Gas prices for five of Illinois’ 9 major utilities are elevated, compared with a year ago, led by Liberty Utilities, which is charging a supply price that is about 120 percent higher; Nicor Gas, with a price about 39 percent higher, and Consumers Gas, which is charging a price that is…...
CUB applauds passage of the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability (CRGA) Act
The following is a statement from Citizens Utility Board (CUB) Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz: The General Assembly’s passage of the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability (CRGA) Act is a victory for Illinois consumers. Our escalating energy bills require solutions at the state, regional, and federal levels, so passing the CRGA…...
Data center distress: CUB, NRDC experts warn PJM states could get hit with forced blackouts, $163B in electricity capacity costs
Record new demand from data centers is driving up energy costs and concerns about reliable power supply. Preliminary utility forecasts in PJM Interconnection, the largest power grid operator in the country, show that data centers could require more than 50 gigawatts of peak electricity capacity by 2030 — enough to…...
New Illinois Shines resources for buying and selling a house with solar panels
The Illinois Power Agency has released new handouts to help homeowners better understand the process of buying or selling a house with an Illinois Shines solar project: Selling Your Home That Has an Illinois Shines Solar Project Buying a Home That Has an Illinois Shines Solar Project These materials have…...
Regulatory opinion favors cutting Ameren gas rate hike by $44 million, half the reduction consumers are due, watchdogs say
A $128.8 million gas rate hike proposed by Ameren Illinois would shrink by about one-third, under a recommendation pending before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). But consumer advocates said Thursday that state regulators should cut much deeper when they issue a final ruling on the threat of another stinging increase…...
Free solar panels? Breaking down solar offers for Illinois consumers
CLAIM: You can get free solar panels installed on your roof! FACT: Some companies offer solar panel installation for no money down, but it’s not free—customers will be renting the panels monthly for the term of the lease (usually 15+ years). CUB RECOMMENDS: Explore your options. While leasing may make…...
Regulatory judges recommend reducing Nicor rate hike by $100 million, consumer advocates urge regulators to cut further
A recommendation pending before state regulators would shave a record-setting rate hike proposal now looming over 2.3 million Nicor Gas customers by more than $100 million, or about one-third, but consumer advocates say there is more fat to trim from the prosperous utility’s bid for a bloated increase in heating…...
CUB’s money-saving events in October
CUB’s Outreach team travels across the state to staff free events giving consumers energy efficiency tips for their home, educating them on how clean energy can cut their utility bills and helping people protect themselves from scams and rip-offs. Now in the winter heating season, CUB can help you learn…...
New ComEd Electricity Price Still Elevated, But CUB Warns Consumers to Beware of Bad Alternative Supplier Deals
After an expensive summer, Commonwealth Edison’s new supply price has dropped slightly but is still about 47 percent higher than last year, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) said Wednesday. Even though ComEd’s price is elevated, the watchdog urged consumers to review the “Supply” section of their bills to confirm they…...
