Summer calls for celebrations, so it’s a perfect time to toast a historic victory that we accomplished together! Late last year, your activism (tens of thousands of messages sent to legislators) helped pass the Future Energy Jobs Act—and that’s good news for anyone committed to efficiency and lower utility bills.…...
Illinois Internet Update
Update on the battle to protect our Internet: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) this week formally voted to move forward with a proposal to gut Internet consumer protections called “net neutrality.” We want to thank the 2,000 people who signed our initial petition earlier this month. Here’s why it’s important…...
Take action for Efficiency!
Watching daily developments in Washington, it’s easy to get discouraged. But as a nonpartisan group that works to lower utility bills, we want to alert you about good legislation on Capitol Hill—and give you a chance to take action. Just last week, the Energy and Natural Resources Committee recommended that…...
Slay “vampire power” with smart power strips
Appliances and electronics can suck up power even when you’re not using them. This wasteful “phantom” or “vampire” power can account for up to 20 percent of residential energy use. But a smart power strip can help tame this problem. It saves energy on devices that are on stand-by—they’re plugged in and…...
POLL: What’s most annoying about cellphone service?
As it tries to pass legislation that would lead to the end of traditional landline service, AT&T is pushing phone alternatives that tend to be less reliable and more expensive, such as wireless service. Tell us what you find most annoying about your cellphone service by Wednesday, May 31, and you…...
So what the heck is a green plan?
At CUB we get a lot of calls from consumers who have questions about renewable energy plans that get pitched to them by alternative suppliers. These “green plans” are a legitimate choice, but some people have complained about exorbitant rates. If you’re shopping in the market, you should have all…...
Fight for your Internet!
We’ve talked a lot about AT&T’s push in Springfield to end traditional home phone service—but it and other Internet providers like Comcast have been busy in Washington too. They’re trying to dismantle historic consumer protections called “net neutrality.” And that’s could mean bad news for our pocketbooks. Get the facts, and…...
