With the new year comes new electric rates for Illinoisans. The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved a $127.5 million ComEd delivery rate hike. The 5 percent increase took effect Jan. 1 and is expected to raise average bills (660 kilowatt-hours a month) by $2. CUB is challenging the rate hike…...
Want to lower your cellphone data bill?
One of the biggest sources of frustration for smartphone users is exorbitant data rates. However, there are measures you can take to prevent paying more than you have to on your next bill. (The Cleveland Plain Dealer ran a series of stories about data overages, including some really helpful tips, after…...
Fight for lower Illinois American Water rates
CUB’s putting out a statewide consumer alert because we need your help in a case before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Customers of Illinois American Water have just received a $35.3 million rate hike. We helped reduce the proposed increase by about $14 million—but we think we can cut it even…...
Beware! New year, new electric rates
As of Jan. 1, the electric rates for both Ameren and ComEd customers have changed. For Ameren electric customers, rates have dropped about $14.5 million. However, CUB believes customers deserve an even bigger cut: a total of $22 million. That’s why the watchdog filed a petition of rehearing with the…...
CUB cable campaign makes headlines across Illinois
We launched an education campaign for cable customers in mid-December, and it’s been making headlines across the state. Some examples of the coverage we’ve received: Comcast-owned station asks if cable bills are too high, Broadcasting Cable CUB offering guide on cutting on TV costs, Champaign News-Gazette CUB releases guide to…...
CUB’s 2016 year in review
Thanks to your generous support, CUB helped saved Illinois consumers some $35 million in 2016, and we secured a major victory in Springfield. But we have more battles in the new year. Policy Team: Efficiency victory in Springfield CUB helped pass the Future Energy Jobs Bill (Senate Bill 2814). We supported…...
Illinoisans, your No. 1 job on Sunday: Stay Warm!
The National Weather Service has issued an advisory, saying frigid air and strong winds will combine to create wind chills of 20 to 30 degrees below zero through Monday morning. That means we might all be watching the coldest Bears-Packers game in Chicago history tomorrow–but it also means its wise to follow…...
New gas prices for December
December natural gas prices have shot up significantly for most of Illinois’ major utilities. That’s in line with predictions by the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the statistical arm of the Department of Energy. The EIA says Midwest gas customers can expect to pay up to 30% more this winter. But…...