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Ameren

Goodbye formula rates: CUB helps cut Ameren’s final “formula” hike by millions

In the final ruling under an anti-consumer “formula” rate-setting system, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) granted Ameren Illinois a $61 million electric delivery rate hike, after CUB and other consumer advocates helped knock about $22 million off the proposed increase. “While we’re glad Ameren didn’t get the $83 million rate…...

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December natural gas prices fall for many utilities–although they’re still painfully high

For the second straight month, natural gas prices have dropped for all or most of Illinois’ utilities. But most gas customers are still paying about double or worse than they did just two years ago for the volatile fossil fuel. “Nobody has a crystal ball, but we’re thankful for this…...

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Natural gas prices ease in November, but they’re still REALLY high

Good news: For the first time in months, we’re seeing a decrease in natural gas prices. Bad news: November’s supply prices–while lower than October–are higher than they were for most utilities in 2021, and they’re about about double to quadruple what they were two years ago, according to filings with…...

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Winter heating season is here, and so are painfully high October gas prices

We’re officially at the start of  the heating season and Illinois faces a painful winter. One report estimates a 17 percent jump in heating costs this winter, and another says 1 in 6 Americans are already struggling to keep up with their utility bills.  “All indications are that gas bills…...

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September gas prices are out, prepare for winter heating season now

We’re officially one month from winter heating season. Based on future prices, we’re looking at a painful winter, especially as 1 in 6 Americans are struggling to keep up with their utility bills.  About 80 percent of Illinois homes heat with natural gas, and the past winter was their most…...

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Alert: CUB urges struggling consumers to call their utilities before key protections expire July 31

Amid high energy prices, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) is urging consumers who are struggling to pay their utility bills to call their utilities immediately to learn about protections available to stay connected to service. Some of those safeguards expire July 31. “It’s been a rough year for utility customers,…...

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August update: Gas prices still at unprecedented highs, prepare for expensive winter

Illinois is entering its eighteenth month of elevated natural gas prices, with several utilities charging unprecedented highs of more than $1 a therm, according to pricing data filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Last winter was the most expensive in more than a decade, and it looks like the…...

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Ameren offers $500,000 in assistance, and special payment plans have July 31 deadline

In a summer of skyrocketing power prices, Ameren Illinois announced it is using $500,000 in shareholder funds to give relief to electric customers–and until July 31 it is offering certain customers friendlier plans to pay off debt.   The Residential Assistance Credit is in response to the highest electricity prices CUB…...

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With energy prices skyrocketing, advocates urge power grid operator to stop delays on new generation

Illinois legislative leaders and CUB are urging the power grid operator in Central and Southern Illinois to fast track renewable energy projects that could reliably power 4.5 million homes and help relieve energy problems in the region. At a news conference July 21, legislative leaders criticized the Midcontinent Independent System…...

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July gas prices continue to hover around $1/therm for many utilities- Make your winter efficiency upgrades now

Natural gas customers in Illinois are paying the highest supply prices in more than a decade, with many utilities charging nearly $1 a therm or more in July, according to gas price data filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). It looks like the high gas prices will extend into the…...

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