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…...
State, Local Electeds Release Letter Opposing Peoples Gas Rate Hike, As Chicagoans Struggle With Rising Utility Bills
Thirty-eight alderpersons and state legislators representing Chicago sent a letter to state regulators Tuesday opposing the Peoples Gas rate hike. (Read a PDF of this news release.) The letter calls on the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to “oppose Peoples Gas’ proposed rate hike, reject its request for an excessive profit…...
The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act: Details on consumer benefits
The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability (“CRGA”) Act was signed into law as Public Act 104-0458 on Jan. 8, 2026, and took effect on June 1. CRGA is a comprehensive law aimed at enhancing energy reliability, affordability, and sustainability by facilitating the development of new battery storage projects, expanding energy…...
CUB review of state data: ComEd, Ameren residential customers have lost more than $2.3 billion to alternative power suppliers since 2015
Commonwealth Edison and Ameren Illinois residential customers have lost a combined total of more than $206 million over the last year and more than $2.3 billion since 2015 to alternative electricity suppliers, according to the ICC’s Office of Retail Market Development’s annual report. (Read the pdf of CUB’s news release…...
CUB’s fight to protect consumers from corporate fraud and preserve federal regulatory independence
CUB advocates for consumers in many different ways and venues, from holding utility bill clinics throughout Illinois, to making legal arguments in the highest court of the land. Earlier this June, the Supreme Court ruled on Federal Communications Commission (FCC) v. AT&T, a landmark decision that affirmed federal agencies’ authority…...
In two cases before state regulators, CUB challenges Ameren rate hike, plus $300 million+ in questionable spending in utility’s grid plan
CUB alerted Ameren Illinois electricity customers to two cases before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) in which the watchdog is challenging a proposed rate hike from the utility as well as more than $300 million in questionable spending in the company’s proposed plan for upgrading the grid. (Read a pdf version…...
CUB’s report on gas market volatility: August 2026
Gas prices for four of Illinois’ 9 major utilities were up from a year ago, led by Liberty Utilities, which is charging a whopping 95 cents per therm supply rate, according to a CUB review of August gas prices. Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month…...
CUB’s money-saving events in August
CUB’s Outreach team travels across the state to staff free events giving consumers energy efficiency tips for their home, educating them on how clean energy can cut their utility bills and helping people protect themselves from scams and rip-offs. Summer is in full swing, and CUB can help you learn…...
