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Clean Energy

As solar funding dries up, Illinois renewables need CEJA

Despite rapid solar adoption after Illinois passed strong energy legislation in 2016, the state is fast-approaching a solar cliff–the funding that helps propel the state’s solar industry is running out. But the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) could prevent the state’s clean energy progress from toppling over the edge. Specifically,…...

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Solarize Chicagoland to host 25 webinars on going solar

The Solarize Chicagoland program returns in 2020 with 25 free, public, one-hour informational webinars. Through these events, called Solar Power Hours, Solarize Chicagoland educates home and small business owners about solar and offers an opportunity to secure discounts on solar photovoltaic systems through volume purchasing. The program is led by…...

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New Poll Shows Statewide Support for CEJA

A new poll shows that 8 in 10 Illinois voters support the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA), comprehensive renewable energy legislation that would protect our power bills and create thousands of well-paying jobs as Illinois faces the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. “The poll results are overwhelmingly positive—82%…...

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CUB takes on unnecessary charges, water privatization, modem rental fees

By Bryan McDaniel, Director of Governmental Affairs Construction season has not yet begun, so the drive to Springfield is a smooth (dare I say almost enjoyable) ride during these first couple weeks of the Illinois General Assembly’s session. Before I jinx it by talking too much about it, let me…...

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Home Heating quiz winner no stranger to energy efficiency 

Congrats to Joel of Evanston! He was randomly selected to win a free CUB energy efficiency kit out of more than 1,000 people who took CUB’s Home Heating Quiz. Joel has won two LED light bulbs, a Kill A Watt electricity-usage monitor, a smart power strip, and an insulated CUB…...

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State report shows big losses for electric shoppers: $800 million since 2015

The Illinois Commerce Commission’s Office of Retail Market Development released its annual report on Illinois electric competition. It showed that electric consumers with alternative suppliers lost $246.1 million just over the last 12 months. That makes nearly $800 million lost in the last four years! Since June 2015, total residential…...

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At the Supreme Court: A victory for clean energy

This month, Illinois consumers got good news: The U.S. Supreme Court rejected a request to review appellate court decisions that upheld the right for states to advance clean energy goals through “zero-emission credit” (ZEC) programs in Illinois and New York. On Twitter, CUB called it an “important victory for cost-effective…...

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Sun-Times: Illinois needs the Clean Energy Jobs Act

On Friday the Chicago Sun-Times published an editorial making the case for the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA). “Illinois can do right by the environment and your monthly power bill at the same time,” the editorial said. CEJA is legislation that would place Illinois on a path to 100% renewable…...

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Why we need a Clean Energy Jobs Act

By David Kolata, CUB Executive Director (Update: Since this column was written, the House Energy and Environment Committee voted to advance the Clean Energy Jobs Act, sponsored by State Rep. Ann Williams and State Sen. Cristina Castro [House Bill 3624/Senate Bill 2132]. The bill awaits a committee vote in the…...

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Why CUB’s fighting for the Clean Energy Jobs Act

This morning, CUB joined with 200 consumer groups, environmental advocates, clean energy businesses, and community leaders to support the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA). The legislation, Senate Bill 2132/House Bill 3624, sets a path for Illinois to keep utility bills in check as it works to be powered by 100…...

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