending Gov. Rod Blagojevich legislation meant to roll back and freeze rates for people who buy electricity from Commonwealth Edison and the Ameren Illinois companies.
Springfield State Journal Register - June 08, 2007
More water requires more money
Hunter Lake would hike CWLP rates 72.3 percent
By Chris Wetterich
Building Springfield’s long-planned second lake would require a 72.3 percent water rate increase for City Water, Light and Power customers, according to documents given to aldermen.
Springfield State Journal Register - June 08, 2007
Jones talks of middle ground
Says Senate may agree to plan to get around budget stalemate
By Doug Finke
However, the Senate cannot vote on the House plan. Downstate Democrats demanding electric-rate relief used a parliamentary maneuver to keep the budget in the House, and they will not release it until acceptable rate relief is enacted for customers of Ameren and Commonwealth Edison who’ve been hit with skyrocketing power bills this year.
Reuters Summit Notebook - June 07, 2007
Siemens wants longer life for wind tax credit
By Matt Daily
Last year, the U.S. government renewed the Production Tax Credit, a 1.9 cent-per-kilowatt-hour credit for electricity generated by wind turbines — a critical factor in the financing of new wind farms. But the extension only runs through the end of this year, when Congress will have to take up the issue again. That kind of uncertainty causes headaches for power companies, as well as wind turbine makers such as Randy Zwirn, the CEO of Siemens Power Generation, who says the industry needs a longer lead time. Listen to audio.
Reuters - June 07, 2007
Power cos. navigate divergent market regulation
By Eileen O'grady
U.S. electric executives, who once dreaded the patchwork of regulated and unregulated power markets left by the 2001 collapse of Enron Corp., have learned to navigate the industry's turbulent waters, executives said at the Reuters Global Energy Summit in New York.
Illinois elected officials, outraged over a dramatic rise in power prices seen as regulators introduced market rates this year after a 10-year rate freeze, are moving to extend the freeze even as Exelon Corp. (EXC.N: Quote, Profile, Research unit Commonwealth Edison Co. and units of Ameren Corp. (AEE.N: Quote, Profile, Research threaten to seek bankruptcy protection if rates are rolled back.
As the legislation appeared to gain momentum in the state Senate last month, ComEd and Ameren proposed a $500 million package of "rate-relief" measures in an effort to derail passage of an unfavorable law.
Bloomington Pantagraph - June 07, 2007
Lawmakers leave with no action on budget, electric rates
By Kurt Erickson
Illinois lawmakers left town Thursday after reporting little progress on breaking the legislative logjam that has sent them into an uncertain overtime session.
CBS2Chicago.com - June 07, 2007
ComEd Customers About To Get Hit With Brunt Of Rate Hike
By Mike Flannery
With high temperatures starting to settle in, ComEd customers will soon feel the the pinch from ComEd's 24 percent rate hike.Lincoln Courier - June 07, 2007
Freeze bill could go to governor today
By Adriana Colindres
Still up in the air is whether consumers ever would see the benefits of an electric rate-freeze law. ComEd and Ameren have promised to fight it in court, and they say a rate freeze would jeopardize their companies' financial pictures.
Sauk Valley Newspapers - June 07, 2007
Leaders dig in as state budget talks continue
Meanwhile, Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich accused Madigan of "creating unnecessary gridlock" by linking the budget to overhauling the way Illinois regulates the electric industry.
The Daily Journal - June 07, 2007
Editorial: Illinois 'good to go'
Back in December, we reported on the legislative pay raise. The same legislators who expressed waves of horror at a 24 percent hike in ComEd electric rates had no problem accepting a 15 percent pay increase.
Galesburg Register-Mail - June 07, 2007
Senate poised to vote on electric-rate freeze
36 yes votes would send it to governor
By Adriana Colindres
The 59-member state Senate is a step away from sending to the governor a measure intended to roll back and freeze electric rates for at least three years for customers of Commonwealth Edison and the Ameren Illinois utilities.
Chicago Tribune - June 07, 2007
Renewed pitch for lottery deal
Blagojevich's plan will get 'hard look'
By Monique Garcia And Jeffrey Meitrodt
The House budget bill, though approved, has been blocked from going to the Senate because of a parliamentary move by a Downstate lawmaker who wants electricity relief first.
WJBC - AM 1230 - June 07, 2007
Governor suggests selling state lottery
House Speaker Michael Madigan is again repeating his line: that the House has passed a limited growth budget, and he won't support a budget without electricity rate relief.
Southern Illinoisan - June 07, 2007
Voice of the Reader 6-7
Let the blame spread
By David Conrad, Murphysboro
To the Editor: Fantastically high electric bills. Who's to blame? Ameren? Legislators? Governor? Illinois Commerce Commission? Changing economy? The answer is all of the above.
