Gas utility customers in Illinois could see the delivery charges on their bills triple in the next decade if regulators do not limit gas utility spending, according to a new analysis released Monday. The Future of Gas in Illinois, from the Building Decarbonization Coalition and Groundwork Data, finds that despite…...
Hourly Pricing program sets record for savings in 2023
A voluntary ComEd program that charges participants an electricity rate that can change hourly set a record for savings in 2023, according to a report filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). The Hourly Pricing program saved participants a total of $12.4 million in 2023, which was more than the…...
Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition unveils 2024 legislative platform
The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC), of which CUB is a member, has introduced its 2024 platform—a slate of legislation outlining critical solutions in the power, buildings, and transportation sectors that accelerate Illinois’ climate, equity, and energy goals. (Read the ICJC’s full release and watch the Springfield news conference.) In…...
CUB News Release: CUB, University Park call for cutting Aqua rate-hike request by 40%
An Illinois utility watchdog group has joined forces with a community that has had highly publicized problems with lead in its drinking water to file testimony arguing that Aqua Illinois’ proposed $19.2 million rate hike should be slashed by at least 40 percent. (Read the full CUB news release.) The testimony…...
CUB’s monthly report on gas volatility: May 2024
Gas prices are lower than they were a year ago for most customers in the Chicago region, thankfully, but five utilities from across the state saw increases ranging from 9 percent to 97 percent from last May, according to CUB’s review of Illinois’ gas market. Gas utilities file supply prices–called…...
Breaking news: In historic vote, FCC restores net neutrality protections
In a 3-2 vote, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Thursday restored “net neutrality” internet consumer protections. “The action we take here is good for consumers, public safety, national security and network investment,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said ahead of the vote. Rosenworcel added that the COVID pandemic showed the absolute…...
Casework Roundup: A report from CUB’s General Counsel
By Eric DeBellis CUB General Counsel As usual, we’re busy juggling a heavy caseload before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) concerning the state’s biggest utilities: ComEd, Ameren, Peoples Gas, Illinois American and Aqua Illinois. Here’s a summary of where we’re at: Electric Cases Background: Back in December, the ICC slashed…...
Breaking news about your cable and internet bills (opportunities to take action)
We have important updates about your cable and internet bills–some good news, some hopeful news and some bad news (along with a call to action). The good news: FCC cracks down on “junk fees” In March, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) stood up for consumers and cracked down on deceptive…...