CUB warns consumers that enrolling with an alternative supplier could lead to paying higher electric and gas bills. In fact, losses at the hands of electric suppliers reached a record high of $227.6 million over the past year, according to the 2018 annual report of the Illinois Commerce Commission’s Office…...
Don’t let fossil-fuel generators gouge us (UPDATE)
On Friday, June 29, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) rejected two bad plans to revamp electricity pricing rules and raise electric bills in the power grid that stretches across 13 states, including northern Illinois. However, in a 3-2 vote, regulators also launched a 90-day process that could result in…...
Generous CUB supporters are matching your donations
This week, some generous CUB supporters are matching your donations. So giving $10 is more like giving $20! Two major cases could raise our electric bills: The White House is considering an unprecedented 2-year bailout of failing coal plants—a drastic move that could cost consumers billions of dollars. Giant power…...
Solar job training in Marion, IL
Thanks to the Future Energy Jobs Act, solar job training is thriving in Marion, Illinois. Partnering with Elevate Energy, GRID Alternatives, Another Energizing Solar Installation and Advanced Energy Solutions, Williamson County’s Habitat for Humanity recruited 10 trainees from Lutheran Social Services to get a head start on some of the…...
Tell big TV companies: Be truthful with your customers!
Big companies like AT&T and Comcast like to jack up our TV/internet bills by slapping us with sneaky fees. These add-ons have official-sounding names like “regional sports fee” or “broadcast TV surcharge,” but don’t be fooled: These are NOT government charges! These company-imposed fees allow big corporations to hide the true…...
Eco-friendly green gadgets for summer
As we ease into summer, the warm months ahead are a great opportunity to incorporate some “cool” eco-friendly items into your routine. Here are some green gadgets that will sustain you–and the environment–all summer. Smartphone sprinkler systems The Green IQ Smart Sprinkler allows you to control how your lawn is…...
Tell the White House: no bailouts for failing nuclear and coal plants
President Trump is considering a bailout of struggling nuclear and coal plants across the country to prevent a (non-existent) “grid emergency”. If the plan goes through, parts of the power sector would be nationalized for the next two years. For consumers, that means possibly paying billions of dollars more to prop…...
Big drop in Ameren power price
Good news: Ameren Illinois’ power price is going DOWN significantly June 1. As a watchdog that fought for market reforms, CUB is pleased that the hard work of consumer advocates is paying off. Bad news: Ameren has proposed two rate hikes for 2019. Please, read about Ameren’s lower electricity price, and, if you haven’t already,…...
ComEd power price going up
Big developments on your ComEd bills: One part of your bill went DOWN, another is going UP—and it could get even worse if some giant power generators get their way in Washington. Read what’s happening to your ComEd bills, and, if you haven’t already, please sign our petition against two proposals in Washington that…...
