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Natural Gas

Consumer Alert: Could alt suppliers be knocking on your door again? 

Breaking News Update, Nov. 5:  Victory for Consumers! The Illinois Commerce Commission voted 3-2 today to keep the moratorium in place. Thank you to all the Illinoisans who used CUB’s Action Network to help send 1,000 messages to state regulators in favor of keeping the ban in place. Your activism makes…...

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October gas prices up from last month, down from 2019

The winter heating season is upon us, but while natural gas prices are up from last month, many utilities are charging less than they did last October.  Still, there’s bad news from one of the state’s biggest utilities: Crain’s Chicago Business reports that winter bills for Peoples Gas, which serves…...

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Need help affording your utilities? You may qualify for bill assistance

We talk to utility customers every day at CUB, so we know people are hurting and worried about paying their utility bills. If you cannot afford your utilities, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program–or LIHEAP. LIHEAP helps low-income consumers pay their…...

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CUB statement on Ameren Illinois’ proposed gas rate hike

STATEMENT BY CUB EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DAVID KOLATA:   Ameren Illinois has proposed a $46.6 million natural gas rate hike. CUB is reviewing the increase, and we will fight every nickel the company can’t justify. While we continue to analyze the proposed increase, we are pleased that Ameren is taking into consideration…...

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A message from Steve, a CUB Volunteer

My name is Steve, and one way I give back to my community is as a CUB member and volunteer. I’m proud of the work we’ve done this year—and one of my favorite moments is when I saved two customers from paying for an outrageous gas rip-off. So far, I’ve…...

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Money-saving programs worth bragging about

Thanks to efficiency programs offered by Illinois’ major utilities, saving energy—and money— is easier than ever before. CUB chose seven of its favorite energy efficiency programs from across Illinois. (See them below in no particular order.) Lighting Discounts Under ComEd’s Energy Efficiency program, you can receive instant in-store discounts on select ENERGY STAR…...

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Free CUB clinic to analyze electric, gas, phone bills in Chicago, show how to cut costs by hundreds of dollars a year

The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) will analyze utility bills at a free clinic to help Chicago residents save potentially hundreds of dollars a year. Consumers should bring their gas, electric and phone bills for a free, one-on-one consultation with a CUB expert, who will search for ways to lower their…...

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How does this winter heating season compare to the past?

Despite this sudden burst of winter weather in March, we finally can see the light at the end of the tunnel. So how did natural gas prices for this heating season (November- March) compare with last winter? The largest average increase in the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) from last year…...

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A heated debate: What’s the ideal temperature for programming your thermostat?

When it comes to setting the thermostat, everyone has an opinion–and that can lead to some heated debates among couples (pun intended). According to the Department of Energy, setting your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for 8 hours a day can save you up to 10…...

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Gas prices are up–but don’t fall for these myths

Chicago-area natural gas prices this month are up 41-51 percent compared with last February–but don’t assume you’ll find better deals with an unregulated gas supplier. The most notable February increase is for Nicor Gas customers, who will see a 52 percent jump since last year, from 27 cents per therm to 41 cents…...

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