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Energy

Illinois, it’s energy efficiency report card time….

Illinois is the 11th most energy-efficient state, according to the ACEEE’s 2014 State Efficiency Scorecard.  Despite a fall from its No. 10 rank in 2013, Illinois is still higher than most of its Midwestern neighbors. The organization ranks states based on their policies and programs that improve energy efficiency in our…...

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CUB’s free tool helped her save $528 a year

CUB Energy Saver, our free online service that helps people cut their utility bills, has a new look designed to make our pocketbo0ks happy. Ale Lopez is already there. The Hanover Park woman credits the free tool with helping her save $528 a year. “Without a doubt, I think that CUB Energy Saver…...

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Hallelujah! Feds expect lower heating bills this winter

By Samantha Vercellino With federal experts predicting natural gas, electricity and propane costs to fall this winter due to above-average temperatures, Midwesterners can sleep a bit easier knowing another polar vortex blast doesn’t seem to be on the horizon. Warmer winter weather and lower fuel consumption means Midwesterners will pay…...

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Leading the nation: CUB, EDF push for a smarter, cleaner power grid in Illinois

Part of CUB’s watchdog role is making sure Illinois’ two biggest utilities do the “smart grid” right. That’s why CUB and the Environmental Defense Fund have just made a major proposal before state regulators to make sure $3 billion in historic upgrades to the power grid work for consumers. CUB…...

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Results are in… Your thoughts on the “Clean Power Plan”

In June, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed the “Clean Power Plan” for states to reduce carbon emissions from power plants.  The plan has stirred up quite the debate, so we asked CUB Action Network members for their thoughts on the important issue. The plan’s nationwide goal is to help…...

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The dog ate….their credibility

In 15 years at CUB, I’ve heard my share of goofy pitches from alternative gas/electric suppliers. But I never thought I’d hear of sales reps pulling the old “dog ate my homework” excuse to try to close a deal. Recently we received a complaint from Scott of Downers Grove, who said a…...

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500+ respond to EPA carbon plan survey

So far, more than 500 CUB Action Network members have taken our survey on the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Clean Power Plan” to reduce carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2030 (Illinois individual goal is to cut emissions by an estimated 33 percent).   The plan has evoked a heated public debate, so…...

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Kick-start your summer with energy efficiency

Summer has (finally!) arrived and we can’t wait to hit the beach, visit the water park, take some road trips, and barbecue with friends and family! Need a little extra cash to make the most out of your summer?  CUB has compiled a list of energy efficiency incentives that will put some…...

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Watch out for this energy hog

You may be surprised to learn that the biggest electricity guzzler in your house isn’t your TV or refrigerator.  That special honor goes to… your clothes dryer. Dryers use between 1,800 to 5,000 watts per cycle, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.  Compare that to washers, which only use…...

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Breaking: CUB, City of Chicago call for probe of Illinois electric market

Just four weeks ago, when CUB released a report on Illinois’ electricity market, we warned consumers about bad power deals. Today, CUB and the City of Chicago took another step forward to reform the market. CUB and the City today filed a petition asking the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to launch…...

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