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energy efficiency

Saving energy and money at home– the renter’s edition

By: Kate Shonk  Sustainable Communities Liason The summer cooling season is upon us, and at CUB we’re here to help all Illinoisans save energy and money. For consumers who rent their homes, it can be hard to have control over their building’s efficiency measures–but you still have options. Even if…...

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Tips on getting your home ready for hot weather

Summer is just around the corner and it’s time to start planning to get your home ready for warmer weather. Remember: Energy efficiency is just as important during the summer as it is during the winter. Not only does it help prevent power outages by easing stress on the grid,…...

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A guide to energy efficiency programs for income-qualified households

By Kate Shonk Sustainable Communities Liason Facing high energy prices and the rising cost of living, many consumers want to cut down on their monthly utility bills. In Illinois, consumers have access to energy efficiency programs offered by utility companies–including ones for income-qualified households.  The programs designed for lower-income customers…...

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Save energy and money with these winter efficiency tips

With natural gas prices high, it’s important to be aware of ways to save energy and protect your bottom line. Here are some tips for Illinois’ rough winter:   Get rid of the clutter. Make sure heating vents are open and not blocked by furniture or carpet. Clean dust from vents…...

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Preparing for an Expensive Summer: Your Energy Efficiency Shopping List

In 2021, homes across the country used about 235 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity to cool their homes–that’s about 16 percent of total residential energy consumption. So as we prepare for an expensive summer, it pays to improve your home’s efficiency. CUB put together a  home-improvement shopping list for better energy…...

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Tips for fighting high summer bills

Energy efficiency can help soften the blow of high summer bills. Check out some top tips to stay cool, safe and energy efficient: Be safe. Efficiency means staying safe and cool, while reducing your energy waste. Raising your thermostat by a few degrees and using a ceiling fan can lower…...

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The UN’s Bold Climate Change Solution

A United Nations panel has released its third and final report on climate change, and following the dire warnings in the first two installments, this one strikes a hopeful tone with scientists’ plans for the world’s path forward. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released the last…...

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For Earth Month (and every month): Fight Climate Change at Home

You can reduce your carbon footprint with a few simple tips to help you save money, save the planet, and save your peace of mind. Utility-Based Programs  Check with your utility about any energy efficiency programs available to residents.  Free at-home energy assessments are offered by ComEd and Ameren. They…...

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Tell CUB: How do you fight climate change? (You could win a prize!)

Recent United Nations (UN) reports on climate change have painted a grim picture of the current climate crisis. The good news is that the UN is optimistic that the consequences of climate change–extreme weather, rising water levels, droughts and more–can be avoided or lessened if we take action now. In…...

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Infrastructure bill awaits Biden’s signature, climate package faces uphill battle

The House has passed a bipartisan infrastructure bill that would provide a much needed boost to the country’s broadband, utility and transportation services. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the $1 trillion plan in the coming weeks, but the bill’s companion, a $1.75 trillion social safety net and climate…...

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