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Electric bills

A less expensive winter?

By Samantha Vercellino The weather may be bitter cold now, but experts are predicting milder overall temperatures this winter, bringing Midwesterners out of their temporary hibernation, and hopefully, giving us a break on our bills. How big a break? Chicago utility Peoples Gas, which charged the highest gas rates in the state…...

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Bracing for winter? CUB is!

At CUB we’re preparing for another busy winter. Are you ready? In the first half of 2014, CUB’s crew handled 2,507 complaints/inquiries from gas and electric customers reeling from polar vortex price spikes. That’s a 79 percent increase from the previous year. Despite this week’s burst of winter, the cold season isn’t…...

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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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CUB’s free tool helped her save $528 a year

CUB Energy Saver, our free online service that helps people cut their utility bills, has a new look designed to make our pocketbo0ks happy. Ale Lopez is already there. The Hanover Park woman credits the free tool with helping her save $528 a year. “Without a doubt, I think that CUB Energy Saver…...

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Act now to avoid skyrocketing electric prices

We’ve been updating you on two developments that could have disastrous consequences for your power bills.  Now’s the time to act to protect YOUR interests. ComEd customers:  Tell Congress to fix a terrible court ruling that could increase your rates by 20% A recent federal court ruling stripped power grid operator PJM (the…...

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Hallelujah! Feds expect lower heating bills this winter

By Samantha Vercellino With federal experts predicting natural gas, electricity and propane costs to fall this winter due to above-average temperatures, Midwesterners can sleep a bit easier knowing another polar vortex blast doesn’t seem to be on the horizon. Warmer winter weather and lower fuel consumption means Midwesterners will pay…...

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Ameren customers, this could cost you $300 million!

Illinois coal plant owner Dynegy wants Ameren to join an East Coast power grid that could increase YOUR electricity rates—by $300 million. We blogged about this worrisome proposal last week, and now we want to hear what you have to say. In case you missed it, here’s some background on the situation: Dynegy…...

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Is your home ready for winter?

by Samantha Vercellino Now that it’s October, winter doesn’t seem that far away. Follow CUB’s tips to get your home ready for the frigid months ahead. Seal windows and doors. Even though your windows and doors are shut, heat could still be escaping through small gaps and crevices that aren’t…...

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