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CUB’s virtual summer event series to help consumers fight high utility bills

In an expensive year for energy customers, CUB has launched a free summer webinar series with helpful information about high energy prices, tips on how renters and other consumers can cut their utility bills, and the benefits of  Illinois’ historic Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). “Consumers are getting hit…...

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August update: Gas prices still at unprecedented highs, prepare for expensive winter

Illinois is entering its eighteenth month of elevated natural gas prices, with several utilities charging unprecedented highs of more than $1 a therm, according to pricing data filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Last winter was the most expensive in more than a decade, and it looks like the…...

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$10.3B renewable energy transmission project long-term response to capacity shortage

The power grid operator for Central and Southern Illinois has approved a $10.3 billion transmission line project that in the long term will bring more clean energy to the region and help prevent problems that have slammed electric customers with skyrocketing power bills this summer. The project, approved by the…...

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Ameren offers $500,000 in assistance, and special payment plans have July 31 deadline

In a summer of skyrocketing power prices, Ameren Illinois announced it is using $500,000 in shareholder funds to give relief to electric customers–and until July 31 it is offering certain customers friendlier plans to pay off debt.   The Residential Assistance Credit is in response to the highest electricity prices CUB…...

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CUB explainer: What are Capacity Markets?

As we hold community events across the state of Illinois, people are often surprised to hear that our electric bills cover not only the power we use but the power we could use. That’s capacity.  And the cost of capacity–for most customers it’s hidden in the supply charge we pay–has…...

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With energy prices skyrocketing, advocates urge power grid operator to stop delays on new generation

Illinois legislative leaders and CUB are urging the power grid operator in Central and Southern Illinois to fast track renewable energy projects that could reliably power 4.5 million homes and help relieve energy problems in the region. At a news conference July 21, legislative leaders criticized the Midcontinent Independent System…...

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CEJA set to deliver over $480 million in tax-related refunds

ComEd customers will get $434 million and Ameren Illinois electric customers $50.8 million in refunds over the next three years, under a plan called for by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and OK’d by state regulators this summer. The case was tied to an ongoing dispute among the…...

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ComEd customers seeing average $18 bill credit thanks to CEJA

Thanks to a provision in the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), ComEd customers have begun to see a credit averaging about $18 a month on their summer bills. The credits are expected to total $1 billion over the next 12 months, and give some relief for consumers who are…...

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CUB fights for consumers before the nation’s largest power grid operator

UPDATE: The proposal to require one PJM board member to have clean energy expertise was rejected 52-21 after Dayton Power and Light and NRG requested a suspension of the rules to make the vote anonymous.  CUB Executive Director David Kolata said “It’s illuminating that fossil fuel generators pushed to make…...

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Illinois’ Electric Vehicle Rebate Opens

Illinois is offering a rebate of up to $4,000 for approved electric vehicle purchases by Illinois residents. This is thanks to the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) that Illinois signed into law last Fall with the goal of reducing carbon emissions and help reach a goal of over 1…...

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