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Alternative suppliers

Shopping for electricity/gas? Become a detail person

We have a database full of people who signed up for what they thought was a good deal from an alternative electric or gas supplier–before they got slammed with an extremely high rate. If you want to shop in the electric or gas markets in Illinois, or if you’re approached…...

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The 5 questions you should ask every time you open your electric or gas bill

CUB staffs more than 400 events a year, which means on average not a day goes by where CUB isn’t somewhere showing someone how to save money. Our utility-bill clinics are great events, but we want to empower consumers to do their own bill analysis. Read our how-to article, “5…...

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Report from Springfield, by Bryan McDaniel, CUB director of governmental affairs

This is one of my busiest times of the year in Springfield. But I wanted to send you a quick note about one piece of pro-consumer legislation we support in the General Assembly’s spring session. Legislation: House Bill 5101, sponsored by Rep. Marcus C. Evans, Jr., of Chicago PROBLEM: *A state…...

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From the Desk of David Kolata: CUB Executive Director’s New Year Report

This report is a thanks and tribute to CUB’s supporters. You are working for a better Illinois, and I’m grateful to you. I know it’s easy to get discouraged these days, but remember that you are part of an Illinois success story. Together, here’s what we accomplished in 2017: Legal/Policy:…...

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Consumer Alert: Does your gas bill have a charge from Nicor Home Solutions?

When’s the last time you carefully looked at your Nicor Gas bill? Is there a charge from Nicor Home Solutions tucked away among all the other charges? If there is, get the facts:  Fact: Nicor Home Solutions is NOT Nicor Gas, the regulated utility. Nicor Home Solutions is an unregulated affiliate…...

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‘We have a moral imperative to act’

By Bryan McDaniel CUB Director of Governmental Affairs I want to share my experience at a recent CUB utility bill clinic. It underscores why we’re so grateful for your support against rip offs and more than $8 billion in higher rates: When I’m not in Springfield working for pro-consumer legislation,…...

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BREAKING: We have a match!

This week a group of generous CUB supporters is matching donations up to a total of $1,500.  That’s great news, because we need all the help we can get when it comes to battling these giants. A $25 donation is like giving $50 – but for this week only!...

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We’ve seen too many rip-offs like this

Bryan McDaniel, CUB’s director of governmental affairs, gave this report after a recent utility bill clinic in Elgin: Last night I sat down with a nice woman by the name of “Paige.” Paige does not have her own car and someone gave her a ride to the event. She had…...

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Watch your wallet: Electric/gas scammers prey on Illinois consumers

Be on high alert if someone approaches you with a utility “discount” that’s too good to be true: CUB is constantly getting complaints about alternative electric and gas suppliers using predatory sales tactics. Most customers in Illinois can choose a company other than the regulated utility to be their electric…...

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How do I know if I’m with an alternative supplier?

If your electric or natural gas bill skyrockets unexpectedly, you may have inadvertently signed up with an alternative supplier. You should know where to look on your bill to determine if you’re with an alternative supplier. For more information, get CUB’s “Guide to Avoiding Electric Rip-offs” and “Guide to Avoiding…...

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