During high-priced times, many consumers wonder if they should switch to an alternative supplier. However, when energy prices are up, alternative gas and electricity suppliers are often impacted by the same market conditions, so be careful about getting lured into bad deals. And two recent articles help drive that point…...
CUB explainer: The Inflation Reduction Act
The U.S. Senate is considering legislation that supporters say would represent the nation’s largest investment in energy efficiency in history, and its biggest and best attempt yet to fight climate change. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) aims to reduce inflation by increasing corporate tax revenue by closing loopholes and supporting…...
CUB’s virtual summer event series to help consumers fight high utility bills
In an expensive year for energy customers, CUB has launched a free summer webinar series with helpful information about high energy prices, tips on how renters and other consumers can cut their utility bills, and the benefits of Illinois’ historic Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). “Consumers are getting hit…...
August update: Gas prices still at unprecedented highs, prepare for expensive winter
Illinois is entering its eighteenth month of elevated natural gas prices, with several utilities charging unprecedented highs of more than $1 a therm, according to pricing data filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Last winter was the most expensive in more than a decade, and it looks like the…...
$10.3B renewable energy transmission project long-term response to capacity shortage
The power grid operator for Central and Southern Illinois has approved a $10.3 billion transmission line project that in the long term will bring more clean energy to the region and help prevent problems that have slammed electric customers with skyrocketing power bills this summer. The project, approved by the…...
Ameren offers $500,000 in assistance, and special payment plans have July 31 deadline
In a summer of skyrocketing power prices, Ameren Illinois announced it is using $500,000 in shareholder funds to give relief to electric customers–and until July 31 it is offering certain customers friendlier plans to pay off debt. The Residential Assistance Credit is in response to the highest electricity prices CUB…...
CUB fights for consumers before the nation’s largest power grid operator
UPDATE: The proposal to require one PJM board member to have clean energy expertise was rejected 52-21 after Dayton Power and Light and NRG requested a suspension of the rules to make the vote anonymous. CUB Executive Director David Kolata said “It’s illuminating that fossil fuel generators pushed to make…...
