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Punched by the “polar vortex”? A shopper’s guide to home thermostats

This week’s weather may not have the “polar vortex” edge of early January, but it’s not exactly tropical. Temperatures in the single digits tend to get people thinking about how to save money on electric and gas bills. Finding the right thermostat plays a crucial role in regulating your heat—and…...

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Say hello to LEDs

New federal efficiency standards marked the death of the traditional incandescent light bulb in 2014. You have three new options for bulbs now: incandescents that meet the new standards (usually made with halogen), compact fluorescent lights (CFL), and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). We’ve made a nifty infographic for you to learn more…...

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The polar vortex and your utility bill

In the middle of the “polar vortex” cold snap, one of @cubillinois’ followers Tweeted a great question: Was the frigid weather going to be a profit boon for energy companies?  The answer is yes and no, and requires delving into how your utility bill is broken down.  Your electric and…...

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Tell the ICC: Protect the Ameren rate cut!

It’s not often you get good news about your electric bill, but Ameren customers were happy to hear that the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) ordered a $45 million electric rate cut, which went into effect on Jan. 1. Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for Ameren to file a “petition for…...

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New year, new electric rates

ComEd introduced a $340 million rate hike starting in 2014. With your help, we are challenging the increase with a “petition for rehearing.” But in the meantime, we want you to know about the new rates you’ll be seeing on your bill. The increase is part of a state law to…...

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Kink in Illinois law leaves renewable energy funds untouched

A fund created to support renewable energy is projected to exceed $140 million by September—but state officials don’t have the authority to touch the bulk of it. We are asking Illinoisans to tell legislators to tweak the law so that wind and solar power can become a bigger part of…...

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CUB on Fox Chicago: How to keep your home warm in the bitter cold

CUB’s consumer alert sparked a live interview on Fox Chicago. A cold snap like this shows how important energy efficiency is! Watch CUB’s Fox interview here....

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7 tips for protecting your home from the ‘damn cold’

The experts say Illinois is getting slammed by a “polar vortex,” a rotating pool of frigid air bringing dangerous, record-low temperatures and wind chills of up to 50 degrees below zero. But one Chicago native had a simple way of describing it: It’s “damn cold.” The same energy efficiency tips…...

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Last-minute gift guide, for the energy nerd in all of us!

Around this time of year, I’m usually on the naughty list–the one my wife keeps. That’s because I’m still rushing to get that one last gift for the family member who has everything. For all those last-minute shoppers, we’ve put together a guide to energy-related gifts that save money, and…...

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A Holiday surprise for some CUB fans

As everyone prepares to celebrate the season, three fans of our Facebook page got goodies from CUB in our recent Holiday Giveaway. Jeff from Chicago won $50 off his gas or electric bill. “Wow, I’m surprised to win!” Jeff wrote.   Pam from Bloomington won a string of LED holiday…...

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