Happy December, everyone; we’re officially in the final stretch of 2021. This year was highlighted by great victories (the passage of the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act) and great disappointments (millions in rate hikes for utilities). As consumer advocates, we’ll never give up—and that’s why we’ll continue putting on events…...
CUB and DCEO remind residents to apply for $200 million in utility relief available now
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today reminded residents of utility relief available to low-income families throughout the state. Through Governor Pritzker’s Help Illinois Families program, DCEO has launched over $295 million in utility assistance programming available for low-income households across the state and is accepting applications…...
A net neutral future awaits Senate confirmation hearings
Update as of 12/20/2021: The Senate voted 68 to 31 to confirm Jessica Rosenworcel’s re-appointment to the Federal Communications Commission on Dec. 7, making her the first female chair in the FCC history. Longtime net neutrality advocate Gigi Sohn, nominated for the fifth seat at the commission, has generated opposition…...
CUB’s new money-saving kit
Below is a list of resources to help you protect yourself from scams, decode your electric bills and find ways to save. Watch this video about identifying alternative supplier ripoffs on your bills: ComEd and Ameren. Learn about the electric market and your options for electric supply: ComEd andAmeren. Your utility’s demand response…...
Memo from the General Counsel: CUB’s consumer battles
By Julie Soderna, CUB General Counsel Below is a rundown of key consumer battles in our caseload. In summary, we helped reduce utility rate hikes by a total of $85 million, and we helped negotiate $2 million in refunds and energy assistance from three alternative suppliers accused of violating state…...
Ameren takes a step toward smart EV charging—how will it work?
By Sarah Moskowitz, CUB deputy director I don’t often find myself excited about something utilities do, but Ameren Illinois surprised me awhile back when they submitted a tariff offering a special program to electric vehicle (EV) owners who charge their cars at home. The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved the…...
Chicago residents would save thousands by switching from gas to electric heat, CUB study finds
With winter heating bills projected to balloon by as much 35 percent and Peoples Gas customers struggling to afford the utility’s controversial pipe-replacement program, a study released Thursday by the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) finds that Chicago residents could slash their energy costs by up to $47,000 over the next…...
CUB’s Newest Consumer Guide Aims To Help Renters
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) has released a free guide to help renters navigate the utility world. Consumers can order a free, printer-friendly copy of “A Renter’s Utility Guide: Go Green, Cut Costs and Learn Your Rights” by visiting www.CitizensUtilityBoard.org. “It can be difficult for renters to find clear, comprehensive information…...
