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Updates

CUB Statement on Illinois American’s $152 Million Rate-hike Request

Citizens Utility Board (CUB) Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz released a statement today about Illinois American Water’s $152 million rate-hike request before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC): Illinois American’s $152 million rate-hike request is severe and greedy—the company is pushing for an excessive profit rate for its shareholders—and CUB will do…...

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Illinois’ two biggest private water companies push for rate hikes

Last year’s rate-hike barrage was bad enough, but now water companies want in on the action. CUB learned this week that Illinois American Water and Aqua Illinois both want rate increases. Aqua Illinois on Jan. 17 filed a $19.2 million rate-hike request with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Aqua estimated…...

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In 2024, CUB celebrates 40 years of fighting for consumers

Remember how bad it was before the Citizens Utility Board (CUB)? It was the spring of 1983, and Gov.  “Big Jim” Thompson was in a packed theater in southern Illinois pitching a tax increase—but people were more interested in what he would do about utility bills. What he said sparked…...

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CUB statement reacting to Peoples Gas’ announcement of another likely rate hike: In the midst of a woeful heating bill crisis for consumers, utility is “unrepentant,” must be opposed

The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) has discovered that Peoples Gas on Thursday filed a document (see Verified Petition for Waiver) with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) that raises the specter of another rate-hike request in 2024.  CHICAGO—Hours after its latest effort to squeeze more money out of consumers collapsed yesterday,…...

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Know your power price and beware of bad electric deals

As of this past fall, ComEd and Ameren Illinois are charging new electricity supply rates through May of 2024. Ameren Illinois: 8.107 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for up to 800 kWh of usage. Every kWh beyond that is 7.094 cents per kWh. This is about a 30 percent DECREASE from…...

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CUB explainer: Who pays for transmission lines? Take a look at your power bill

By: Clara Summers Campaign Manager Consumers for a Better Grid (a project of CUB) The long transmission lines that crisscross the country are key to keeping our lights on and getting cleaner, more affordable energy to the people who need it most. But like most things in life, they don’t…...

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ICC reins in gas utilities, cuts rate hikes by hundreds of millions of dollars

BREAKING: The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) today issued final orders on proposed gas rate hikes by Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, Ameren Illinois and North Shore Gas. Let me be clear: The utilities did receive rate hikes. While we don’t like to see bills go up a penny at the hands…...

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After a successful summer program, CUB partnership launches Fall Solar Switch program

A unique partnership among five Chicagoland counties, nonprofit advocates and expert solar professionals will educate consumers on how they can install solar panels at some of the deepest discounts in the state, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB), Illinois’ top utility watchdog, said as the program launched its Fall program. The…...

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CUB’s money-saving events in November

It’s hard to believe it’s November already! As the year winds down, it’s time to make your final winter efficiency improvements and start planning your home energy upgrades for 2024.  Below are free events CUB and partner organizations are holding this month. 12:30 – 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 1: UBC…...

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Q&A: Updates to the Carbon-free Resource Adjustment

CUB has been getting calls about a line-item on ComEd bills called the Carbon-Free Resource Adjustment, or CFRA.  Over its first year on ComEd bills, the CFRA delivered a total of about $2.4 billion in credits to consumers.  But this summer the CFRA became a charge. Here’s some background. What…...

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