The magnificent Chicago skyline draws tourists from around the world, but it fascinates CUB for an entirely different reason: It has the potential to become a powerful tool in our never-ending quest to make the electric grid more efficient and less costly for consumers. CUB is working with the Environmental…...
A “smart” way to save money
Smart thermostats—devices that allow you to remotely control your temperature settings from your smart phone, tablet, or home computer— are a great way to save energy and money on your utility bills. Now, consumer advocates hope to see these innovative devices installed in one million homes with the help of special…...
Hello October, hello lower gas prices!
By Samantha Vercellino As October rolls in, consumers begin preparing themselves for the arrival of two things: Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Lattes and higher utility bills. But Illinoisans may be singing a different tune this heating season, because major Illinois utilities are charging consumers 25-27 percent less to heat their homes…...
Which power suppliers are earning the most complaints?
Shopping for electricity suppliers can be a minefield. Illinois consumers need helpful tools to avoid confusing offers, bad deals, misleading marketing, and high-pressure sales tactics. Fortunately, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) publishes an excellent resource: the Retailer Electric Supplier Scorecard. The scorecard reveals which suppliers are earning the highest and lowest complaint rates…...
10 Tips to Cut Your Cellphone Bill
In just a few decades, the use of mobile devices has become ubiquitous (more than 90 percent of households now use wireless mobile service)—but that hasn’t made bills any more affordable. In fact, one of the biggest complaints we hear in the field is about bloated cellphone bills. With new features, expensive data…...
So what the heck is a green plan?
Crain’s Chicago Business has shined a spotlight on a “green” plan offered by Ethical Electric, which has been CUB’s biggest source of questions this year among dozens of alternative electric and gas suppliers. A direct mail piece by Ethical is short on detail on the plan’s actual cost, and how it…...
