UPDATE: The Second District Appellate Court of Illinois upheld the Illinois Commerce Commission’s $1 million fine against LifeEnergy, another legal victory for consumers. In 2020, CUB secured a $1 million fine against the supplier, but it appealed to the higher court. Alternative electric supplier National Gas & Electric, LLC will…...
Despite price drop, natural gas supply rates still high compared to 2020
Several natural gas utilities have dropped their prices slightly in December after months of ballooning prices. Despite the slight decrease, natural gas prices are still two to three times greater than they were last December. Current natural gas prices are related to an extreme cold snap that froze natural gas…...
CUB Executive Director David Kolata’s statement on Nicor rate hike
The following is a statement from Citizens Utility Board (CUB) Executive Director David Kolata on Nicor Gas’ $240 million rate hike. It’s unacceptable that Nicor Gas pushed for higher rates—its third record request in four years—while people are struggling under a pandemic and the highest winter heating prices in more…...
2021 Year in Review: Fighting for historic legislation, beating back millions in higher rates
Amid an ongoing pandemic and skyrocketing energy prices, CUB in 2021 sued a scandal-plagued utility, beat back millions of dollars in rate hikes and helped pass historic energy legislation. “I am proud of how our staff battled through yet another difficult year, but consumers deserve the credit,” CUB Executive David…...
CUB and DCEO remind residents to apply for $200 million in utility relief available now
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today reminded residents of utility relief available to low-income families throughout the state. Through Governor Pritzker’s Help Illinois Families program, DCEO has launched over $295 million in utility assistance programming available for low-income households across the state and is accepting applications…...
Infrastructure bill awaits Biden’s signature, climate package faces uphill battle
The House has passed a bipartisan infrastructure bill that would provide a much needed boost to the country’s broadband, utility and transportation services. President Joe Biden is expected to sign the $1 trillion plan in the coming weeks, but the bill’s companion, a $1.75 trillion social safety net and climate…...
A net neutral future awaits Senate confirmation hearings
Update as of 12/20/2021: The Senate voted 68 to 31 to confirm Jessica Rosenworcel’s re-appointment to the Federal Communications Commission on Dec. 7, making her the first female chair in the FCC history. Longtime net neutrality advocate Gigi Sohn, nominated for the fifth seat at the commission, has generated opposition…...
CUB’s new money-saving kit
Below is a list of resources to help you protect yourself from scams, decode your electric bills and find ways to save. Watch this video about identifying alternative supplier ripoffs on your bills: ComEd and Ameren. Learn about the electric market and your options for electric supply: ComEd andAmeren. Your utility’s demand response…...
