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Today in Springfield

Here’s why we need your help fighting Peoples Gas: Check out the latest numbers on your gas utility’s spending spree. Crain’s Chicago Business reports that capital spending at Peoples (and its smaller sister company) is “set to explode” to $3 billion over the next five years. In one year, Peoples Gas…...

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CUB honored by gift in memory of Chris Conrad

Illinois man remembered as kind-hearted seeker of knowledge  As the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) celebrates its 35th anniversary, we are honored to receive a generous gift from the Chris Conrad Memorial Light-the-Way Fund. The $20,000 gift honors Chris Conrad’s lifelong passion for shining a light on inequity and injustice. We…...

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Water: You pay, so you deserve a say

You pay your water bill, so you should have a say in whether your water system gets privatized. That’s the idea behind House Bill 2392, legislation in Springfield that would require municipalities to hold a referendum before selling off a public water and sewer system. Tell your state legislators to support…...

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A thing called capacity—and why it could be devastating to our power bills

When CUB threw its support behind the Clean Energy Jobs Act, the watchdog said one of the biggest reasons is an ongoing battle with fossil fuel generators in a special electricity market called the capacity market. If we don’t do something, this could cost most electric customers in the state…...

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Working hard for consumers in Springfield

Legislative update by Bryan McDaniel, CUB Director of Governmental Affairs A cold, snowy winter isn’t going to stop CUB from advocating on your behalf at the state Capitol. During the summer months I attend CUB outreach events in order to experience firsthand the best part of working at CUB, helping…...

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Peoples Gas sets lowest rate in almost 3 years (plus, see your March gas prices)

Amid a pipeline-replacement program that could lead to a Chicago heating-affordability crisis, Peoples Gas customers have a little relief: Its March rate dropped to its lowest in three years, at 26.53 cents per therm. That’s the lowest price Peoples Gas customers have seen since June of 2016, when the price…...

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Why CUB’s fighting for the Clean Energy Jobs Act

This morning, CUB joined with 200 consumer groups, environmental advocates, clean energy businesses, and community leaders to support the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA). The legislation, Senate Bill 2132/House Bill 3624, sets a path for Illinois to keep utility bills in check as it works to be powered by 100…...

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ICC investigates four alternative suppliers

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has brought four cases against alternative electric suppliers for allegedly violating marketing-related rules. CUB has gotten involved in the cases to make sure consumers’ voices are heard. Buried in the legal language are stories from consumers alleging outrageous behavior from some alternative suppliers. Here’s a…...

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CUB in Your Neighborhood: March 2019 events

As part of CUB’s 35th Anniversary Clean Bill Campaign, we’re aiming to staff at least 500 events in 2019 with our Outreach team. The campaign’s goal is to clean utility bills of bad deals and wasteful spending, and to educate people about opportunities with clean energy in Illinois. Here’s where…...

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Free Guide: 10 Ways To Cut Smartphone Data Waste

Late last year, a study was released that showed we pay some of the highest data costs on Earth. Are any of us surprised? Using your smartphone to access the Internet can be painfully expensive if you invest in an unlimited plan, or go over your plan’s data limit. That’s why…...

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