The last thing anybody needs in the middle of this crisis is to pay high utility bills. That’s why we’re continuing to analyze bills for Illinois consumers. “I’m afraid they may be overcharging me,” said one consumer who emailed her gas and electric bills to us. She was right: An…...
IL power bills lowest in the Midwest (again)–but that advantage is threatened
For the seventh consecutive year, Illinois had the lowest average electricity bills in the Midwest, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). But nobody thinks power bills are low—there’s more work to do. That’s why CUB and other consumer/environmental advocates are pushing Illinois to pass the Clean Energy Jobs…...
What you need to know about this summer’s electricity costs
As summer arrives, here’s a rundown of key electricity issues facing Illinois consumers. Lower Supply Prices: Ameren and ComEd have new prices for electricity supply, which will be in effect from June 1 to Oct. 1. ComEd’s price is 6.725 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), down about 9 percent from last June. Ameren’s price…...
URGENT: Help defeat a bad bill
Emergency action alert: We need your help TODAY to defeat a huge bailout for dirty power plants and other power generators. It’s bad legislation—and it could be on a fast track for passage in Springfield. Amendment #4 to Senate Bill 2080 would: Increase electric bills statewide by at least $1 billion and likely more by…...
How much does your phantom load affect your electric bill?
Phantom load–sometimes called “vampire power”–refers to home appliances still using energy even after you turn them off. So what impact does that have on your electric bill? About 10 percent of your energy costs come from wasted power. The National Resources Defense Council found phantom loads account for $19 billion…...
Breaking: New electricity prices
Did you know your utility’s electricity rate is changing on October 1? Read “5 Facts about ComEd’s New Rate” and we’ll send you CUB’s fact sheet on avoiding rip-offs from alternative electric suppliers. Ameren customers, read “5 Facts about Ameren’s New Rate” and we’ll also send you CUB’s fact sheet on avoiding rip-offs from alternative…...
“Vampire power” could be to blame for your high electric bill
Turning your electronics off when you’re not using them seems like a simple way to cut down on your power bill. But that won’t stop “standby power,” a.k.a. vampire power. Think about your toaster, coffee maker, televisions, desktop computers and DVRs. You may leave these devices off for periods of time, but…...
Generous CUB supporters are matching your donations
This week, some generous CUB supporters are matching your donations. So giving $10 is more like giving $20! Two major cases could raise our electric bills: The White House is considering an unprecedented 2-year bailout of failing coal plants—a drastic move that could cost consumers billions of dollars. Giant power…...
