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Coalition: Improved efficiency, renewable energy standards could spark 30,000 jobs a year

For years, CUB has been saying that efficiency and renewable energy are good for our economy. Today, we’ve got numbers to back it up. At a news conference this morning, 55 business, environmental, labor and consumer advocacy leaders (including CUB Executive Director David Kolata) announced the formation of the Illinois…...

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The most important vote ever for net neutrality

In 2014, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) received more than 4 million comments on net neutrality from concerned consumers like you. You made your voice loud and clear: Don’t slow down my Internet. Now we’ve got proof that the pressure’s working. The FCC is considering reclassifying Internet Service Providers (ISPs)…...

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Congrats to CUB’s Love to Save Winner!

By Samantha Vercellino Congratulations, Pedro of Mount Prospect who beat out 274 consumers to win $100 off his utility bill AND a $50 Amazon gift card for practicing energy efficiency. Last week, Pedro and other consumers entered our energy efficiency contest. To qualify for the drawing, they had to join…...

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CUB helps consumer uncover pricey monthly fee

 By Samantha Vercellino When Starion Energy approached Valerie with a deal too good to be true, the Chicago resident listened to her gut and resisted the temptation to accept. Instead she headed to CUB’s award-winning website and uncovered a pricey monthly fee that the supplier failed to disclose. “The rate they…...

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Consumer Alert: Highest prices in the Illinois electric market

The Illinois electric market can be confusing (and expensive!) but CUB is here to help. We reviewed more than 100 individual offers from alternative electric suppliers across Illinois and we want to warn you about the highest prices we found.  Some of these rates about double that of the regulated utility! In  ComEd territory,…...

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Meet CUB’s Outreach Volunteer Arpi Yazijian!

By Samantha Vercellino CUB’s Outreach Volunteer Arpi Yazijian knows that big utilities never get tired of asking for more money, which is why she volunteers her time helping the watchdog group protect consumers like you. The Glenview-area resident—who’s been a CUB member for ten years –contacted Illinois’ leading utility nonprofit…...

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CUB’s Guide to Space Heaters

As temperatures drop this winter, many of us are digging out the space heater from the crawl space–anything to stay warm, right? But before you plug in, you probably have some  questions.  Are space heaters cost-effective for home heating?  Do they pose a safety risk?  What type of heater is…...

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Breaking: Peoples, North Shore Gas receive $78.5 million in rate hikes

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) Wednesday granted Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas a $78.5 million increase in delivery rates ($74.8 million for Peoples Gas, $3.7 million for North Shore Gas, according to ICC figures). We’re glad the ICC slashed the companies’ initial rate requests by more than $50 million, but we still think the…...

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How efficiency could win you $100 + a $50 Amazon gift card

Today, CUB launched a new energy efficiency contest with a top prize of $100 off your utility bills AND a $50 Amazon gift card. All you have to do is join our free online service CUB Energy Saver–and follow the simple steps to link the tool to your ComEd account. Then…...

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Debunked: 5 Home Heating Myths You Still Believe

It’s time for Mythbusters: CUB Edition. As temperatures drop, make sure you’re not falling victim to these home heating myths.  Learn how to heat your home efficiently and economically this winter. 1. MYTH: The higher you set your thermostat, the faster it will heat your home. FACT: After coming in shivering from…...

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