If you’re struggling to pay your utility bills during this public health crisis, CUB has some guidance on what steps to take. For now, special protections available to you will go away on Dec. 26. Don’t wait to take action. 1) Call Your Utility: As the utility company is the…...
November natural gas rates trending up
November gas prices are more expensive this month than last, with the exception of Nicor Gas. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) has anticipated an uptick. Last month, the organization predicted that natural gas bills across the Midwest could be about 8 percent higher than last winter. Over the winter season,…...
Solarize Chicagoland to Install 80 Solar Arrays
The Solarize Chicagoland program surpassed its goals this summer, achieving commitments to install more than 580 kilowatts (kW) of solar on 80 properties in the Chicago area. The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) launched this solar group buy program in April, and the program’s participation…...
Breaking News: Consumer Victory at the ICC!
Victory for Consumers! The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) voted 3-2 on Thursday against lifting a ban on door-to-door marketing by alternative energy suppliers during the pandemic. The ICC was considering a proposal by the commission’s staff that was supported by alternative energy suppliers. CUB argued that door-to-door marketing was needlessly…...
Breaking Down Illinois’ Community Solar Offers
Illinois’ new community solar program allows electricity customers to enjoy the benefits of solar energy without installing panels on their own homes. Through community solar, you can purchase a portion of the electricity produced by a solar installation—called a community solar garden—and in return receive credits on your electric bill.…...
CUB releases new infographics, including COVID-19 alert
Below is our gallery of new infographics, including an important update on utility consumer protections during the COVID-19 crisis. CUB thanks the Heising-Simons Foundation for a generous grant that helped us create this series of infographics about important consumer issues. Important utility customer protections during the COVID-19 Crisis Are you…...
MC Squared: CUB’s evaluation of a new community solar offer
This post is an evaluation of Chicago based MC Squared Energy Services (MC 2) community solar offering. (If you are not already familiar with community solar, we recommend reading our Introduction to Community Solar first.) How will signing up for the MC Squared community solar offer affect my electric bill? MC Squared…...
