As the public backlash against data centers escalates across Illinois, newly disclosed records reveal that fees the controversial facilities paid to Commonwealth Edison over the last five years fell billions of dollars short of the total price tag expected to connect them to the electric grid. Public-interest groups warned Thursday…...
The basics on community solar offers in Illinois
This article provides general information on community solar offers–for details on specific offers, please go to SolarInTheCommunity.com, CUB’s community solar resource. If you are not already familiar with community solar, please read our Introduction to Community Solar first. How does a community solar offer work? When you sign up for…...
Data centers and your electric bills
Power bills are going up across the country, and the surge in data center development is a big reason. These facilities, which house computer systems used for storing, processing, and distributing digital information, use a tremendous amount of electricity–the largest data centers can consume as much energy as a mid-sized…...
FERC rejection of PJM data center plan makes state action last hope to protect consumers
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a ruling on PJM Interconnection’s proposed large load plan, rejecting measures that would have held data centers accountable for their costs. The decision, which flies in the face of the White House Ratepayer Protection Pledge, gives Big Tech the green light to…...
State regulators OK settlement in Nicor Gas rate case
Nicor Gas’ rate-hike request will be reduced by 63 percent, including a $6 decrease in the monthly customer charge, under a settlement negotiated by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). The ICC approved the settlement on Oct. 15. Here are some details on…...
Advocates urge state regulators to lower Proposed Order’s recommended $66 million rate hike for Peoples Gas
A recommendation pending before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) would give Peoples Gas the license to impose a $66.2 million rate hike this winter on the utility’s beleaguered customers, but the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and other advocates Wednesday urged state regulators to carve deeper into the increase. The ICC…...
CUB tips: How to complain to your utility
We hear a lot of stories from exasperated consumers who have contacted their utilities with a complaint or question, only to spend hours on the phone trying to communicate with customer service representatives. CUB recommends these steps to making your call as effective as possible. 1. Be prepared. Before you…...
Statement: PJM governance reform package blocks greater role for states, shuts out consumers, and entrenches corporate influence
The following is a statement from Clara Summers, Director of the Consumers for A Better Grid Campaign, Citizens Utility Board (CUB) of Illinois. (A printable pdf of this statement.) While there were some positive provisions consumer advocates fought for, today’s vote is yet another glaring example of how PJM’s stakeholder…...
