Today marks a historic moment, as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled its long-anticipated Clean Power Plan—the most ambitious action of its kind to combat climate change and promote energy efficiency across the country. The plan’s nationwide goal is to help cut carbon pollution from power plants by 32 percent by 2030.…...
Give your AC a helping hand during heat waves
Twenty years ago, I was struggling through the infamous 1995 heatwave…by cuddling with frozen vegetables. As a cub reporter for The Associated Press in Milwaukee, I spent my days (July 11-27, 1995) helping to record a heart-breaking toll: 85 heat-related deaths in Milwaukee, another 465 in Chicago. My nights were…...
2,400+ respond to CUB’s Clean Power Plan survey
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is set to issue final rules this summer on the Clean Power Plan— the plan to cut carbon emissions from power plants 30 percent by 2030. In anticipation of this historic decision, we are asking CUB Action Network members: Do you support the Clean Power Plan? If you haven’t completed…...
Beat the heat—and high energy bills this summer!
By Samantha Vercellino As the temperature rises, here’s a checklist to help you stay cool—and save money—through another scorching Illinois summer. Make sure your AC is sized properly. Contrary to popular belief, a larger unit will not cool a room better. Unlike an oversized AC unit, a properly-sized one will be more…...
“Always-on” electronics costing consumers billions
“Always-on” electronics and devices cost users $19 billion per year when not in use, according to a new report from the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC). $19 billion. Billion with a “b.” That’s about $165 a year in extra electricity expenses for the average household. How is this possible? It’s…...
Congrats to CUB’s “Green in 2015 Giveaway” winners!
By Samantha Vercellino Congratulations to Valeri DeCastris of Rockford and John Ivory of Arlington Heights! Both are the lucky winners of a $100 top prize for participating in CUB’s “Green in 2015 Giveaway.” “I’m just so thrilled to have won, especially since I have been a CUB member and huge supporter…...
Editorial roundup: the battle to protect electric customers in Springfield
Springfield is abuzz with two very different pieces of energy legislation, one that could help electric customers and another that could hurt them. One is the Illinois Clean Jobs bill (House Bill 2607/Senate Bill 1485), which would increase energy efficiency and renewable energy standards in Illinois. A CUB analysis found that the…...
Mythbusters: Energy Efficiency Edition
Earth Day reminds us that we can all go a little greener in our day-to-day lives. But first we need to dispel a few tall tales about energy use. That’s why we’re presenting you with a little Mythbusters: Energy Efficiency Edition. 1.) MYTH: Turning off electronics means they’re not using energy FACT: Electronics are…...
