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CUB’s Winter Toolkit: Updates and info that matter to your heating bills

CUB put together this Winter Toolkit to help you prepare for when the cold wind blows. We hope you find this information helpful. Winter Predictions:  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s outlook for November through January shows a mix of above- and below-normal temperatures, and a chance for higher than…...

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CUB identifies millions in overcharges, wasteful spending in utility grid plans

As Commonwealth Edison and Ameren Illinois push to raise rates to upgrade the power grid, CUB has filed expert testimony and briefs, identifying overcharges and wasteful spending in the companies’ proposed plans. Take action:  Sign our petition urging the ICC to rein in Ameren and ComEd.  File a public comment…...

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A step-by-step guide to applying for LIHEAP

Far too many people are struggling to afford their utility bills, so it’s important to know the process for applying for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  According to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the LIHEAP application period is October 1, 2024, to August 15,…...

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Chicago Tribune excerpt: Consumer watchdog helps solar roof shoppers cut through the confusion

CUB Note: The following is an excerpt from a Sept. 3, 2024 Chicago Tribune story by Nara Schoenberg on the Solar Switch Chicagoland program, which CUB promotes. You can read the full version of the Tribune story here. Dawn Stockmo wanted solar panels for her Oak Park Victorian, but a…...

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CUB’s monthly report on gas market volatility: September

Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Here’s what CUB uncovered in our review of September prices:  Compared with last month, seven of 9 major utilities are charging prices that are lower, ranging from 1 percent (MidAmerican Energy) to 38…...

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CUB’s money-saving events in September

As we head into fall, CUB’s Outreach team will be busy staffing free events to help Illinois consumers learn how to reduce their utility bills and protect themselves from scams. We hope to see you at one of these September events. 6:30 p.m. –  7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 3, Understanding…...

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Tips from CUB: Use caution if a solar sales rep knocks on your door

Solar is an excellent deal in Illinois, but that doesn’t mean every offer pitched to you is the right one for your home. CUB’s Scott Allen recently spoke to WGLT, the public radio station in the Bloomington-Normal area, to recommend that consumers use caution if a solar salesperson  knocks on…...

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CUB: ComEd, Ameren customers have lost $1.8B to alternative power suppliers since 2015; consumer group issues statewide warning against bad deals

Commonwealth Edison and Ameren Illinois customers who have chosen alternative electricity suppliers have lost a combined total of about $297 million over the last year and $1.8 billion since 2015, CUB says, citing annual state reports on electricity competition. While ComEd and Ameren deliver electricity to their customers over the…...

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‘Stop corporate greed’: Private water customers pack public forums to protest high water bills, poor service and Aqua, Illinois American rate hikes

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) held five public forums on proposals by the state’s two biggest private water companies to raise bills by up to nearly $30 a month, and the events reinforced something that CUB has known for years: Private water customers are fed up with rapidly escalating water…...

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Op-Ed: Private water customers in Illinois are crying for help. Will the General Assembly listen?

By Sarah Moskowitz CUB Executive Director Hundreds of customers of Illinois’ largest private water utility packed an Illinois Commerce Commission public forum in Bolingbrook one recent summer night. They were fed up with how high their bills are now — and that Illinois American Water wanted to raise them by nearly…...

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