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Bright future: Good news from the Illinois Commerce Commission

The future for solar looks a little brighter in Illinois after two recent Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) rulings. The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) applauded the decisions after months of work in favor of the reforms.  “If Illinois wants to have a cheaper, cleaner and more stable…...

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CUB helps Chicago landlord out of $1,048 electric mistake

By Samantha Vercellino Hoping to get the property’s electric service switched back to his name, the Chicago landlord immediately called ComEd to sort out the details. According to Mark, a company representative claimed it would be an easy fix. However, two days later, Mark was hit with a $1,048 power bill.…...

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Gas Market Monitor: 9/10 alternative supplier offers have been money-losers

CUB’s free online tool, the Gas Market Monitor, has some startling findings about Northern Illinois’ natural gas market: 9 of 10 plans offered by unregulated suppliers have been money-losers since 2003. CUB announced the numbers in a news conference today to give Northern Illinois households a warning as they prepare for another long…...

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There isn’t a case CUB can’t help solve

By Samantha Vercellino Sometimes selling your house can be frustratingly hard–even for your electric bill. Mark DeVaun should know. The sale of his home was moving forward, and the electric service was switched to the buyer’s name. However, a missed down payment on the buyer’s end delayed the house closing…...

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CUB recommended!

Did you know that ComEd and Ameren offer special pricing plans that could save you money?  Read more below! ComEd’s Hourly Pricing program  ComEd’s Hourly Pricing charges an hourly rate that reflects naturally fluctuating electricity prices. If you can delay your heaviest electricity usage to the times of day when prices…...

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CUB’s 2015 Year in Review

CUB embarked upon its fourth decade of serving consumers in 2015— and we’ve accomplished so much already: $60 million in savings, 400+ money-saving events across Illinois, and new tools to help thousands of Illinois residents cut their utility costs. Read about the victories you have helped us achieve in CUB’s…...

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Breaking: AG, CUB call for overhaul of Peoples Gas pipeline project

CUB has joined Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan in calling for the restructuring of a costly and “disastrous” Peoples Gas pipeline-replacement project that is billions of dollars over budget.  The development comes weeks after Crain’s Chicago Business reported that utility officials may have withheld ballooning cost estimates from regulators while…...

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How to be an energy-efficient pet owner

By Samantha Vercellino We love our pets—so much that we celebrate 115 pet awareness events throughout the year! (Don’t believe me? Check for yourself.) But living with a furry, feathery or scaly sidekick can make it a real challenge to be energy efficient. Follow these simple actions to make sure…...

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CouponCabin can help you fight spooky bills

Goblins, ghouls, werewolves, and vampires. These monsters can’t compete with our biggest fear: horrifying energy bills! Slay your energy demons this Halloween by visiting CouponCabin, a free online service that delivers coupons to your inbox and allows you to earn cash back on purchases—which you can then donate to CUB!…...

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Money-saving tips to EAT up

By Samantha Vercellino As the days get shorter and colder, chances are we’ll be spending more time inside—and cooking. But before hitting the kitchen, look at these tips to ensure maximum savings during the festive-but-frigid months ahead. Plan accordingly. You don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen to…...

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