In a boost to the fight for clean, affordable energy, the Chicago City Council unanimously passed a resolution today supporting the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA). CEJA puts Illinois “on the right path” to a clean energy future, said Ald. George Cardenas, as he introduced the resolution. Cardenas is chairman…...
Your questions, answered: Chicago’s new Utility Bill Relief Program
Last week, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the details of her new Utility Bill Relief Program. Taking aim at the burden of overdue water bills on low-income residents, the new policy would provide qualified Chicago residents with a 50 percent discounted rate for water, sewer, and water-sewer tax bills —…...
Consumer advocates, Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison host free clinics on cutting utility costs and energy efficiency programs
CUB is hosting two free utility bill clinics to help Hoffman Estates and Streamwood residents potentially save hundreds of dollars a year on their utility bills. Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their gas, electric and phone bills for free, one-on-one consultations with CUB’s experts. CUB’s utility bill clinics,…...
Solarize Chicagoland surpasses summer goals, will install 135 solar arrays
The Solarize Chicagoland program surpassed its goals this summer, achieving commitments to install nearly 1,000 kilowatts (kW) of solar on 135 properties in the Chicago area. The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) launched this solar group-buy program in April, and the program’s participation deadline was…...
CUB’s 2019 Year in Review: ‘These victories are your victories.’
In CUB’s 35th year fighting for consumers, we set a new record for staffing money-saving events, marked a historic legislative victory, and worked on cases that have the potential to secure $90 million in refunds, rate cuts and other consumer benefits. CUB Executive Director David Kolata said this work is…...
Natural gas bills predicted to drop–unless you live in the Midwest
Midwesterners who use natural gas to heat their homes could see their bills go up slightly this winter season, even as the nationwide average drops, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). The EIA, the statistical arm of the Department of Energy, predicts that average gas bills in the Midwest…...
IL power bills lowest in the Midwest (again)–but that advantage is threatened
For the seventh consecutive year, Illinois had the lowest average electricity bills in the Midwest, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). But nobody thinks power bills are low—there’s more work to do. That’s why CUB and other consumer/environmental advocates are pushing Illinois to pass the Clean Energy Jobs…...