If you’ve ever called CUB, there’s a good chance you’ve spoken to Jantay Gray, one of the outstanding advocates who staff our Consumer Hotline (1-800-669-5556). Earlier this year, Jantay secured a $411 refund for Nicoletta, a Chicago consumer who submitted a complaint about a ComEd billing issue. “Last year, I…...
CUB releases new guide to help Illinois consumers shop phone market
The Citizens Utility Board announced that it has released a new “Guide to Phone Choices” to help Illinois consumers navigate their options in the telecom market. Visit CitizensUtilityBoard.org to order a free copy of the 16-page publication, which includes information about selecting cellphone, landline and VoIP service. The phone landscape…...
Study reveals October disconnection surge
Special consumer protections and a ninefold expansion in utility bill assistance in 2020 helped keep disconnections low during widespread economic stress caused by the pandemic, with the exception of October. In October 2020, disconnections doubled as utilities lifted their ban on shut offs, according to a new Tufts University study.…...
Sources – CUB’s Guide to Phone Choices
AARP, How to Use Zoom to Stay Connected During the Coronavirus, November 18, 2020: https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/info-2020/how-to-use-zoom/ ABT Electronics, Telephone Buying Guide: https://www.abt.com/learn/telephone-buying-guide AllConnect, Are you losing money by not bundling? Sales pros chime in!, May 4, 2020: https://www.allconnect.com/blog/bundles-really-better AT&T Business, What is VoIP and how does it work?: https://www.business.att.com/learn/tech-advice/what-is-voip-and-how-does-it-work-.html AT&T, AT&T…...
Ambit Energy: Too Good to Be True?
CUB fields numerous inquiries about energy companies in Illinois, and we’ve heard recent concerns about Ambit Energy. If you’re considering signing up for Ambit as your energy supplier or working as a consultant for Ambit, make sure you understand the terms of your contract. Ambit Energy is a company based…...
Chicago rental assistance deadline extended to June 15
The application period for the Chicago Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) has been extended through June 15. The program, administered through the City of Chicago’s Department of Housing, provides rental assistance to eligible community members who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. ERAP will provide funds of up to…...
New power prices for June 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021
As of June 1, ComEd and Ameren are charging new prices for electricity. It’s important that you know the price for electricity to protect yourself from bad deals being peddled by alternative power suppliers. Illinois consumers have lost more than $1 billion to these suppliers since 2015. Under these market…...
