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Updates

CUB’s money-saving events in April

Happy April everyone, we’ve officially reached spring! The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer. Below you will find several events that can help you improve energy efficiency at home and protect your bottom line this month. We hope to see you there. 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.,…...

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Getting ready for Spring? Tips on keeping your utility bills low

As you do some spring cleaning, remember that a few easy swaps can help you maximize your energy efficiency. These tips are easy and effective at preventing higher-than-average utility bills, while also being good for the planet.  Here are some of CUB’s top tips for keeping your power bill to…...

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Fighting for Illinois Consumers: CUB’s 2023 Legislative Agenda

Each year CUB works on a broad range of issues related to our core mission of saving consumers money on their utility bills. CUB’s priorities for the 2023 Illinois General Assembly session include the following: HB 2541- Representative Theresa Mah: This bill would cap the profit rate of electric, gas…...

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March gas prices plunge for some companies (finally)

CUB is glad to report that gas supply rates are continuing to decrease–even plunging for some companies–after almost two years of elevated prices.  Nicor, Illinois’ largest gas utility, is charging under 50 cents per therm for the first time in two years, and the supply price for Peoples Gas and…...

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10 burning questions (and answers) about the 2023 rate-hike barrage

As CUB and other consumer advocates challenge a record $2.9 billion in utility rate-hike requests, here are 10 things you should know about the rate hikes. 1) How much are the utilities asking for?  The rate hikes would impact more than 5 million customers across Illinois. The chart below shows…...

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February continues trend of lower gas prices–but they’re still higher than 2021

Some good news: Gas prices for February continue the downward trend we’ve been seeing the last few months. Plus, recently the Energy Information Administration, the statistical arm of the U.S. Energy Department, eased its prediction on how much more Midwest natural gas customers could pay on average this winter–from 29…...

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Advocates urge City Council to propose cheaper, cleaner way to heat new buildings in Chicago

Today, advocates gathered at City Hall to urge the Chicago City Council to pass a “Clean Buildings, Clean Air” ordinance that would establish emissions standards for newly constructed buildings. The ordinance would ensure new buildings in Chicago are built to be fossil-free with efficient appliances that lead to improved indoor…...

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Peoples Gas pushing for $402 million rate hike– another fossil fuel increase!

Peoples Gas, which serves Chicago residents, was expected on Friday to file for a record $402 million rate hike–a roughly 59 percent increase in delivery rates, according to Crain’s Chicago Business. Its suburban sister company, North Shore Gas, also is expected to file for an $18.5 million, or about 19…...

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January gas prices still way up–will we see some relief in 2023?

Natural gas supply prices dropped for about half of Illinois’ major gas utilities from December to January, but the prices are still at significantly high levels for the second consecutive winter.  “We’re hoping that sometime in the new year we’ll see these price spikes ease for all customers, but the…...

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Q&A: Electricity Price Spike in Central and Southern Illinois

What’s happening to Ameren customers?   Since June 1, 2022, the price for electricity has more than doubled for Ameren customers across Central and Southern Illinois, and that’s expected to cost customers hundreds of dollars in higher power bills over the next year. What is Ameren’s electricity price? As of Jan.…...

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