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Electric bills

Enrollment starts for ComEd’s Peak Time Savings

If you’ve heard the phrase “smart meter” being tossed around a lot lately, you may be wondering what all the hullabaloo is about. One of the exciting things about ComEd’s upgrades to the power grid is the potential for consumers to take advantage of unique money-saving pricing programs like Peak Time…...

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Court ruling threatens ComEd customers with 20% rate hike

We received bad news recently out of Washington: A ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit could spark a 20 percent increase in the supply rate charged by ComEd. In addition to fighting nearly $1 billion in rate hikes, CUB for years has pushed…...

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Tips for an energy-efficient kitchen

Now that the weather is getting a little cooler, it’s tempting to turn the oven on, throw in a casserole, and warm the kettle for some evening tea.  But all that kitchen work can crank up your electricity usage. Follow these tips to cook up a storm–without burning up the bills: Buy only Energy…...

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Leading the nation: CUB, EDF push for a smarter, cleaner power grid in Illinois

Part of CUB’s watchdog role is making sure Illinois’ two biggest utilities do the “smart grid” right. That’s why CUB and the Environmental Defense Fund have just made a major proposal before state regulators to make sure $3 billion in historic upgrades to the power grid work for consumers. CUB…...

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Results are in… Your thoughts on the “Clean Power Plan”

In June, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed the “Clean Power Plan” for states to reduce carbon emissions from power plants.  The plan has stirred up quite the debate, so we asked CUB Action Network members for their thoughts on the important issue. The plan’s nationwide goal is to help…...

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Uh oh! 4 red flags in the electric market

Ballooning rates.  Misleading marketing.  Changing rates.  Aggregation deals gone awry.  Some pretty crazy stories have emerged in the Illinois electric market this year. CUB has been keeping an eye on developments to help consumers protect themselves in these treacherous times.  While many alternative electric suppliers are acting appropriately in the market,…...

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The dog ate….their credibility

In 15 years at CUB, I’ve heard my share of goofy pitches from alternative gas/electric suppliers. But I never thought I’d hear of sales reps pulling the old “dog ate my homework” excuse to try to close a deal. Recently we received a complaint from Scott of Downers Grove, who said a…...

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Update to Chicago Power Deal Calculator

CUB introduced the Chicago Power Deal Calculator in June to help you decide if the City’s deal with Integrys Energy Services was the right choice for you over the summer. Integrys recently announced rates for October 2014 through May 2015, and CUB has updated its calculator to help you determine whether…...

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500+ respond to EPA carbon plan survey

So far, more than 500 CUB Action Network members have taken our survey on the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Clean Power Plan” to reduce carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2030 (Illinois individual goal is to cut emissions by an estimated 33 percent).   The plan has evoked a heated public debate, so…...

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EPA’s carbon rules: Progress or problem?

In June, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed the “Clean Power Plan” for states to reduce carbon emissions from power plants.  Proponents say the plan will cut pollution-related costs and give a big boost to energy efficiency, which will lead to consumer savings. Opponents of the plan say it will…...

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