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CUB calls on governor to veto a bad water bill

CUB made headlines this week when the watchdog group stood with state senators and suburban mayors to ask Gov. Bruce Rauner to veto House Bill 4508, legislation that will give special treatment to Illinois’ most powerful private water companies and opens the door for higher water rates for people across the…...

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Are rising gas prices pushing Chicagoans to EVs?

Whether you’re environmentally conscience or searching for better economic choices, Electric Vehicles (EVs) present benefits across the board, especially in cities with rising gas prices, like Chicago. A spokesman for AAA said earlier this month that Chicago’s average gas price was $3.46 a gallon, a 35 percent increase from last…...

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Ameren customers: Tell the ICC to oppose new rate hikes

CUB is asking Ameren customers to tell the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to oppose excessive Ameren rate hikes.  This year, Ameren announced significant drops in its rates due to a decrease in the corporate tax rate on the delivery side of the bill and a drop in market electricity prices. Good…...

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Beware of A/C scams in a heat wave

The hot summer months can pose a threat to your health if you’re not careful. It can also be a threat to your wallet. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says home and business owners should be extra careful when heat warnings take place. Rising temperatures are a perfect time for…...

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CUB, suburban leaders urge Gov. Rauner to veto HB 4508

Suburban Chicago leaders and the state’s top consumer watchdog group on Monday urged Gov. Bruce Rauner to veto a bill that will give special treatment to Illinois’ most powerful private water companies, making it easier for them to buy municipal water systems and slap their customers with higher rates. At…...

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Tell CUB about your worst bill

We all have that one bill. The one that we dread opening when we see that familiar envelope in the mail, or the sender in our inbox. The bill that feels like throwing a whole lot of money down the drain. What’s your worst bill? Tell us and get a chance…...

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Electric vehicles taking Chicagoans to O’Hare in 12 minutes

Can Chicago-area residents cut down their airport travel time to a measly 12 minutes? That may soon be a reality according to Tesla creator and super-entrepreneur Elon Musk. Musk met with Mayor Rahm Emanuel last week to discuss plans of a high-speed electric vehicle (EV) system that could take travelers…...

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Generous CUB supporters are matching your donations

This week, some generous CUB supporters are matching your donations. So giving $10 is more like giving $20! Two major cases could raise our electric bills: The White House is considering an unprecedented 2-year bailout of failing coal plants—a drastic move that could cost consumers billions of dollars. Giant power…...

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Solar job training in Marion, IL

Thanks to the Future Energy Jobs Act, solar job training is thriving in Marion, Illinois. Partnering with Elevate Energy, GRID Alternatives, Another Energizing Solar Installation and Advanced Energy Solutions, Williamson County’s Habitat for Humanity recruited 10 trainees from Lutheran Social Services to get a head start on some of the…...

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Anatomy of a Bad Deal

When Robert Smith’s gas bills suddenly shot up, he was confused. He was supposed to be paying less for gas with alternative gas supplier Energy Rewards than with the regulated utility in his area, Nicor. So he sat down to compare what he had been paying with Energy Rewards to…...

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