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…...
CUB’s money-saving events in January
The Citizens Utility Board’s Outreach team travels across the state to staff free events, giving consumers energy efficiency tips for their home, educating them on how clean energy can cut their utility bills and helping people protect themselves from scams and rip-offs. With the winter heating season in full swing…...
CUB statement on Ameren Illinois’ $48 million electric reconciliation rate hike
The following is a statement from CUB Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz: We’re glad state regulators reduced wasteful and inappropriate spending and shaved about $11 million off of Ameren Illinois’ electric rate-hike request. But the utility still received an increase of about $48 million, and we’re concerned about customers being unable…...
