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Electric bills

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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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…...

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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,…...

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5 things to turn off before you leave the room

by Esther Leonard Most people know to turn off their electronics or the AC before leaving the house. However, few people realize that they can save money while in the house by simply turning off electronics in unoccupied rooms. Before you leave the room, consider turning off these five energy…...

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Victory!

Give yourself a big pat on the back, because you did it! Thanks to 1,100 messages you sent to Illinois legislators, CUB helped win legislation to free up $30 million to improve solar power in Illinois– an effort that would add more power to the grid and lower everyone’s bills!…...

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Integrys Deal Changes

The City of Chicago announced that it has renegotiated its electricity deal with Integrys Energy Services after growing concern among consumers that they might be better off returning to ComEd for their electricity supply.  The new deal splits Chicago households into 10 different “tiers” with accompanying rates that are intended to save consumers money and…...

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