October marks the start of winter-heating season in Illinois. While this year’s gas and electric prices seem to be more stable than in years past, winter is an expensive time and CUB always recommends energy efficiency to protect your bottom line.
Below are some free events taking place this month to get you ready for winter.
6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 3: Home Energy Savings
In times when gas and electricity are costly, consumers need to be well-informed on ways to lower their utility costs. In this virtual presentation, CUB will show you how to decode your bills, spot errors, and take advantage of programs designed to save energy and money. Register for the Zoom meeting here. This event is in partnership with Chicago Ald. O’Shea.
6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 5: Income-eligible Incentives for Energy Efficiency
Join CUB and the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County at the Marengo-Union Library (19714 E. Grant Hwy, Marengo, IL 60152) to learn about the incentives and benefits available for clean energy and energy efficiency, through Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and the federal Inflation Reduction Act.
6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 5: Preparing for Solar: First Steps, Benefits, and Incentives
Take part in this virtual presentation to learn how to prepare yourself and your home for the benefits of Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and the federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Topics discussed will include how these policies will benefit you and the current solar programs available in Illinois. Register here.
1:30 – 2:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 9: Reducing Robocalls with CUB
Join CUB and the Elmhurst Public Library (125 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126) for an in-person presentation on robocall scams, call-blocking services and federal legislation passed to help reduce robocalls.
6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 12: The CUB Renter’s Guide
During this presentation, a CUB representative will cover how renters can navigate utilities. The presentation will include tips on energy efficiency for apartment dwellers, avoiding scams and how renters can enjoy the benefits of solar power even if they can’t install panels. CUB’s talk is scheduled for the Skokie Public Library (5215 Oakton St., Skokie, IL 60077).
Note: If you can’t make this event, be sure to check out our free Renter’s Guide.
2:00 – 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 18: Utility Bill Clinic with State Sen. Jason Plummer
Join CUB and state Sen. Plummer for a free in-person event to advise residents on reducing electric, gas, landline and cellphone bills. Each participant will speak one-on-one with a CUB counselor to review their bills. This event will take place at the Flora Fire Department (300 W. 2nd St., Flora, IL 62839).
6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 18: A Renter’s Guide to Utilities/Guía de Servicios Públicos para Inquilinos
Join CUB and Warren-Newport Library for a virtual presentation in which a CUB representative will cover how renters can navigate utilities. The presentation will include energy efficiency tips for apartment dwellers, avoiding scams and how renters can enjoy the benefits of solar power even if they can’t install panels. Register here.
Important: A Spanish presentation will also be taking place concurrently. Register for the Spanish presentation here.
2:00 – 4:00 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 19: Utility Bill Clinic with State Sen. Jason Plummer
Join CUB and state Sen. Plummer for another free in-person event to advise residents on reducing electric, gas, landline and cellphone bills. Each participant will speak one-on-one with a CUB counselor to review their bills. This event will take place at the Tri-Township Public Library (209 S. Main St., Troy, IL 62294).
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 21: Home Energy Savings
CUB will show you how to decode your gas and electric bills, spot errors, and take advantage of programs designed to save energy and money. This event will take place at the Hoffman Estates Village Hall (1900 Hassell Rd., Hoffman Estates, IL 60169).
6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 26: Income-eligible Incentives for Energy Efficiency
Join CUB and the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County at the Harvard Diggins Library (Lions Park, 900 E. McKinley St., Harvard, IL 60033) to learn about the incentives and benefits available for clean energy and energy efficiency, through Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and the federal Inflation Reduction Act.
6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 26: Your Energy Smart Home: Decarbonization 101
Join CUB and Round Lake Area Public Library to learn how to save money, make your home more comfortable and reduce your carbon footprint. During this virtual event you will learn how to take advantage of solar energy, get details on the benefits of “electrification” (moving away from gas heat) and get updates on Illinois’ transition to clean energy. Register here.
2:30 – 3:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 28: Navigating Utility Bills with CUB and Cook County
Stop by the Evanston Public Library (1703 Orrington Ave., Evanston, IL 60201) for a presentation on energy efficiency, weatherization, understanding your utility bills and ComEd pricing programs. This will be a joint presentation with Cook County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability. Following the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions.
