As part of CUB’s 2023 legislative agenda, the watchdog is working on House Bill 3689 to require AT&T once again to offer the Consumer’s Choice plans as an affordable landline option to consumers. The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Michelle Mussman, needs your support. Sign CUB’s HB 3689 petition to…...
A step-by-step guide to applying for LIHEAP
By: Kate Shonk Sustainable Communities Liason Applications are open for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and demand is exceptionally high this season so it’s best if income-eligible households can apply as soon as possible before funds are exhausted. In previous years, funding has remained available until the end…...
Fighting for Illinois Consumers: CUB’s 2023 Legislative Agenda
Each year CUB works on a broad range of issues related to our core mission of saving consumers money on their utility bills. CUB’s priorities for the 2023 Illinois General Assembly session include the following: HB 2541- Representative Theresa Mah: This bill would cap the profit rate of electric, gas…...
Meet Eric DeBellis, CUB’s General Counsel leading the charge against rate hikes in 2023
It’s been quite a few months for CUB’s Eric DeBellis. Not only did he become a new dad, but he’s also challenging an unprecedented $2.9 billion in utility rate-hike requests as CUB’s new general counsel. “The work we do at CUB matters because millions of Illinoisans pay utility companies billions of…...
A guide to energy efficiency programs for income-qualified households
By Kate Shonk Sustainable Communities Liason Facing high energy prices and the rising cost of living, many consumers want to cut down on their monthly utility bills. In Illinois, consumers have access to energy efficiency programs offered by utility companies–including ones for income-qualified households. The programs designed for lower-income customers…...
IGS: CUB’s evaluation of a new community solar offer
This is an evaluation of IGS Energy’s community solar offering. (If you are not already familiar with community solar, we recommend reading our Introduction to Community Solar factsheet first.) How will signing up for the IGS Energy community solar offer affect my electric bill? IGS Energy will look at your…...