Getting a call from Microsoft? Think twice before you answer! Scammers claiming to be from Microsoft technical support are now targeting Illinois residents. Here’s how the scam works: Microsoft impostors call claiming to have detected viruses or malware on a user’s computers (often perpetrators use public directories to determine a customer’s name or other personal information, which…...
CUB consumer advocates 2, big cable 0
Comcast has been receiving a lot of flack for its less-than-stellar customer service calls. It’s unfortunately no surprise to the members of CUB’s consumer advocacy team, who know a thing or two about dealing with unruly cable/Internet customer service. Take the case of Tony R.: Tony’s father, Robert, had switched…...
5 tips for staying safe on public WiFi
Using public WiFi for your laptop or cell phone has many advantages. It’s usually free (thanks, Starbucks!), doesn’t use up the data on your phone, and…well, did we mention free? But people often surf away without realizing that public WiFi connections rarely have the same type of security protections as…...
500+ respond to EPA carbon plan survey
So far, more than 500 CUB Action Network members have taken our survey on the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Clean Power Plan” to reduce carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2030 (Illinois individual goal is to cut emissions by an estimated 33 percent). The plan has evoked a heated public debate, so…...
EPA’s carbon rules: Progress or problem?
In June, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed the “Clean Power Plan” for states to reduce carbon emissions from power plants. Proponents say the plan will cut pollution-related costs and give a big boost to energy efficiency, which will lead to consumer savings. Opponents of the plan say it will…...
Land of Lincoln leading the nation: An information bill of rights for smart meter customers
Illinois could become the first state to require electric utilities to give customers quick and easy access to their own energy-usage data, under a proposal filed with state regulators by the Environmental Defense Fund and CUB. The is a key time for Illinois electric customers, as ComEd and Ameren launch…...
CUB, ABC 7 shine spotlight on a ‘Major’ problem
Check out Jason Knowles’ ABC 7 investigative piece on Major Energy, an alternative electric supplier with a track record that’s causing CUB concern. Some of the most egregious complaints CUB has received about alternative suppliers have been connected to Major. They’re one of the companies that sparked CUB and the…...
They made how much?
We’re fighting the utilities in nearly $1 billion in rate-hike battles, but a review of their parent companies’ 2nd quarter earnings would have more than a few Illinois consumers scratching their heads as to why the companies need all that extra cash. The parent companies of ComEd, Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas,…...
Appellate court ruling rains on ComEd’s parade
Ever had to suffer through a long, expensive, food-spoiling power outage? Yep, it stinks. Even worse, for years, ComEd has dodged giving compensation to its customers in such outages. Those days may be over, thanks to a recent Illinois Appellate Court decision. Crain’s Chicago Business reported recently that the Appellate Court…...
