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Demand response: a win for you, the environment, and the grid

Demand response programs are opportunities for consumers to take an active role in lowering their electric bills, reducing stress on the electric grid, and cutting pollution. Sounds like a good deal. But what are “demand response” programs? At their core, all demand response programs incentivize consumers to shift their electricity…...

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Getting ready for Spring? Tips on keeping your utility bills low

As you do some spring cleaning, remember that a few easy swaps can help you maximize your energy efficiency. These tips are easy and effective at preventing higher-than-average utility bills, while also being good for the planet.  Here are some of CUB’s top tips for keeping your power bill to…...

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Consumer-friendly features to know on ComEd’s website

If you’re a ComEd customer, registering for online access with your utility has its benefits—you can easily make payments, update your contact information, access account information, view your current and previous bills and review your usage history.  To sign up for ComEd online access, visit this webpage. You’ll most likely…...

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New FCC program helps income-qualified consumers access internet

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a new benefit program through the Federal Communications Commission that helps ensure households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to…...

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Preparing your home for winter storms

Preparing your family and your home for rough winter weather can often help you avoid disaster. CUB compiled helpful tips. 1. Weatherize your home. Complete weatherization tasks, like the ones included in the list below, and protect your home and your wallet. Clean or repair heating and cooling systems. Install…...

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Major CUB victories over the years

Centel refund/rate cut, 1986: $2,000,000 Blocked Nicor Gas rate hike, secured refund, 1987: $40,000,000 Peoples/North Shore Gas rate cut/refund, 1987: $27,000,000 ComEd rate deal rejected, 1987: $1,320,000,000 Overturned ComEd rate hike, 1987: $245,000,000 Illinois Power rate deal blocked, 1988: $3,000,000,000 ComEd rate deal overturned, 1989: $750,000,000 ComEd rate case settlement, 1993: $1,679,000,000 Ameritech rate cut, 1994: $465,000,000 10-year rate…...

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Illinois home to lowest electric bills in the Midwest, nine years running

For the ninth consecutive year, Illinois had the lowest average electricity bills in the Midwest, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).  Illinois, which at one point had the highest bills in the Midwest, has now had the lowest since 2012. But there’s so much more to do, which…...

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Phone companies to phase out 3G in 2022 – what you need to know

Cellphone companies are shutting down their 3G networks over the next several months. As a result, many older cellphones will not be able to make or receive calls or texts, including dialing 911. If you have a 3G phone, you may need to replace your device.  The phase-out will start…...

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AT&T raises prices for Consumer’s Choice landline plans

AT&T has once again raised prices for its Consumer’s Choice landline calling plans. See the new prices below: Plan Monthly Fee Plan Details Call Plan 30 Downtown Chicago: $16.25 Rest of Chicago and adjacent suburbs: $19.25 Rest of Illinois: $20.75 30 local (bands A and B) calls (to places within…...

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