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CUB’s money-saving events in November

It’s hard to believe it’s November already! As the year winds down, it’s time to make your final winter efficiency improvements and start planning your home energy upgrades for 2024.  Below are free events CUB and partner organizations are holding this month. 12:30 – 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 1: UBC…...

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CUB Update: Illinois Commerce Commission announces new, expedited schedule for rate-hike decisions

Update: The final order on Nicor’s request for a $320 million rate hike has been delayed due to a late motion by some parties (not CUB) in the case. It’s likely the Nicor order will be moved to Nov. 16, with the other decisions in the gas cases (Peoples/North Shore…...

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November gas prices way down from last year (with hints of market volatility)

November gas prices continue the trend of being significantly lower than last winter–by a range of 25 to 66 percent. But once again there are some examples of the roller-coaster volatility of the gas market. Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with the Illinois Commerce…...

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Good news: Ameren pulls back ‘Right of First Refusal’ legislation–but this fight is far from over

UPDATE: Good news from the Fall Veto Session. It was reported on Oct. 25 that Ameren, for now, has thrown in the towel on its attempt to override Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s veto of a bill that would have given it a monopoly on building billions of dollars in transmission lines.…...

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Day of Action: Consumer advocates urge officials to say no to Peoples Gas’ $402M rate hike, yes to Clean & Affordable Buildings Ordinance

Members of the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC) on Thursday flooded an Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) meeting and later held a rally outside City Hall to call for cheaper, cleaner ways to heat Chicago homes. The day of action came shortly after the utility filed new numbers with the ICC…...

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Ampion: CUB’s evaluation of a new community solar offer

This is an evaluation of Ampion’s community solar offering. (If you are not already familiar with community solar, we recommend reading our Introduction to Community Solar first.) How will signing up for the Ampion community solar offer affect my electric bill? Ampion will look at your energy usage history to…...

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As ComEd and Ameren charge new winter rates, CUB issues statewide warning on alternative supplier rip-offs

As of October, ComEd and Ameren Illinois are charging new electricity supply rates, and customers should know what they are to avoid bad deals peddled by alternative electricity suppliers, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) said Thursday in a statewide consumer warning.  The non-summer prices, through May 2024, are listed on…...

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CUB calls on ICC to reject record rate hike for Peoples Gas after agency official recommends big increase for utility

An administrative law judge for the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has issued a “proposed order” recommending that the ICC approve a record-high $350 million rate hike for Peoples Gas, awarding the company the vast bulk — 87 percent —of the $402 million increase it has sought from regulators.  The recommended…...

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CUB is fighting big rate hikes–so how do these rate cases work? A CUB explainer

CUB’s legal department is fighting a record six utility rate cases before state regulators totaling a whopping $2.9 billion in higher rates for consumers. But what exactly is a rate case and how does it work? Here’s a CUB explainer to help you understand.  Step #1 Utilities file for a…...

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CUB alerts Ameren, ComEd customers to new power prices

As of October 1, ComEd and Ameren Illinois are charging new supply rates, and customers should know what they are to avoid bad deals from alternative electricity suppliers.  The non-summer prices, through May 2024, are listed on the Illinois Commerce Commission’s electric choice website, PlugInIllinois.org:   Ameren Illinois 8.107 cents per…...

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