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CUB saves local group $1,600 after being charged for cancelled phone service

Ted Pearson cancelled his organization’s AT&T phone service in May. But recently he received a bill for more than $1,600. After being told by AT&T that the charges were still his responsibility, he decided to reach out to CUB. Ted, co-chair of the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression…...

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These energy myths are costing you money

Are you paying more than you should for your utilities? In honor of National Energy Awareness month, take CUB’s energy myths quiz, and you could win $100 toward your bills! CUB fights every day to keep the big electric and gas companies from ripping you off but all consumers can…...

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Environmental groups, state leaders rally against bailout of coal plants

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced plans to replace the Clean Power Plan with the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) plan. CUB argues the new plan is a bailout for failing coal-fired power plants and threatens to raise our electric bills. Today, Chicago hosted the only hearings in which the…...

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Alternative supplier salesman gives customer simple script to close sale: ‘Say yes’

When Delores met James, a salesman from Illinois Gas & Electric, she says she was a bit confused by his offer, but he insisted it was a good deal. She wanted to take notes, but James never gave her pen back after borrowing it to write on her bill. And what…...

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Breaking: New electricity prices

Did you know your utility’s electricity rate is changing on October 1? Read “5 Facts about ComEd’s New Rate” and we’ll send you CUB’s fact sheet on avoiding rip-offs from alternative electric suppliers. Ameren customers, read “5 Facts about Ameren’s New Rate” and we’ll also send you CUB’s fact sheet on avoiding rip-offs from alternative…...

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Cheaper alternatives to buying new windows

Air loss from poor window insulation can account for up to 30 percent of your energy bills, but buying new windows ($8,000-$15,000+) may not be in your budget. Here are some simpler, less expensive ways to upgrade your windows: Seal any cracks and openings. This is a pretty simple job…...

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So what does that Energy Star sticker mean?

The Energy Star program, managed by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), identifies appliances that reach certain energy efficiency standards. That means they are designed to perform just as well as standard appliances, while also saving you money. How do I identify an appliance that…...

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CUB General Counsel Report by Julie Soderna

CUB Executive Director David Kolata has asked me to prepare a General Counsel’s Report to outline for our most generous supporters the work we’ve been doing in 2018: Senior Attorney Kelly Turner and I are pleased that so far this year we’ve helped cut Nicor’s proposed rate hike by $115 million and…...

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He told the alternative supplier: I know the mayor doesn’t endorse your offer—because I am the mayor!

Crest Hill Mayor Raymond Soliman doesn’t need to be warned about misleading door-to-door pitches by alternative electric suppliers. A salesman once lied to him in his own front yard—and it was a doozy. At a recent utility bill clinic in Crest Hill, he shared the story with Lead Service Liaison…...

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CUB comes face-to-face with a sketchy alternative supplier

CUB warns consumers that alternative supplier plans can cost you a lot more than what you’d pay with your regulated utility. At a recent event, CUB’s Outreach Assistant Anairis Boror had an interesting encounter with people who seemed to be representing an alternative supplier. Anairis was working CUB’s table at…...

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