Illinois consumers who buy their electricity from alternative suppliers collectively paid $431 million more in the last year than they would have by sticking with their utility, according to a new report from the Illinois Commerce Commission’s Office of Retail Market Development. From May 31, 2020 through May 31, 2021,…...
Natural gas prices continue rise into July
Most major Illinois gas utilities are again increasing their prices, the continued aftershock of the extreme cold that hit the country back in February. Temperatures are now warm and consumers are using less natural gas, but it is still important to factor these high prices into your usage. Most natural…...
Study reveals October disconnection surge
Special consumer protections and a ninefold expansion in utility bill assistance in 2020 helped keep disconnections low during widespread economic stress caused by the pandemic, with the exception of October. In October 2020, disconnections doubled as utilities lifted their ban on shut offs, according to a new Tufts University study.…...
New power prices for June 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021
As of June 1, ComEd and Ameren are charging new prices for electricity. It’s important that you know the price for electricity to protect yourself from bad deals being peddled by alternative power suppliers. Illinois consumers have lost more than $1 billion to these suppliers since 2015. Under these market…...
Natural gas prices continue their rise into May
Most major Illinois gas utilities are again increasing their prices, the lingering effects of extreme cold that hit the nation for a brief period over the winter and caused prices in Illinois to skyrocket. A few utilities lowered prices, but most natural gas customers will see their rates go up.…...
BREAKING: Ameren asks for a $64 million electric rate hike
Ameren has filed a $64 million rate-hike request before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Here’s the statement by CUB Executive Director David Kolata: This is an awful time for a rate hike, as Illinois families struggle to pay their utility bills amid the COVID-19 public health crisis. Our legal team…...
Consumer Alert: Natural gas prices to soar in April
Several major Illinois utilities are increasing their natural gas prices by about 40 percent to 69 percent on April 1, a lingering effect of February’s volatile winter weather that crippled the nation’s gas supply and caused massive blackouts in Texas. Last month, dangerously low temperatures and up to a foot of snow prompted Illinois Gov.…...
CUB urges Illinois consumers to contact their utilities to access consumer protections
The Citizens Utility Board is urging Illinois consumers to contact their utility companies immediately to take advantage of consumer protections available to them due to the pandemic. A state moratorium on shutoffs expires on April 1, so it is vital that people who are struggling to afford their bills get in…...
