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April gas prices set to drop–with a few exceptions

Gas supply rates are continuing to drop for most major utilities in Illinois, and they are far below the price spikes of 2022, according to a CUB review of preliminary pricing information the companies have filed with the state. Preliminary gas prices show a decrease of up to 38 percent…...

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Tips on getting your home ready for hot weather

Summer is just around the corner and it’s time to start planning to get your home ready for warmer weather. Remember: Energy efficiency is just as important during the summer as it is during the winter. Not only does it help prevent power outages by easing stress on the grid,…...

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CUB’s money-saving events in April

Happy April everyone, we’ve officially reached spring! The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer. Below you will find several events that can help you improve energy efficiency at home and protect your bottom line this month. We hope to see you there. 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.,…...

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Getting ready for Spring? Tips on keeping your utility bills low

As you do some spring cleaning, remember that a few easy swaps can help you maximize your energy efficiency. These tips are easy and effective at preventing higher-than-average utility bills, while also being good for the planet.  Here are some of CUB’s top tips for keeping your power bill to…...

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Q&A: ComEd prices are up, but landmark clean energy law has delivered monthly credits on power bills

What happened?  ComEd’s electricity price has been elevated since June 1, 2022, but the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), historic clean energy legislation that Illinois adopted in 2021, has delivered more than $1 billion in credits on electricity bills. CUB is pleased Gov. J.B. Pritzker and a bipartisan group…...

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Governor pushes for better accountability of gas utilities (we agree!)

Governor J.B. Pritzker recently wrote an op-ed in the Chicago Sun-Times calling on gas utilities to be made more accountable to consumers and state regulators. The op-ed comes in the wake of news that gas utilities are pushing for a record $900 million in rate hikes.  CUB and other consumer…...

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Bring Back Consumer Choice Plans: Support HB 3689

As part of CUB’s 2023 legislative agenda, the watchdog is working on House Bill 3689 to require AT&T once again to offer the Consumer’s Choice plans as an affordable landline option to consumers.  The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Michelle Mussman, needs your support. Sign CUB’s HB 3689 petition to…...

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A step-by-step guide to applying for LIHEAP

By: Kate Shonk Sustainable Communities Liason Applications are open for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and demand is exceptionally high this season so it’s best if income-eligible households can apply as soon as possible before funds are exhausted.  In previous years, funding has remained available until the end…...

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What’s the deal with air source heat pumps? CUB investigates

By David Weaver Carbon Free Buildings Coordinator Do you have questions about Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)? What are they? How do they work? Are they capable of heating my home in the winter? Will they save me money? Should I make the switch?  These are all important questions that…...

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CUB’s money-saving events in March

Spring is just around the corner (March 20), and we have milder weather and lower gas prices to look forward to.  Below you will find several events to help protect your bottom line by practicing energy efficiency, cutting TV costs, avoiding rip-offs and other ways to save that CUB has…...

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