The Daily Journal - June 07, 2007
The real Illinois energy crisis isbuilding efficiency into system
By Senator Don Harmon And Rebecca Stanfield
Whether you are a large industrial manufacturer, a small local business, or a homeowner, wasting energy drains your financial resources. Now, as Illinoisans struggle to pay their skyrocketing electricity rates, the pain is worse as a result of the failure of our state and utilities to prioritize energy efficiency.
Sauk Valley Newspapers - June 07, 2007
Governor finds it hard to lead from a distance
By Editorial Board
It's pretty late in the game for Blagojevich to patch up differences with his party, let alone his opponents, but we urge him to try.
Start spending more time in Springfield. A lot more time. Meet with lawmakers and public interest groups. Listen to their concerns about electric rates, education reform, gambling, fuel prices, health care and the business climate. Be willing to compromise. Take care of the state's current obligations before creating new ones. Calm the fires of conflicting opinions, don't stoke them.
MyFox Chicago - June 06, 2007
Millions Offered to Help With Electric Rates
By Nancy Pender
ComEd has announced rate-relief for the Chicago area's poorest customers, hoping to stave off a rate freeze.WEEK - NBC 25 - June 06, 2007
Budget Bickering
As Illinois residents sit at home watching their electric bills rise with the summer thermometer, state lawmakers are hot in Springfield.
Watch video.
Collinsville Herald - June 06, 2007
Lawmakers' session 'very frustrating'
But the electric rate issue got bogged down in disagreement between House Speaker Michael Madigan, who favored a rate freeze, and Senate President Emil Jones, who preferred for the utilities and electricity generators to provide a package of compensation to ratepayers. As for the budget, Blagojevich's calls for a gross receipts tax on businesses to pay for his plan to offer health insurance coverage to all Illinoisans fell on deaf ears, and no consensus could be reached last week on an alternative funding mechanism.
WGN Radio 720 - June 06, 2007
Natural Gas Rates On the Rise (Audio)
Bad news for Illinois consumers already dealing with higher gasoline prices and electric rates. The cost of natural gas has soared. Jim Chilson, spokesman for the Citizen's Utility Board, says June bills are reflecting a 76 percent increase in charges for natural gas.
Macomb Journal - June 06, 2007
Governor plans budget meetings
By Dana Heupel
Gov. Rod Blagojevich and all four legislative leaders are poised to begin a series of meetings today that are expected to continue until they agree on a new state budget.
Chicago Sun-Times - June 06, 2007
Legislature's small-minded failure
By Cindy Richards
They don't like the proposal from Gov. Blagojevich to institute a new tax on businesses to provide a sorely needed new revenue source, so the Legislature is toying with the idea of a "no growth" budget. Such a budget would ignore the reality that costs rise every year because of inflation and because more people qualify for programs. Refusing to account for those higher bills in the state budget is just as irresponsible as you and I refusing to budget more to pay our electric bill even though we know it will double this year.
Beacon News Online - June 06, 2007
GOP grabs role in state budget talks
By Christopher Wills
Gov. Rod Blagojevich's office and Senate President Emil Jones said the House should work five days a week this month, instead of the typical three days. For his part, House Speaker Michael Madigan linked the budget to a freeze on electric rates that Jones opposes.
Chicago Tribune - June 06, 2007
Taylorville energy center gets OK to begin construction
A planned $2 billion, 630-megawatt plant that would turn high-sulfur Illinois coal into a synthetic gas for use in producing electricity has received its air permit, officials announced Tuesday.
Chicago Sun-Times - June 06, 2007
Out of touch with Illinois?
Presidential candidate Obama has little to say on local issues
By Carol Marin
''I haven't been following the negotiations closely enough to know what's taking place,'' Obama said.
How has his political mentor, Senate President Emil Jones, the recipient of major ComEd campaign cash, handled the utility rate freeze issue?
''I apologize, guys, but I really have not followed closely what's been happening in Springfield, I had a little bit of other stuff to do,'' the senator said with a smile.
Daily Illini - June 06, 2007
With Democrats in disarray, GOP joins Illinois budget talks
For his part, House Speaker Michael Madigan linked the budget to a freeze on electric rates that Jones has opposed.
Chicago Tribune - June 06, 2007
Madigan says GOP help isn't needed
Officials 'far apart' in bipartisan talks
By Jeffrey Meitrodt And Monique Garcia
Emerging from the state's first bipartisan budget talks in two years, House Speaker Michael Madigan on Tuesday recommended that Senate Democrats put up the votes to pass the budget approved by his Democrats in the House.
But Madigan, who suggested the budget could be done without Republican votes, cautioned that the Senate could not act until lawmakers win electric-rate relief.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch - June 06, 2007
Madigan says budget deal hinges on electricity rate relief
By Kevin Mcdermott
Illinois' state budget impasse won't be broken until the Legislature approves some kind of electricity rate relief for customers who were hit with massive rate increases this year, House Speaker Michael Madigan said Tuesday.
Journal Gazette - June 06, 2007
Our View: It's past time for lawmakers to get to work
By Editorial Board
We remain resigned to continually shaking our heads at the discombobulated process of this current legislative session. To date, nothing has been done to help consumers with sky-high electric rates. The governor has shown little in the way of leadership on the issue.
