What’s happening? On Monday, Aug. 21, a total solar eclipse will pass over the continental U.S. for the first time since 1979—and a 70-mile swath of Southern Illinois (including Carbondale, Carterville, Makanda and Waterloo) will be among the nation’s best places to see it. In fact, the Makanda area will…...
Central, Southern IL customers to ICC: Don’t let Ameren cut back on efficiency goals
People from Central and Southern Illinois today urged the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to deny Ameren’s attempt to dodge efficiency goals required in the Future Energy Jobs Act, historic legislation that passed the General Assembly last year. “We need the local jobs, local savings on energy bills and health benefits…...
Does Illinois support cable reforms?
Answer our quick poll and next week we’ll share the results with Illinois’ Congressional delegation. Do you want Congress to pass a “Pay TV Customer’s Bill of Rights,” including the following reforms: Requiring Pay TV companies to offer a basic, low-cost package. Reducing or eliminating excessive charges, such as cable…...
Speak up: Fight Ameren’s attack on energy efficiency
This week, CUB sent out a special e-newsletter to alert you to a new threat to energy efficiency that has the potential to raise Illinois power bills. What happened? Just months ago Illinois passed the Future Energy Jobs Act that requires the state’s biggest utilities to reduce electricity waste more…...
Tell us your landline story
How do people feel about losing their landline phone service? “They’re terrified,” Julie Vahling, AARP Illinois associate state director, said in a recent TV interview. We want to hear how YOU feel. AT&T has won state legislation to eventually end landline phone service in Illinois—but it still needs to get…...

