CUB urges Illinois consumers having difficulty paying their utility bills during the pandemic to contact their utility companies to take advantage of unprecedented consumer protections available to them. “Anybody struggling to pay their bills during the pandemic should immediately contact their utility to find out what protections are available, and…...
Historic consumer protections: Urge the ICC to approve this COVID-19 relief plan
Illinois regulators this week will consider some of the strongest COVID-19 utility consumer protections in the country. Developed through weeks of discussion among consumer advocates and major utilities, this plan could serve as a national model to help utility customers struggling to pay their bills during the economic crisis. But…...
Consumer advocates fight for extended COVID-19 protections for utility customers
After a historic agreement between consumer advocates and Illinois’ major utilities, state regulators are now considering the most comprehensive COVID-19 utility relief measures in the country. This plan could serve as a national model for helping utility customers struggling to pay their bills during the worst economic crisis since the…...
Alert: Electricity prices change for Ameren, ComEd customers
The Citizens Utility Board on Monday alerted Illinois consumers to a change in electricity prices for the state’s two largest utilities: Ameren Illinois and Commonwealth Edison. As of June 1, both utilities switched to their summer “price to compare”—the rate customers should compare to alternative supplier offers. According to the…...
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%…...
Federal legislation gives Illinois $41 million boost in energy assistance
Illinois has received more than $41 million in extra assistance to help low-income consumers pay their electric and gas bills during the pandemic, thanks to the federal stimulus package that passed earlier this spring. The $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a wide-ranging package designed…...
ComEd, Ameren file for electric rate decreases (yes, you read that right!)
Electric utilities ComEd and Ameren Illinois have both filed for rate decreases before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC)—$11.5 million and $45.3 million, respectively. Both requests will be reviewed by the Commission and decided on in December. ComEd’s cut, its third rate decrease in a row and fifth in 10 years,…...
CUB’s legal team tackles Coronavirus consumer protections, rate cases, alternative suppliers
In spite of the novel Coronavirus putting our lives on hold, CUB’s legal team is continuing the fight for utility customer rights and lower rates. General Counsel Julie Soderna and new Senior Attorney Eric DeBellis are currently working on about 15 cases. Here are a few highlights. Coronavirus Response In…...
CUB alerts Illinois utility customers to free services during crisis
The Citizens Utility Board has announced free services for Illinois utility customers during the public health crisis and shared tips on how consumers can protect their bottom line in these uncertain times. “In the middle of this unprecedented public health and economic crisis, the last thing anyone needs to worry…...
COVID-19 crisis: How agencies that distribute energy assistance are impacted
Agencies that distribute Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds to help people afford their utility bills have been affected by COVID-19. The chart below gives a summary of those agencies. UPDATE for all utility customers: If you have a question about assistance programs to help you pay your…...
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