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$153 million savings potential through CUB Energy Saver

As shopping for electricity suppliers becomes more expensive in Illinois, energy efficiency programs have emerged as the most reliable way to cut utility bills , according to a new CUB report. CUB held a press conference today to announce the findings: Energy efficiency has replaced electric competition as Illinois’ best bet for savings. …...

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“Now is the time for Time-of-Use pricing”

Today, CUB and the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) urged ComEd and Ameren to offer optional “Time-of-Use” pricing plans in Illinois.  Such plans would reward energy-efficient customers for shifting electricity use away from “peak” hours–when demand is high, prices skyrocket, and power plants produce the most pollution.  These plans would not only save individual…...

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CUB’s Guide to Space Heaters

As temperatures drop this winter, many of us are digging out the space heater from the crawl space–anything to stay warm, right? But before you plug in, you probably have some  questions.  Are space heaters cost-effective for home heating?  Do they pose a safety risk?  What type of heater is…...

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#GivingTuesday

Right now, you’re probably busy preparing for the big Thanksgiving meal, not to mention the craziest shopping day of the year. During these hectic times, CUB staff is working around the clock to block rate hikes and secure refunds for Illinois consumers.  We’re going up against a lot in 2015…...

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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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DIY: Electric & gas bill analysis

by Samantha Vercellino Have you ever looked at your energy bills and asked yourself, “Why are they so high?” You frantically scan them in hopes of finding the problem but don’t know where to start. CUB analyzes thousands of bills a year. These are three key questions we ask about any electric…...

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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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Great advice and savings at CAPS Energy Efficiency Event

CUB was honored to be invited to a CAPS (Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy) Energy Efficiency Event at Chicago’s 7th District Police Station Thursday.  Several CUB staffers were on hand to help residents uncover savings in their phone, gas, and electric bills. Aimee Gendusa-English, CUB’s community service liaison, had the opportunity to look over the…...

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Enrollment for Peak Time Savings is Quick and Easy

CUB Director of Governmental Affairs Bryan McDaniel walked us through how to sign up for Peak Time Savings (PTS).  PTS is a free program for ComEd customers with digital smart meters that credits customers for reducing electricity usage on certain high-demand summer days. Enrollment is quick and painless.  Take a…...

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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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