(800) 669-5556

Blog

News from CUB: Updated LIHEAP fact sheet provides key steps to getting help to pay your utility bills during pandemic

Amid the worst public health and economic crisis in Illinois history, CUB is spreading the word about how families can get help paying their utility bills.  Check out these resources: Our newly updated fact sheet, Energy Assistance: Questions and Answers. Our infographic on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP),…...

Read more

CUB’s upcoming virtual events for February

Want to learn more about ways to save money on your utility bills, get your bills analyzed and learn more about consumer protections? Check out our upcoming events for the month of February! We are continuing to host our events virtually due to COVID-19 to keep you safe and up-to-date…...

Read more

Efficiency tips for staying safe on a cold, snowy day

Practicing energy efficiency is the safest and most reliable way to stay warm during the winter. CUB presents these tips to follow during winter storms and in extreme cold. We wish you all safety and health! Keep your home at a steady, safe temperature (about 68-70 degrees). Blasting the heat…...

Read more

CUB’s Capitol Report: Fighting rubber-stamped rate hikes, water privatization, and unfair gas charges in Springfield

With Illinois’ new General Assembly taking up business in Springfield amid a pandemic, CUB’s Bryan McDaniel will be busy fighting for consumers on a number of important bills. Help CUB fight for lower utility bills “Fighting for consumer legislation in Springfield is always a challenge because energy, water, and internet…...

Read more

Financial assistance for utility bills available through June 30 to low-income families in Illinois

Low-income families in the state of Illinois can still apply for financial assistance to help pay for gas or electric bills through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) until June 30, 2021. However, the sooner you apply, the better. CUB recommends that to avoid misinformation, the most reliable…...

Read more

Breaking: Nicor’s record $293M request, Ameren’s $76M hike, North Shore Gas wants $10M

In one week, Nicor Gas asked for a record-high $293 million rate hike, and Ameren was granted a $76 million increase. Plus, North Shore Gas is pushing for a $10 million increase. Here’s a rundown of these major developments concerning your gas bills and what CUB is doing about it:…...

Read more

Meet Joe, CUB’s outreach coordinator

Joseph Giamberdino joined the team as CUB’s outreach coordinator in May 2020. Along with overseeing the planning and execution of events, Joe helps create promotional materials and conducts research for CUB. “Needless to say, beginning a new job during the pandemic was challenging,” Joe said. “But thanks to my colleagues,…...

Read more

Five steps to prepare for bad winter weather

Living in a state like Illinois, we are all-too-aware of rapidly changing weather, but are you prepared for bad weather? These five tips can help you plan out your strategy for weathering the storm. 1. Weatherize your home or apartment. Equipping your home with the latest weatherization improvements can help…...

Read more

Illinois gas utilities ring in the new year with higher rates

Illinois’ major gas utilities are kicking off 2021 by raising the price per therm for January. This across-the-board increase is on track with predictions made by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) at the beginning of this heating season. The price per therm you’re paying for natural gas in January, also…...

Read more

ComEd and Ameren customers: Your new electric rates for 2021

Ameren and ComEd have new electric delivery and supply rates as of Jan. 1. CUB breaks it down. Delivery Rates What are delivery rates?  Electric bills have two parts: delivery and supply. All of us pay delivery rates to cover the utilities’ costs of sending electricity over their wires to…...

Read more