In a touching final act of support, a longtime CUB member gave one more donation through his will. Peter K. Barker, formerly of Barrington, died June 9, 2020 at the age of 82, of complications from cancer and COVID, according to family. Mr. Barker had been a member of CUB…...
CUB Executive Director David Kolata’s statement on Nicor rate hike
The following is a statement from Citizens Utility Board (CUB) Executive Director David Kolata on Nicor Gas’ $240 million rate hike. It’s unacceptable that Nicor Gas pushed for higher rates—its third record request in four years—while people are struggling under a pandemic and the highest winter heating prices in more…...
A Renter’s Utility Guide Sources
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) used the following resources to research and write A Renter‘s Utility Guide: Go Green, Cut Costs and Learn Your Rights. CUB Facts on Alternative Suppliers. https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/electriccompetitioncomed/ CUB’s Guide to Buying Your Own Modem/Router. https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/buying-internet-routermodem/ CUB’s Guide to Phone Choices. 2021. https://citizensutilityboard.salsalabs.org/cubsguidetophonechoices/index.html 2015 Residential Energy Consumption Survey…...
BREAKING: Illinois House passes nation-leading clean energy legislation
The Illinois House late Thursday passed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (Senate Bill 2408)–historic, comprehensive clean energy legislation. The legislation now heads to the Senate on Monday for a final vote. (Urge your senator to say YES to this legislation.) SB 2408 passed 83-33 in the House. The Illinois…...
Big step forward: Illinois Senate passes energy bill, now it’s on to the House
After more than two years pushing for comprehensive energy legislation that fights climate change and secures clean, affordable energy for Illinois, we’ve taken a key step forward this month. In the wee hours of the morning Wednesday, Sept. 1, the Illinois Senate passed legislation and sent it to the House.…...
Landmark climate report underscores urgency for action in Springfield, Washington
Dangerous weather due to climate change is inescapable in years to come, and the world will only be able to prevent the most catastrophic effects of global warming if it immediately begins to move away from burning fossil fuels, according to an unprecedented scientific analysis that proves the importance of Springfield…...
CUB Q&A: What’s a heat pump, and how is it a key to our clean energy future?
With the ever-changing landscape of utilities and energy in Illinois, one topic that has recently gained traction is the use of heat pump systems. In addition to their potential to save consumers money, heat pumps are frequently cited as a way to promote more equitable changes in energy policy, and decarbonize buildings around the state. But…...
Updates on CUB’s fight to rein in alternative suppliers behaving badly
When CUB helped pass historic consumer protections against alternative supplier rip-offs, the watchdog made it clear that the hard work was just beginning. “We look forward to working with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and Attorney General (Kwame) Raoul to help enforce these new rules and build a better market…...

