As Illinois embarks on historic changes that will impact electric customers, the Decatur Herald & Review reports that CUB is making history of its own, opening the consumer group’s first office in Central Illinois.
Outreach Coordinator Rajiv Ravulapati and Environmental Outreach Coordinator Scott Allen will work out of the new office in Hillsboro so CUB can better serve the entire state. Hillsboro, the county seat of Montgomery County, is about 50 miles south of Springfield and 65 miles northeast of St. Louis. (The Hillsboro area is home to a beautiful veterans memorial, as well as the 2005 girls state basketball championship trophy!)
“CUB prides itself on being a statewide organization, traveling thousands of miles a year to give Illinois consumers money-saving tips,” said Ravulapati, who has represented CUB at hundreds of events over the last two years. “Opening this office gives our tiny group a base to do our job that much better.”
“There’s nothing better than being able to talk with consumers, in their communities, about ways they can cut utility bills,” said Allen, a native of Griggsville. “I love the fact that my job allows me to see the state and meet the people of Illinois.”
People who have complaints about their utility service should still call the experts at CUB’s Consumer Hotline, 1-800-669-5556. However, email Rajiv, at [email protected], to organize:
- A utility-bill clinic, in which CUB experts analyze bills and give consumers money-saving tips;
- A speaking engagement featuring a CUB expert;
- A table at a community fair, in which CUB hands out money-saving light bulbs and helpful publications.
CUB chose Hillsboro because it is at the center of historic changes to Illinois’ power grid. This summer, Ameren is beginning to install new digital electric meters in the area.