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Energy

How do Illinois consumers feel about smart meters?

As ComEd and Ameren begin the enormous task of installing nearly 5 million digital smart meters across the state over the next decade, we polled more than 1,000 weekly e-newsletter subscribers to get their thoughts on the new technology. We also invited consumers to submit their comments and questions about digital smart meters. Find…...

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When can you expect a digital ‘smart meter?’

When Labor Day ended, nearly a decade of hard work began as ComEd initiated the long process of installing digital “smart meters” across its service territory of more than 4 million customers. The meters are part of ComEd’s $3 billion plan to modernize its power grid. So when will you…...

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CUB’s energy myths quiz results: Homewood woman wins LED bulb, says “What great news…!”

Congratulations to Barbara of Homewood! She won a super-efficient LED light bulb for taking CUB’s quiz on energy myths. “What great news, thanks!” Barbara wrote in an email after CUB notified her. “I will use the new LED bulb in our family room lamp. It’s the first light we turn…...

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See what your phone, gas, electric companies are making

We’ve run the numbers, and Illinois’ major electric, natural gas and telecom companies raked in more than $6 billion in the second quarter alone. Don’t get depressed—get mad! Join the team and help us fight to keep these companies out of your pockets....

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The quest for a smarter power grid begins today

Today, Illinois’ biggest electric utility will begin installing digital “smart meters” in Chicago’s western suburbs, launching an ambitious plan to give 4 million customers new meters by 2021. These new meters, built in a plant on the city’s South side, are a symbol of high-tech upgrades, collectively called the “smart grid,”…...

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CUB, TV station help keep working mom’s power on

Across Illinois, CUB takes seriously its mission to advocate for utility customers. (See a few examples of our success stories, and what CUB achieved last year.) That’s why the consumer group worked with ABC 7 Chicago and ComEd to keep the power on for a working mom who had fallen…...

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Big winners in CUB Energy Saver/Presence Health competition

Maria Cossiocazares and her employer, Presence Holy Family Medical Center of Des Plaines, were big winners in a CUB Energy Saver contest involving 10 Presence Health hospitals. Presence Holy Family Medical Center beat out nine other hospitals in a competition to see which could recruit the most people to use…...

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Land of Lincoln an energy leader

If you’ve ever driven the vast expanse between Chicago and Cairo—past nuclear power plants, corn fields, giant wind turbines, coal mines and oil wells—it’s not hard to believe that Illinois is an energy leader in the U.S. But just how much energy does the Land of Lincoln produce? Here’s how…...

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Top energy myths, debunked

Looking to save money on your energy bill? Don’t believe everything you hear. CUB debunked some of the top myths when it comes to cutting your power bill: You should leave your appliances on when you’re not home so they won’t have to work as hard when you return. Although…...

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The Top 10 Best “Energy Songs” Ever

CUB just wrapped up a month-long contest asking consumers to submit and vote for the best energy-related song of all time. Although Eddy Grant’s “Electric Avenue” ran away with it, there were dozens of great entries. Here are our top ten: [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=_BRv9wGf5pk] 1. Snap – I’ve Got The Power. An important reminder that…...

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