Daily Herald - June 06, 2007
GOP unable to crack gridlock
Lawmakers not budging on gambling, health care, education, utilities
By John Patterson
Unable to strike a deal regarding billions of taxpayer dollars in the months leading up to a June 1 deadline, lawmakers returned to the Capitol Tuesday only to report little progress on the big-ticket items of gambling, health care, education and electric rates that divided them for weeks.
Peoria Journal Star - June 06, 2007
Republicans enter state budget talks
GOP offers little promise in progress as debate continues into overtime
By Doug Finke
Republican legislative leaders joined state budget talks for the first time Tuesday, but the results were the same as when the Democrats kept the party to themselves.
Chicago Tribune - June 06, 2007
Cable competition sought
State bill would aid AT&T's rivalry bid
By Jon Van And Jeffrey Meitrodt
The state legislature is making a push to increase competition in the cable television market that will bring a side effect all TV watchers could appreciate: a promised cap in the number of hours spent waiting for the cable guy.
Chicago Tribune - June 06, 2007
Dirty business of coal could get makeover
State has high hopes for cleaner technology
By Michael Hawthorne
State regulators on Tuesday signed off on plans to build one of the nation's first plants that would turn dirty coal into cleaner fuel, generating electricity while dramatically reducing smog and mercury pollution.
Illinois Government News Network - June 05, 2007
Gov. Blagojevich announces landmark air permit for clean-coal gasification power plant in Taylorville
Taking a bold step toward putting Illinois on a path toward a cleaner, more energy independent future, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that the Illinois EPA has issued an Air Construction Permit to Christian County Generation, LLC. The permit, the first issued in the U.S. for a commercially-sized Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) power generating plant, authorizes Christian County Generation to build the $2 billion gasification plant known as the Taylorville Energy Center (TEC).
TEC is a proposed 630-megawatt facility that would be the nation’s first commercially-sized clean-coal IGCC power plant and among the world’s most environmentally friendly coal plants. The plant will use coal gasification technology to dramatically reduce air emissions, allowing high-sulfur Illinois coal to become a more environmentally sound fuel source. The plant would create 1,500 construction jobs, 120 permanent jobs at the plant and 160 new mining jobs to supply the 1.8 million tons of Illinois coal needed annually to power more than 600,000 households.
News-Gazette - June 05, 2007
Weekly budget talks possible
By Kate Clements
The General Assembly is now four days into overtime, with no agreement on how much new spending is appropriate, where it should go and how it should be raised. There is also no deal on a way to help Ameren and Commonwealth Edison customers struggling with sharply increased electricity rates, an issue many lawmakers say must be resolved first.
Herald & Review - June 05, 2007
Pay raise was bad move at wrong time
The Illinois General Assembly pulled another fast one on voters last week, cementing its reputation as one of the worst legislative bodies in recent memory.
Capitol Fax - June 04, 2007
This just in… Governor asks for meetings
Deputy Governor Sheila Nix stood with other top gubernatorial staff today to announce next steps the Blagojevich Administration will take to work with the General Assembly and leaders in order to reach a budget by the end of the state’s fiscal year, June 30th. The Governor wants to avoid relying on last minute budget negotiations, such as those that took place in the end of May that resulted in no budget bills reaching his desk by the end of session.
Olney Daily Mail - June 04, 2007
Jones, Reis discuss budget, electric rates
By Mary Mcglasson
State legislators headed into overtime early Friday when the Illinois House and Senate could not come to an agreement on a new state budget or an electric-rate relief package.
Chicago Sun-Times - June 04, 2007
Quinn slams ComEd's parent
EXELON | Cites 'massive profits' in pushing freeze
By Chris Fusco
With Illinois lawmakers still on the fence about rolling back electricity rates to 2006 levels and freezing them, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn on Sunday pointed to "massive profits" by the parent company of ComEd as reason to act.
Joliet Herald News - June 03, 2007
Will AT&T win battle?
By Bob Okon
The unfinished business in Springfield includes legislation expected to have a big impact on the kind of TV service people get. Senate Bill 678 is the latest version of legislation hotly contested by Comcast and AT&T. AT&T sought the new legislation, saying it needed a new set of rules to compete with Comcast and other cable providers with its own version of video service.
New York Times - June 03, 2007
Current Thinking
By Heather Rogers
When Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently announced his vision of development in New York City over the next 25 years, he highlighted a plan to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 30 percent. To anyone who has studied the history of power consumption in the United States, his proposal sounded a curious echo. New York, after all, was home to one of the country’s first central power stations, built by Thomas Edison in 1882. No individual deserves more credit, or blame, for America’s voracious electricity consumption than Edison, who conceived not only that generating station but also the notoriously inefficient incandescent bulb and a slew of volt-thirsty devices.
In 1931, not long before he died, the inventor told his friends Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone: “I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run ou