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Record-breaking temperature sweep through Chicago region

This morning, Chicagoans awoke to frigid Arctic air that crushed a 79-year-old record. Wind chills accompanied by 20 mph gusts make the temperature feel as cold and biting as 30 degrees below zero, according to a wind chill advisory issued by the National Weather Service. The temperature at O’Hare Airport…...

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Breaking: Peoples, North Shore Gas receive $78.5 million in rate hikes

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) Wednesday granted Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas a $78.5 million increase in delivery rates ($74.8 million for Peoples Gas, $3.7 million for North Shore Gas, according to ICC figures). We’re glad the ICC slashed the companies’ initial rate requests by more than $50 million, but we still think the…...

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CUB Consumer Alert: tips on keeping safe, warm in the bitter cold

With forecasts calling for dangerous wind chills as low as 40 below zero, CUB today released a Consumer Alert. Here are our emergency tips: Don’t take any risks. The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends setting your thermostat no lower than 66 degrees in times like this. Never use your…...

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Tell the FCC: Protect our phone service!

Sign CUB’s petition to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)! As Big Telecom pushes customers onto wireless and computer-based substitutes to replace traditional home phone service, the FCC is asking: How can we protect consumers? In Springfield, CUB is preparing to battle AT&T and other big phone companies that want to scrap…...

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Boo! Tell us your customer service horror story and you could win $25!

We thought Halloween is the perfect time to release our list of the worst customer service horror stories. Visit CUB’s Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/cubillinois, to share your own customer-service horror story by midnight Halloween for the chance to win $25 off your utility bills. After 30 years of consumer advocacy, CUB has heard its…...

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5 things to turn off before you leave the room

by Esther Leonard Most people know to turn off their electronics or the AC before leaving the house. However, few people realize that they can save money while in the house by simply turning off electronics in unoccupied rooms. Before you leave the room, consider turning off these five energy…...

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You voted: The worst/best utility companies in the state!

Boy, you really are mad about your cable bills! Comcast took top honors in our poll that asked Illinoisans to name the worst cable, electric, natural gas, telephone or water companies in the state. Consumers also voted on the best company, and that honor went to Nicor Gas. More than…...

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Decatur Herald & Review: Thumbs up to CUB!

The Decatur Herald & Review editorial page gave CUB a “thumbs up” for its new office in Hillsboro. Check it out: THUMBS UP! To the Citizens Utility Board for locating its first downstate office in Hillsboro. The city was chosen mainly because it is among the first communities where smart…...

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Winner of July 4th Giveaway: ‘Oh my, I am just in shock’

Congratulations to Kathy of Decatur for winning the $100 top prize in CUB’s July 4th Giveaway! “Oh my, I am just in shock,” Kathy wrote to CUB in an email. “It will help us more than you know. We are so thankful for the help. I am a supporter of…...

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Tell the ICC: Investigate the Illinois Electric Market

News from Illinois’ electric market hasn’t been great lately. CUB has seen an uptick in complaints from consumers who have encountered skyrocketing rates (up to six times the rate of the regulated utility!), misleading marketing, confusing offers and unpredictable pricing from alternative suppliers. It’s time to get to the bottom…...

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