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CUB’s NEW Gas & Electric Guide

We are happy to announce that after months of research and writing by CUB’s experts, we are releasing an online Gas and Electric Guide, the first such publication in CUB’s 35-year history. This free handbook is a comprehensive guide to all the rules and regulations that govern how gas and electric utilities should…...

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It could be an expensive winter

Midwestern homes that heat with natural gas on average could see a 14.5 percent increase in bills this winter, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). But gas customers in Central and Southern Illinois are seeing their costs go down. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) says consumers will see higher heating bills due…...

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The forecast is sunny for La Grange principal’s electric bills

When Tim Sheldon moved to La Grange from a multi-unit building in Chicago two years ago, he finally got the opportunity to install solar panels, something he had been interested in for years. “In one hour the sun showers us with enough energy to power us for a year, we…...

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Last chance: Fight terrible water bill

A few weeks ago we told you that a terrible bill—an update to the Water Privatization Act—had to be passed again by the Illinois General Assembly because of a legal technicality. Here’s why the bill is terrible: It allows Illinois’ biggest private water monopolies (Illinois American and Aqua) to march…...

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Protecting yourself from a data breach

Online data breaches have been in the news a lot this year, so what can you do firsthand to avoid being a victim of identity theft? When a data breach strikes When news breaks of a data breach within a company that holds your information, it’s not always clear what…...

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Safety during a winter power outage

Power outages don’t just happen during storms on balmy summer days. Winter power outages can be more difficult due to the harsh cold. Here are some tips for staying safe if you find yourself caught in one. Getting prepared When a winter storm hits, you may not be able to…...

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Warn your neighbors

Warning: This fall, CUB uncovered one of the highest rates we’ve ever seen with an electric supplier. With Just Energy, “Amy” was locked on a payment of $60 per month for her electricity supply. With the amount of electricity she used in October, that meant she paid 24.9 cents per…...

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Help CUB continue fighting for consumers: #GivingTuesday

Today, Giving Tuesday, CUB has a special offer: Donate $30 or more to help fight rate hikes, and we will renew your CUB membership for 2019 and send you a soft roll-up blanket (48” X 53”) decorated with the CUB logo. (It’s a great holiday gift—perfect for fall sporting events or cozy…...

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‘Like magic’: Consumer Advocacy Department captures $108,000+ in savings

Each year, thousands of Illinois consumers contact CUB’s Consumer Advocacy Department (CAD), to ask a question or file a complaint about an electric, gas, or telecom/cable company behaving badly. In 2018 alone, the department saved people more than $108,000, including: • $62,082.76, for an apartment building that was the victim of…...

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Thank you

On this week of giving thanks, CUB wants to tell you how grateful we are that you are concerned about the fight for lower utility bills in Illinois. Thank you! Reminder: Next week is “Giving Tuesday” (Nov. 27), the national day for supporting nonprofits. But today we have a special early-bird offer:…...

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