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…...
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…...
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,…...
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…...
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…...
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…...
CUB, ABC 7 shine spotlight on a ‘Major’ problem
Check out Jason Knowles’ ABC 7 investigative piece on Major Energy, an alternative electric supplier with a track record that’s causing CUB concern. Some of the most egregious complaints CUB has received about alternative suppliers have been connected to Major. They’re one of the companies that sparked CUB and the…...
They made how much?
We’re fighting the utilities in nearly $1 billion in rate-hike battles, but a review of their parent companies’ 2nd quarter earnings would have more than a few Illinois consumers scratching their heads as to why the companies need all that extra cash. The parent companies of ComEd, Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas,…...
