By: Kate Shonk Sustainable Communities Liason The summer cooling season is upon us, and at CUB we’re here to help all Illinoisans save energy and money. For consumers who rent their homes, it can be hard to have control over their building’s efficiency measures–but you still have options. Even if…...
Is ICC refund sign of a tougher stance toward Peoples Gas?
The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has ordered a $15.4 million refund for Peoples Gas customers, a vote that may signal a tougher stance toward the utility whose rampant spending has sparked a heating-affordability crisis in Chicago. The refund, ordered on May 18, was connected to a decision by Peoples Gas…...
Disturbing new Peoples Gas filings shine light on mismanagement, stonewalling in troubled pipeline program
New filings with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) reveal a disturbing pattern of mismanagement of the troubled Peoples Gas pipeline-replacement program, with the company not answering basic questions about the program and admitting it hasn’t done an overall cost-analysis in nearly a decade. (Read the joint release from Illinois PIRG…...
CUB testimony recommends $492 million reduction in Ameren electric hike
Ameren Illinois’ proposed four-year electric rate hike should be slashed by at least $492 million, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) announced Monday, citing expert testimony it filed. “While a utility has to maintain its system, Ameren should not get a blank check,” CUB Executive Director David Kolata said. “Our expert…...
CUB Q&A: Winter storm exposes the myth of fossil fuel reliability
By Sarah Moskowitz, CUB Deputy Director This past Christmas Eve, as many of us were busy with last-minute holiday preparations, CUB rushed out an email to people in northern Illinois with this ominous subject line: ALERT: Power grid operator calls for energy conservation over the next 24 hours. We were…...
What’s the difference between ARES plans and Community Solar?
By Marina Minic, CUB Solar Programs Administrator As we hold hundreds of events across the state, consumers sometimes ask us: What’s the difference between an alternative supplier offer and a relatively new option called Community Solar? The offers can sound deceptively similar, but there are big differences–and you should know…...
CUB testimony recommends deep cuts in Ameren gas hike
Ameren Illinois is pushing to raise its profit rate for shareholders to a higher level than any other Illinois utility seeking a rate increase, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) revealed Monday, as it urged regulators to slash the proposal by at least $59.2 million. “Ameren’s push to increase gas bills…...
CUB testimony: State regulators should slash Nicor Gas’ record rate-hike request
Nicor Gas’ record $321 million rate-hike request includes an excessive profit rate for corporate shareholders and should be slashed by at least $106.5 million, according to expert testimony CUB filed Tuesday. (Read our news release.) “Nicor’s rate-hike request is unjust and unreasonable–it will only be a hardship for customers, and…...
