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ICC Judges Recommend 43% Cut to Aqua IL’s Proposed Rate Hike, CUB Says Aqua Increase Would Still Be Too High

State regulatory judges have recommended that the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approve a lower rate hike for Aqua Illinois: $10.9 million. However, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) said Wednesday that the increase would still be too high for the company, which was sharply criticized by customers for high rates and poor water…...

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CUB’s monthly report on gas market volatility: October

Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Here’s what CUB uncovered in our review of prices in October, the first month of the winter heating season. Compared with last month, five of 9 major utilities are charging prices that are…...

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CUB alerts Illinois consumers to new fall/winter power prices

As of October 1, Commonwealth Edison and Ameren Illinois are charging a new “price to compare,” the price customers should compare to alternative supplier offers, according to PlugInIllinois.gov, the state of Illinois’ electric competition website. ComEd Supply Rate: October 2024 – May  2025 6.47 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) Note: This…...

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CUB’s money-saving events in October

With the onset of the winter heating season, CUB’s Outreach team will travel Illinois and staff free events to give consumers energy efficiency tips for their home, educate them on how clean energy can cut their utility bills and help people protect themselves from scams and rip-offs. We hope to…...

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CUB’s Winter Toolkit: Updates and info that matter to your heating bills

CUB put together this Winter Toolkit to help you prepare for when the cold wind blows. We hope you find this information helpful. Winter Predictions:  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s outlook for November through January shows a mix of above- and below-normal temperatures, and a chance for higher than…...

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CUB identifies millions in overcharges, wasteful spending in utility grid plans

As Commonwealth Edison and Ameren Illinois push to raise rates to upgrade the power grid, CUB has filed expert testimony and briefs, identifying overcharges and wasteful spending in the companies’ proposed plans. Take action:  Sign our petition urging the ICC to rein in Ameren and ComEd.  File a public comment…...

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Chicago Tribune excerpt: Consumer watchdog helps solar roof shoppers cut through the confusion

CUB Note: The following is an excerpt from a Sept. 3, 2024 Chicago Tribune story by Nara Schoenberg on the Solar Switch Chicagoland program, which CUB promotes. You can read the full version of the Tribune story here. Dawn Stockmo wanted solar panels for her Oak Park Victorian, but a…...

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CUB’s monthly report on gas market volatility: September

Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Here’s what CUB uncovered in our review of September prices:  Compared with last month, seven of 9 major utilities are charging prices that are lower, ranging from 1 percent (MidAmerican Energy) to 38…...

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CUB’s money-saving events in September

As we head into fall, CUB’s Outreach team will be busy staffing free events to help Illinois consumers learn how to reduce their utility bills and protect themselves from scams. We hope to see you at one of these September events. 6:30 p.m. –  7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 3, Understanding…...

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