By: Kate Shonk Sustainable Communities Liason Applications are open for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). In recent years, community action agencies say they’ve seen a spike in demand for assistance, so it’s recommended income-eligible households apply as soon as possible before funds are exhausted. The program application period…...
CUB reports on April Gas prices
April gas prices are generally down, with some reminders of the expensive volatility of the market, including a 59 percent increase in one utility’s price from last year, according to CUB’s review of Illinois’ gas market. Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with the Illinois…...
Making a difference: Future looks sunny for this CUB member
Illinois’ Community Solar program has been a bright spot for one CUB supporter from LaGrange who enjoys supporting clean energy and saving money. In June 2023, Donna signed up for a Community Solar offer that was 20 percent cheaper than ComEd’s price. “Signing up for community solar was so simple…...
Spring into savings with CUB’s energy efficiency tips
It’s time to get your home ready for warmer weather. Remember: Energy efficiency is just as important during the spring and summer as it is during the winter so make sure to include these home maintenance tasks on your spring cleaning checklist: Air conditioning maintenance. Clean or replace your air…...
March gas prices reflect an unstable market’s roller coaster ride for consumers
Reflecting the roller coaster nature of the gas market, the March supply rates charged by Illinois’ major gas utilities are marked by a few shocking price swings, including a 92 percent increase for one company compared to a year ago, a CUB review found. Gas utilities file supply prices–called the…...
AT&T’s response to last week’s nationwide outage
Last week, AT&T’s cellular outage lasted several hours and impacted customers nationwide. AT&T has come out since then with an apology and reassurance that the outage was a result of “the application and execution of an incorrect process used as we were expanding our network, not a cyberattack.” They plan…...
Clean Energy Advocates Join Healthcare Professionals to Discuss Health Benefits of Electrification for Southern Illinois Families
Environmental advocates will host an online panel of Illinois healthcare professionals to discuss indoor air pollution and children’s health. This topic is of growing interest, as studies link adverse health impacts to burning gas for heating homes and cooking. This free virtual event, which will include a community discussion, is:…...
CUB analysis: Read alternative supplier offers carefully (and watch for red flags)
Have you received an envelope in the mail that at first glance looks like it could be an urgent message from your utility company? Be careful: It could be another alternative supplier offer. Such a mailing can be common in Illinois and other states with competitive electricity choice. But here’s…...
What you need to know about ComEd’s billing change
Note to ComEd customers (3/3/2024): The utility’s switch to a new billing system was rocky, blocking millions of customers from paying their bills online for more than a week and erroneously notifying people they owed $9,999.99. The new billing system was supposed to be working on Feb. 19. On Feb.…...
