By David Kolata, CUB executive director CUB has been sounding the alarm for months about soaring natural gas bills, as we could be on the hook to pay hundreds of dollars more to heat our homes this winter. You can blame your high bills on two reasons: Skyrocketing natural gas…...
New FCC program helps income-qualified consumers access internet
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a new benefit program through the Federal Communications Commission that helps ensure households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to…...
Preparing your home for winter storms
Preparing your family and your home for rough winter weather can often help you avoid disaster. CUB compiled helpful tips. 1. Weatherize your home. Complete weatherization tasks, like the ones included in the list below, and protect your home and your wallet. Clean or repair heating and cooling systems. Install…...
Take CUB’s utility bill survey—You could win $100!
2021 was a tough year for utility consumers with millions of dollars in rate hikes and skyrocketing natural gas prices. Please take a second and take our poll: What was your most expensive utility bill throughout last year? These surveys help us better understand what Illinois consumers are going through.…...
Major CUB victories over the years
Centel refund/rate cut, 1986: $2,000,000 Blocked Nicor Gas rate hike, secured refund, 1987: $40,000,000 Peoples/North Shore Gas rate cut/refund, 1987: $27,000,000 ComEd rate deal rejected, 1987: $1,320,000,000 Overturned ComEd rate hike, 1987: $245,000,000 Illinois Power rate deal blocked, 1988: $3,000,000,000 ComEd rate deal overturned, 1989: $750,000,000 ComEd rate case settlement, 1993: $1,679,000,000 Ameritech rate cut, 1994: $465,000,000 10-year rate…...
Tips in the aftermath of a storm
We are seeing more and more examples of violent, dangerous and disruptive weather. Some utility-related tips and resources in the aftermath of a storm: What safety precautions should I take after a storm? Never approach a downed power line, always assume it’s energized and extremely dangerous. Call your utility immediately…...
