Tucked away in a news release about a major water company’s COVID-19-related donations was a pitch for insurance plans that cover utility-related home repairs. While the company promises “the unexpected—protected,” such offers often end up costing customers more than they’re worth. American Water is the parent company of Illinois American,…...
Consumer advocates fight for extended COVID-19 protections for utility customers
After a historic agreement between consumer advocates and Illinois’ major utilities, state regulators are now considering the most comprehensive COVID-19 utility relief measures in the country. This plan could serve as a national model for helping utility customers struggling to pay their bills during the worst economic crisis since the…...
Fighting racism and injustice: What you can do
It’s CUB’s mission to help people—and that means speaking up during difficult times like this. CUB will never stop fighting for lower bills and stronger consumer protections, and as consumer advocates we also must fight the racism and injustice that harms the Black community. CUB staffers are protesting peacefully, donating…...
Alert: Electricity prices change for Ameren, ComEd customers
The Citizens Utility Board on Monday alerted Illinois consumers to a change in electricity prices for the state’s two largest utilities: Ameren Illinois and Commonwealth Edison. As of June 1, both utilities switched to their summer “price to compare”—the rate customers should compare to alternative supplier offers. According to the…...
Solarize Chicagoland to host 25 webinars on going solar
The Solarize Chicagoland program returns in 2020 with 25 free, public, one-hour informational webinars. Through these events, called Solar Power Hours, Solarize Chicagoland educates home and small business owners about solar and offers an opportunity to secure discounts on solar photovoltaic systems through volume purchasing. The program is led by…...
New Poll Shows Statewide Support for CEJA
A new poll shows that 8 in 10 Illinois voters support the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA), comprehensive renewable energy legislation that would protect our power bills and create thousands of well-paying jobs as Illinois faces the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. “The poll results are overwhelmingly positive—82%…...
Capitol Report: Bill assistance, Internet access gain support, CEJA fight rages on
Although the Coronavirus pandemic has thrown some obstacles in the path of CUB’s spring legislative agenda, the fight for the Clean Energy Jobs Act continues—and we scored a few consumer victories during the General Assembly’s special session. From May 20-23, the General Assembly met for the first time in 11…...
