By: Kate Shonk Sustainable Communities Liason The summer cooling season is upon us, and at CUB we’re here to help all Illinoisans save energy and money. For consumers who rent their homes, it can be hard to have control over their building’s efficiency measures–but you still have options. Even if…...
For Earth Month (and every month): Fight Climate Change at Home
You can reduce your carbon footprint with a few simple tips to help you save money, save the planet, and save your peace of mind. Utility-Based Programs Check with your utility about any energy efficiency programs available to residents. Free at-home energy assessments are offered by ComEd and Ameren. They…...
Chicago residents would save thousands by switching from gas to electric heat, CUB study finds
With winter heating bills projected to balloon by as much 35 percent and Peoples Gas customers struggling to afford the utility’s controversial pipe-replacement program, a study released Thursday by the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) finds that Chicago residents could slash their energy costs by up to $47,000 over the next…...
CUB releases new infographics, including COVID-19 alert
Below is our gallery of new infographics, including an important update on utility consumer protections during the COVID-19 crisis. CUB thanks the Heising-Simons Foundation for a generous grant that helped us create this series of infographics about important consumer issues. Important utility customer protections during the COVID-19 Crisis Are you…...
Your questions, answered: Chicago’s new Utility Bill Relief Program
Last week, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the details of her new Utility Bill Relief Program. Taking aim at the burden of overdue water bills on low-income residents, the new policy would provide qualified Chicago residents with a 50 percent discounted rate for water, sewer, and water-sewer tax bills —…...
Some good news for ComEd customers this October
In October, ComEd customers will receive a one-time refund totaling about $80 million. Here’s what you should know: The per-kilowatt-hour credit, labeled the “energy efficiency credit,” works out to nearly $14 for the average ComEd residential customer. The credit is the result of a refund requested by ComEd…...
New milestone: $2.5 billion in consumer savings
CUB joined ComEd and Elevate Energy at the Shedd Aquarium today to celebrate an important milestone: $2.5 billion in consumer savings because of energy efficiency. But this milestone is just one step on the path to even bigger savings to come for Illinois customers. The Future Energy Jobs Act—historic energy…...
We have a winner in our rate-hike battle survey giveaway!
Congratulations to Karen of Chicago, who won $100 off her utility bills after answering our recent survey asking people to choose the biggest rate-hike battle facing Illinois. (Nicor Gas’ $208.5 million rate hike was chosen.) Here’s how Karen responded to the news: “It feels great to win the giveaway… I am…...
