Illinois American Water and Aqua Illinois, the state’s two biggest for-profit water companies, have purchased 14 municipal water/wastewater systems since the fall of 2018, when state legislation was passed that allows the companies to foist the $88.5 million price tag onto their customers, according to a CUB review. CUB has…...
Who likes higher water bills? (Take action to oppose S 2596)
UPDATE September 2020: Thank you to the 3,000 people who emailed their representatives in Washington to oppose S 2596. It appears that the bill has stalled–for now. This is good news, but we expect this legislation will be considered again, and we’ll need to fight it. Stay tuned! Water privatization can lead…...
‘Protection’ during the pandemic? Big water company pitches peace of mind—but you should think twice
Tucked away in a news release about a major water company’s COVID-19-related donations was a pitch for insurance plans that cover utility-related home repairs. While the company promises “the unexpected—protected,” such offers often end up costing customers more than they’re worth. American Water is the parent company of Illinois American,…...
They’re getting richer: the ongoing battle against high utility bills
Crain’s Chicago Business reports that in the first quarter of the year—a relatively warm winter—Peoples Gas still made a record $97.6 million. That’s after two straight years of record annual profits. “It wasn’t long ago when Peoples’ profit over an entire year wouldn’t approach the nearly $100 million it collected…...
Fighting racism and injustice: What you can do
It’s CUB’s mission to help people—and that means speaking up during difficult times like this. CUB will never stop fighting for lower bills and stronger consumer protections, and as consumer advocates we also must fight the racism and injustice that harms the Black community. CUB staffers are protesting peacefully, donating…...
ICC orders $1 million fine against alternative energy supplier
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has fined alternative electricity supplier LifeEnergy, LLC, $1 million and ordered more than $34,000 in customer refunds for “admitted violations of state marketing and sales rules.” “This is a major victory for Illinois consumers, who have been ripped off by alternative energy suppliers far too…...
Capitol Report: Bill assistance, Internet access gain support, CEJA fight rages on
Although the Coronavirus pandemic has thrown some obstacles in the path of CUB’s spring legislative agenda, the fight for the Clean Energy Jobs Act continues—and we scored a few consumer victories during the General Assembly’s special session. From May 20-23, the General Assembly met for the first time in 11…...
