State regulatory judges have recommended that the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approve a lower rate hike for Aqua Illinois: $10.9 million. However, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) said Wednesday that the increase would still be too high for the company, which was sharply criticized by customers for high rates and poor water…...
CUB Q&A: The Low-Income Discount Rate (LIDR) program
In November of 2023, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) ordered the major Illinois gas utilities to launch the state’s first-ever income-based program that provides gas-bill discounts for eligible customers. The Low-Income Discount Rate (LIDR) program, which went into effect on Oct. 1, 2024, was advocated for by Legal Action Chicago,…...
CUB’s monthly report on gas market volatility: October
Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Here’s what CUB uncovered in our review of prices in October, the first month of the winter heating season. Compared with last month, five of 9 major utilities are charging prices that are…...
CUB alerts Illinois consumers to new fall/winter power prices
As of October 1, Commonwealth Edison and Ameren Illinois are charging a new “price to compare,” the price customers should compare to alternative supplier offers, according to PlugInIllinois.gov, the state of Illinois’ electric competition website. ComEd Supply Rate: October 2024 – May 2025 6.47 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) Note: This…...
CUB’s money-saving events in October
With the onset of the winter heating season, CUB’s Outreach team will travel Illinois and staff free events to give consumers energy efficiency tips for their home, educate them on how clean energy can cut their utility bills and help people protect themselves from scams and rip-offs. We hope to…...
CUB’s Winter Toolkit: Updates and info that matter to your heating bills
CUB put together this Winter Toolkit to help you prepare for when the cold wind blows. We hope you find this information helpful. Winter Predictions: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s outlook for November through January shows a mix of above- and below-normal temperatures, and a chance for higher than…...
CUB identifies millions in overcharges, wasteful spending in utility grid plans
As Commonwealth Edison and Ameren Illinois push to raise rates to upgrade the power grid, CUB has filed expert testimony and briefs, identifying overcharges and wasteful spending in the companies’ proposed plans. In a positive development last December, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) rejected the grid plans and slashed the…...
A step-by-step guide to applying for LIHEAP
Far too many people are struggling to afford their utility bills, so it’s important to know the process for applying for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). According to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the LIHEAP application period is October 1, 2024, to August 15,…...
CUB’s monthly report on gas market volatility: September
Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Here’s what CUB uncovered in our review of September prices: Compared with last month, seven of 9 major utilities are charging prices that are lower, ranging from 1 percent (MidAmerican Energy) to 38…...
