Gas prices for five of Illinois’ 9 major utilities are lower than a year ago, and thankfully, predictions are for a relatively stable gas market. Still, there are examples of market volatility, including the Mt. Carmel utility, which is charging a gas price that is about 84 percent higher than…...
State, Local Electeds Release Letter Opposing Peoples Gas Rate Hike, As Chicagoans Struggle With Rising Utility Bills
Thirty-eight alderpersons and state legislators representing Chicago sent a letter to state regulators Tuesday opposing the Peoples Gas rate hike. (Read a PDF of this news release.) The letter calls on the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to “oppose Peoples Gas’ proposed rate hike, reject its request for an excessive profit…...
CUB alerts ComEd customers of new power price: 10.103¢ per kWh
Commonwealth Edison customers will continue to pay elevated electricity prices due to soaring energy demand sparked by new and proposed data centers, CUB said in a consumer alert this week. The consumer group urged ComEd to work with customers struggling to afford their bills and called on the Illinois General…...
CUB alerts Ameren customers of new power price: 10.441¢ per kWh (for the first 800 kWh of usage)
After an expensive summer, Ameren Illinois’ electricity price will go down a bit on October 1, but the price is still elevated, CUB said in a Consumer Alert this week. (Also, here’s our alert for ComEd customers.) The nonprofit consumer group warned Ameren customers about bad alternative supplier deals; urged…...
A step-by-step guide to applying for LIHEAP
Far too many people are struggling to afford their utility bills, so it’s important to know the process for applying for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). According to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the LIHEAP application period is Oct. 1, 2026 to Aug. 13.…...
The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act: Details on consumer benefits
The Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability (“CRGA”) Act was signed into law as Public Act 104-0458 on Jan. 8, 2026, and took effect on June 1. CRGA is a comprehensive law aimed at enhancing energy reliability, affordability, and sustainability by facilitating the development of new battery storage projects, expanding energy…...
CUB urges Illinois American Water customers to speak out against rate hike at ICC forum
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) urges Illinois American Water customers to speak out against the utility’s push for a $129 million rate hike at a public forum scheduled by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) for Sept. 16 in Bolingbrook. (Read a pdf version of this release.) This is the second…...
CUB’s money-saving events: September 2026
CUB’s Outreach team travels across the state to staff free events giving consumers energy efficiency tips for their home, educating them on how clean energy can cut their utility bills and helping people protect themselves from scams and rip-offs.We hope to see you at an event soon! 11:00 a.m. –…...
CUB analysis: Don’t assume your town’s ‘municipal aggregation’ deal will save you money
More than 9 out of 10 community-negotiated power offers in Ameren Illinois territory are currently money-losers, while most of the offers in Commonwealth Edison territory are either about the same as or better than the utility supply price, according to a CUB review of data from the state of Illinois’…...
