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Debunking AT&T’s claims of “affordable, often cheaper” phone service

In its bid to end traditional home phone service in Illinois, AT&T also wants to abolish the low-cost “Consumer’s Choice” plans that CUB created under a legal settlement with the phone giant. CUB calls the plans the best local calling deals in the state, but the AT&T lobbyists have been circulating…...

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Budget cuts = higher utility bills

BREAKING: An initial budget plan from the White House calls for costly cuts that will lead to higher utility bills. (ACT NOW!) These are among a long list of programs targeted for elimination: Energy Star: Provides assistance for energy efficiency programs. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Assists low-income families with heating…...

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How does this winter heating season compare to the past?

Despite this sudden burst of winter weather in March, we finally can see the light at the end of the tunnel. So how did natural gas prices for this heating season (November- March) compare with last winter? The largest average increase in the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) from last year…...

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Nicor wants a $208.5 million rate hike

BREAKING: Nicor Gas has filed for a $208.5 million rate hike. In a statement CUB said: Nicor Gas’ parent, Southern Company, made more than $2 billion in profits in 2016, so if the gas utility wants an increase it will have to prove that it needs one. CUB will give Nicor’s…...

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Like music to her ears : CUB helps violin instructor slash phone bill by $81

Imelda Kaminski, a violin instructor who’s been playing the instrument for 60 years, depended on her home phone service even more after her husband underwent spinal surgery—with all the calls to family, friends and doctors. Her husband’s recovery was her only concern until her AT&T bill arrived. It had soared…...

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Take action: Efficiency on the chopping block

CUB travels across Illinois, and we find that almost everyone supports energy efficiency—because it’s THE BEST WAY to lower utility bills. That’s why we’re asking you to send a message to Congress and the White House to protect efficiency. We were concerned a month ago when the American Council for an Energy-Efficient…...

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A heated debate: What’s the ideal temperature for programming your thermostat?

When it comes to setting the thermostat, everyone has an opinion–and that can lead to some heated debates among couples (pun intended). According to the Department of Energy, setting your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees from its normal setting for 8 hours a day can save you up to 10…...

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ICC votes to extend investigation of Peoples Gas pipeline-replacement program

Read CUB’s statement about today’s Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) vote to extend an investigation into the horribly managed Peoples Gas pipeline-replacement program. Also, send a message to the ICC, thanking it for this development and urging it to hold the utility accountable. CUB Statement Today, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC)…...

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What should you ask when considering an alternative electric supplier?

If you’re looking into signing up with an alternative electric supplier, make sure to look at this checklist before you put your name on the dotted line. For more information, including a complete list of current alternative supplier rates, get CUB’s no-cost “Guide to Avoiding Electric Rip-offs” emailed to you....

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Reminder: The sign-up deadline for Ameren’s Peak Time Rewards is March 1!

It’s the last day for Ameren Illinois customers with new advanced electric meters to sign up for a no-cost program that rewards them with bill credits for delaying heavy power usage on certain days. To sign up for Ameren’s Peak Time Rewards program, visit PeakTimeRewards.com or call 1-844-787-7874. Qualifying customers who…...

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