For the last few years, CUB has helped organize a “solar group buy program” in the Chicago region–now called “Solar Switch”–and these programs have helped save participants an average of about $820 a year on their utility bills, according to CUB’s partner in the program, Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA).…...
CUB’s money-saving events in November
It’s hard to believe it’s November already! As the year winds down, it’s time to make your final winter efficiency improvements and start planning your home energy upgrades for 2024. Below are free events CUB and partner organizations are holding this month. 12:30 – 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 1: UBC…...
November gas prices way down from last year (with hints of market volatility)
November gas prices continue the trend of being significantly lower than last winter–by a range of 25 to 66 percent. But once again there are some examples of the roller-coaster volatility of the gas market. Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with the Illinois Commerce…...
Ampion: CUB’s evaluation of a new community solar offer
This is an evaluation of Ampion’s community solar offering. (If you are not already familiar with community solar, we recommend reading our Introduction to Community Solar first.) How will signing up for the Ampion community solar offer affect my electric bill? Ampion will look at your energy usage history to…...
As ComEd and Ameren charge new winter rates, CUB issues statewide warning on alternative supplier rip-offs
As of October, ComEd and Ameren Illinois are charging new electricity supply rates, and customers should know what they are to avoid bad deals peddled by alternative electricity suppliers, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) said Thursday in a statewide consumer warning. The non-summer prices, through May 2024, are listed on…...
CUB calls on ICC to reject record rate hike for Peoples Gas after agency official recommends big increase for utility
An administrative law judge for the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has issued a “proposed order” recommending that the ICC approve a record-high $350 million rate hike for Peoples Gas, awarding the company the vast bulk — 87 percent —of the $402 million increase it has sought from regulators. The recommended…...
CUB alerts Ameren, ComEd customers to new power prices
As of October 1, ComEd and Ameren Illinois are charging new supply rates, and customers should know what they are to avoid bad deals from alternative electricity suppliers. The non-summer prices, through May 2024, are listed on the Illinois Commerce Commission’s electric choice website, PlugInIllinois.org: Ameren Illinois 8.107 cents per…...
October gas prices way down from last year–hoping for no prices spikes in the near future
As Illinois enters the first month of the winter heating season, October gas prices continue the trend of being significantly lower than the last two years, with some glaring examples of the volatility that makes consumers so uneasy. Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with…...
