February gas prices showed worrisome signs that winter storms and frigid temperatures across the nation were beginning to have an impact on the price we pay for heating fuel: Supply rates for several utilities jumped by more than 25 percent from a year ago, topped by Nicor Gas, with a…...
The devil is in the details: Analyzing PJM’s policy proposals on data centers
After months of suspense, the PJM Interconnection Board has proposed a series of policy changes on how to manage data center energy demand–a challenge that, if left unchecked, could in a few years spark catastrophic blackouts and price spikes for the 67 million customers who live in the nation’s largest…...
Statement: Consumer watchdog vows to fight Illinois American’s $134 million ‘money-grab’
The following is a statement from Citizens Utility Board (CUB) Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz on Illinois American’s latest rate-hike request. It is outrageous that Illinois American Water wants yet another rate hike. This company—a rate-hike machine—has already burdened customers with three increases totaling $230 million over the last decade, and…...
‘Utility Customer Refund’? Analyzing an alternative supplier deal
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) has recently seen an influx of offers from SmartEnergy, an alternative energy supplier that advertises a $100 “utility customer refund.” At a time when far too many Illinois residents are struggling to afford their utility bills, this could be an attractive offer. But is it…...
CUB’s Gas-Bill Guide: What are you paying to heat your home in 2026?
Millions of Illinois consumers are paying more to heat their homes in 2026. Read our guide below. Gas-Bill Guide: New Developments Rate Hikes: Ameren Illinois and Nicor Gas both received rate hikes in November of 2025, although not as much as they wanted. In 2026, several gas utilities are asking for…...
CUB’s Power-Bill Guide: 2026 rates for Ameren and ComEd customers
There have been several dramatic developments concerning Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) and Ameren Illinois electric bills over the past 12 months. This guide outlines those developments, and summarizes new Ameren and ComEd rates in 2026. Power-Bill Guide: New Developments Rate hikes: In December 2025, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) granted a $243…...
CRGA Act signed into law: Big step forward, but there’s more work to do to lower power bills
The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability (CRGA) Act was signed into law on Thursday–as tens of millions of electric customers in Illinois and across the nation grapple with spiking power prices. Gov. J.B. Pritzker, legislative leaders, government staffers and environmental and consumer advocates gathered at Joliet Junior College for the…...
