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Efficiency

Energy-efficient holiday buying guide

By Samantha Vercellino If Black Friday was a bust (which it was for me), you’re still racking your brain for what to get your family and friends. Luckily, we’ve put together a list of our top five energy-efficient stocking stuffers. Powerless stereo speakers. iPhone enthusiasts can amplify their holiday music…...

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Energy saving tips to eat up this Thanksgiving

By Samantha Vercellino Thanksgiving is fast approaching and many Americans are gearing up to cook a traditional holiday feast that will leave family and friends in a food coma. But gathering around the table can be a pricey affair, especially when total U.S. spending on Thanksgiving dinner is $2.4 billion. So, before heading…...

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Don’t say the “P” word

by Samantha Vercellino The weather is about to change–and not in a good way. Painful memories of last winter will resurface this week as the Midwest welcomes back the “polar vortex” which was triggered by Super Typhoon Nuri, the National Weather Service says. The Artic outbreak will bring below-average temperatures for…...

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DIY: Electric & gas bill analysis

by Samantha Vercellino Have you ever looked at your energy bills and asked yourself, “Why are they so high?” You frantically scan them in hopes of finding the problem but don’t know where to start. CUB analyzes thousands of bills a year. These are three key questions we ask about any electric…...

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How low is too low?

By Samantha Vercellino It’s the perfect time to throw on your comfiest sweater, take some simple steps to weatherize your home and turn down your home’s heat. The lower the temperature, the more you save. But, before you crank down your thermostat, here’s what you need to know. With each…...

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Great advice and savings at CAPS Energy Efficiency Event

CUB was honored to be invited to a CAPS (Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy) Energy Efficiency Event at Chicago’s 7th District Police Station Thursday.  Several CUB staffers were on hand to help residents uncover savings in their phone, gas, and electric bills. Aimee Gendusa-English, CUB’s community service liaison, had the opportunity to look over the…...

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“What’s Your Energy IQ?” quiz answers

In the latest issue of The CUB Voice, we gave readers a quiz to test their energy savvy.  See the answers below! What’s Your Energy IQ? 1.) Which accounts for the largest energy expense in a typical U.S. household? A. Household appliances B. Lighting C. Home heating and air conditioning…...

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Enrollment for Peak Time Savings is Quick and Easy

CUB Director of Governmental Affairs Bryan McDaniel walked us through how to sign up for Peak Time Savings (PTS).  PTS is a free program for ComEd customers with digital smart meters that credits customers for reducing electricity usage on certain high-demand summer days. Enrollment is quick and painless.  Take a…...

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Illinois, it’s energy efficiency report card time….

Illinois is the 11th most energy-efficient state, according to the ACEEE’s 2014 State Efficiency Scorecard.  Despite a fall from its No. 10 rank in 2013, Illinois is still higher than most of its Midwestern neighbors. The organization ranks states based on their policies and programs that improve energy efficiency in our…...

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ComEd Discounts: L-E-Delightful

We don’t want to induce a panic, but we have big news: ComEd is discounting LED light bulbs! Time to run to your nearest hardware store to take advantage of these long-lasting, energy-efficient lighting marvels. ComEd is offering the in-store instant discount as part of its Smart Ideas efficiency program.  (The utility is required to offer…...

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