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Energy

Special Report: Is your community power deal still best for you?

Once, municipal aggregation—when community leaders negotiate power prices on behalf of residents–was a sure bet for electricity savings. Not any more. “Although it’s still possible to save money with electric competition, the era of easy savings is over in Illinois,” CUB Executive Director David Kolata says in CUB’s special report today. Kolata advises consumers…...

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How low is too low?

By Samantha Vercellino It’s the perfect time to throw on your comfiest sweater, take some simple steps to weatherize your home and turn down your home’s heat. The lower the temperature, the more you save. But, before you crank down your thermostat, here’s what you need to know. With each…...

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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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