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Electric bills

Raking in profits, gunning for higher rates

Ameren and ComEd both turned in strong third quarter profits, which begs the question: Why do these companies need bloated rate hikes?  CUB today launched an email campaign to  oppose increases pushed by Ameren and ComEd. Ameren is proposing a natural gas rate hike of about $50 million, which the…...

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From the CUB files: Top 5 worst consumer horror stories

As CUB approaches its 30th anniversary, we’ve compiled a list of some of the worst consumer horror stories we’ve ever heard. What better way to celebrate Halloween? 1) The phone plan that ate my bank account! It sounds like the title of a 1950s creature feature, but, unfortunately, it’s reality for…...

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10 energy-saving tips for pet owners

Energy efficiency can be a major challenge for pet owners, who typically have a furry, feathery or scaly resident that never leaves the house. But you don’t have to choose between keeping your pet comfortable and minimizing your energy costs—these simple actions will help you achieve both. 1. Use a programmable thermostat. In…...

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Aurora mom uses CUB Energy Saver to slash power bills

Like many of the 25,000 CUB Energy Saver users, Yumeaka Jackson turned to the online efficiency tool because of bill shock. “My light bill skyrocketed,” said the Aurora mother of two who works in the insurance industry. But thanks to a CUB Energy Saver contest she entered, Yumeaka saved 3,413 kilowatt-hours…...

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11 ways to save energy (and money) this winter

In CUB’s recent statewide campaign promoting energy efficiency, one of our messages was that efficiency has always been about making your home more comfortable, but using less energy. Now that federal experts have predicted Midwest natural gas bills will jump by 13 percent compared with last winter, it’s time to…...

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CUB Analysis: Up To $37 Million Per Year In Potential EE Savings

CUB held news conferences across Illinois today to release a report that holds both good news and bad news for Illinois consumers. First the bad news: The Federal Energy Information Administration (EIA) recently released state fact sheets that indicate Illinois is one of the biggest household energy users in the…...

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CUB’s Consumer Advocacy Team: Meet the CUB crew fighting for you!

Each year, CUB’s Consumer Advocacy Department handles nearly 10,000 calls, emails and letters from Illinoisans with questions or complaints about utility service. The team has saved individuals thousands of dollars by identifying errors on electric, gas and phone bills. Consumer Advocacy Director Sandra Marcelin-Reme said a lot of problems stem from…...

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Energy Smart Month Quiz winner excited to get LEDs

Tim Farmer, an IT consultant from Carol Stream, won the first week’s prize in CUB’s Energy Smart Month Giveaway—four LED light bulbs with a money-saving potential of up to $400. His name was randomly chosen from more than 300 people who took a one-question quiz: “Appliances, electronics and lighting account for…...

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Good news in 6-year legal battle: Appellate Court upholds $36.7 million ComEd refund

In reporting our latest good news—the Illinois Appellate Court upheld a $36.7 million refund for ComEd customers—Crain’s Chicago Business wrote: “The wheels of utility-rate justice turn slowly.” True, being a good consumer advocate means never giving up. The ruling made public this week comes after a six-year legal fight waged by…...

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Win energy-saving prizes all month long!

October is “Energy Smart Month” at CUB, and we’re giving away a money-saving prize every week to celebrate. All you have to do is correctly answer CUB’s weekly quiz question on Facebook by noon each Friday for a chance to win. This week’s prize: 4 LED light bulbs capable of cutting…...

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