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ICC report shows record losses with alternative electric suppliers

CUB warns consumers that enrolling with an alternative supplier could lead to paying higher electric and gas bills. In fact, losses at the hands of electric suppliers reached a record high of $227.6 million over the past year, according to the 2018 annual report of the Illinois Commerce Commission’s Office…...

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Don’t let fossil-fuel generators gouge us (UPDATE)

On Friday, June 29, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) rejected two bad plans to revamp electricity pricing rules and raise electric bills in the power grid that stretches across 13 states, including northern Illinois. However, in a 3-2 vote, regulators also launched a 90-day process that could result in…...

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Finding the right A/C unit for your home

A correctly-sized room air conditioning unit can make a big difference in its performance. A bigger unit does not guarantee better cooling. You need to make sure the air conditioner size is proportionate to the room. It’s easy to think a larger unit produces more cool air, but not exactly.…...

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ComEd’s Hourly Pricing has saved customers $19 million

ComEd’s Hourly Pricing program has saved participants more than $19 million. So how does Hourly Pricing work? Instead of being charged a fixed rate that only changes at the start of winter and summer, Hourly Pricing charges customers by the hour and according to the market rate. On average, the…...

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Watch out ComEd customers: your next rate hike

CUB’s legal and policy teams are working to defeat two electricity-pricing proposals now before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) that could cause ComEd bills to increase by tens of millions—if not hundreds of millions—of dollars. “This is a hidden hike, because it’s likely very few ComEd customers have heard…...

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Are rising gas prices pushing Chicagoans to EVs?

Whether you’re environmentally conscience or searching for better economic choices, Electric Vehicles (EVs) present benefits across the board, especially in cities with rising gas prices, like Chicago. A spokesman for AAA said earlier this month that Chicago’s average gas price was $3.46 a gallon, a 35 percent increase from last…...

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Ameren customers: Tell the ICC to oppose new rate hikes

CUB is asking Ameren customers to tell the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to oppose excessive Ameren rate hikes.  This year, Ameren announced significant drops in its rates due to a decrease in the corporate tax rate on the delivery side of the bill and a drop in market electricity prices. Good…...

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Beware of A/C scams in a heat wave

The hot summer months can pose a threat to your health if you’re not careful. It can also be a threat to your wallet. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says home and business owners should be extra careful when heat warnings take place. Rising temperatures are a perfect time for…...

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CUB, suburban leaders urge Gov. Rauner to veto HB 4508

Suburban Chicago leaders and the state’s top consumer watchdog group on Monday urged Gov. Bruce Rauner to veto a bill that will give special treatment to Illinois’ most powerful private water companies, making it easier for them to buy municipal water systems and slap their customers with higher rates. At…...

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Tell CUB about your worst bill

We all have that one bill. The one that we dread opening when we see that familiar envelope in the mail, or the sender in our inbox. The bill that feels like throwing a whole lot of money down the drain. What’s your worst bill? Tell us and get a chance…...

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