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…...
With an expensive winter ahead, CUB Help Center aims to protect consumers from ballooning gas bills
Illinois consumers are facing the possibility of hundreds of dollars in higher heating bills this winter due to skyrocketing natural gas prices and aggressive utility spending. Most supply rates went up again on Nov. 1, with major utilities charging about double 2020 prices. CUB has launched an online help center…...
Memo from the General Counsel: CUB’s consumer battles
By Julie Soderna, CUB General Counsel Below is a rundown of key consumer battles in our caseload. In summary, we helped reduce utility rate hikes by a total of $85 million, and we helped negotiate $2 million in refunds and energy assistance from three alternative suppliers accused of violating state…...
Affordability crisis: Illinois consumers grapple with overdue utility bills as winter weather draws near
Heading into what could be the most expensive heating season Illinois consumers have seen in more than a decade, many utility customers across the state are already behind on their utility bills. Nearly 170,000 Peoples Gas customers, about 20 percent, are more than 30 days behind on their natural gas…...
New assistance program helps Nicor customers afford their gas bills
Nicor Gas and The Salvation Army are partnering to provide emergency assistance to help individuals and families pay their natural gas utility bills. Funding through the Shield of Caring program will assist residential customers who are past due on their gas bill and report a financial hardship, such as a…...
