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4 steps to a productive company complaint

by Esther Leonard Many of us have felt wronged by a company. From over charges on electric bill to bad phone service, companies can get away with some shady stuff.  But you don’t have to take it lying down!  You can keep companies accountable by voicing your complaints. At CUB,…...

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Victory!

Give yourself a big pat on the back, because you did it! Thanks to 1,100 messages you sent to Illinois legislators, CUB helped win legislation to free up $30 million to improve solar power in Illinois– an effort that would add more power to the grid and lower everyone’s bills!…...

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Integrys Deal Changes

The City of Chicago announced that it has renegotiated its electricity deal with Integrys Energy Services after growing concern among consumers that they might be better off returning to ComEd for their electricity supply.  The new deal splits Chicago households into 10 different “tiers” with accompanying rates that are intended to save consumers money and…...

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CUB helps consumer clean up $1,583 from credit report

When Joseph Guice received a call from a collections agency for an outstanding ComEd bill of $1,583, he knew something was wrong. “I was shocked to see the bill,” Guice said. “Nobody told me that I owed anything.” Before the 87-year-old retired barber moved to a senior home on Chicago’s South…...

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Chicago Power Deal Calculator Video

Not sure which energy supplier will save you money this summer?  Watch our video to find out about a free tool– the Chicago Power Deal Calculator– that will help you decide if the City’s deal with Integrys is right for you: [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEkpnQ2HGj8?list=UUnBH1A1X_csFhP4sN0hZVlQ&w=560&h=315]  ...

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Comcast customer “service”

We’ve heard stories of bad customer service over the years, but this takes the cake: Tech journalist Ryan Block attempted to cancel his service with Comcast, only to endure an exasperating 18 minutes with a relentless customer service representative who refused to perform the request.   (It’s interesting to note…...

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Unbundled Internet? 3 Things to Know

I made a big decision the other day: I’m breaking up with cable TV. When I move into my new apartment in August, I am parting ways with MTV, HBO, and CNN.  And I’m not alone—more and more people are choosing to forego cable in lieu of Netflix, Hulu, and….reading?…...

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Crackdown on Cramming

Did you know that  cell phone carriers can profit up to 40 percent on fraudulent third-party fees on your bill?  We were shocked, too.  Not only do these third parties “cram” charges for services you never ordered onto your bill, but wireless carriers are taking a cut! Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed…...

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You voted: The worst/best utility companies in the state!

Boy, you really are mad about your cable bills! Comcast took top honors in our poll that asked Illinoisans to name the worst cable, electric, natural gas, telephone or water companies in the state. Consumers also voted on the best company, and that honor went to Nicor Gas. More than…...

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Decatur Herald & Review: Thumbs up to CUB!

The Decatur Herald & Review editorial page gave CUB a “thumbs up” for its new office in Hillsboro. Check it out: THUMBS UP! To the Citizens Utility Board for locating its first downstate office in Hillsboro. The city was chosen mainly because it is among the first communities where smart…...

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