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Good news- $17 million ComEd rate cut!

We thank the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) for approving a $17.5 million Commonwealth Edison rate cut. This is good news for ComEd customers. While building a more reliable power grid is a major undertaking, ComEd’s customers shouldn’t have to pay a penny more than what the utility can justify. This…...

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Don’t get HOT over your AC bill

Illinois households burn an average of $2,693 a year on energy bills, according to the federal Energy Information Administration, and half of that goes into heating and cooling. As summer approaches, it’s time to start thinking how to keep air conditioning bills from going through the roof. Repair or replace?…...

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What is the Future Energy Jobs Act? CUB analyzes Illinois’ biggest energy legislation in years

The Illinois General Assembly has passed the Future Energy Jobs Act, one of the most significant pieces of energy legislation in the past 20 years. CUB members should know about this new law. What is it?  The Future Energy Jobs Act (Senate Bill 2814) is a compromise bill that was…...

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How much are utility parent companies making?

Help us in the fight against these utility giants. Consider a small gift, whatever you can afford, to help us lower your electric, gas and telecom bills!...

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Debunking AT&T’s claims of “affordable, often cheaper” phone service

In its bid to end traditional home phone service in Illinois, AT&T also wants to abolish the low-cost “Consumer’s Choice” plans that CUB created under a legal settlement with the phone giant. CUB calls the plans the best local calling deals in the state, but the AT&T lobbyists have been circulating…...

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Budget cuts = higher utility bills

BREAKING: An initial budget plan from the White House calls for costly cuts that will lead to higher utility bills. (ACT NOW!) These are among a long list of programs targeted for elimination: Energy Star: Provides assistance for energy efficiency programs. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Assists low-income families with heating…...

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How does this winter heating season compare to the past?

Despite this sudden burst of winter weather in March, we finally can see the light at the end of the tunnel. So how did natural gas prices for this heating season (November- March) compare with last winter? The largest average increase in the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA) from last year…...

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Nicor wants a $208.5 million rate hike

BREAKING: Nicor Gas has filed for a $208.5 million rate hike. In a statement CUB said: Nicor Gas’ parent, Southern Company, made more than $2 billion in profits in 2016, so if the gas utility wants an increase it will have to prove that it needs one. CUB will give Nicor’s…...

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Like music to her ears : CUB helps violin instructor slash phone bill by $81

Imelda Kaminski, a violin instructor who’s been playing the instrument for 60 years, depended on her home phone service even more after her husband underwent spinal surgery—with all the calls to family, friends and doctors. Her husband’s recovery was her only concern until her AT&T bill arrived. It had soared…...

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Take action: Efficiency on the chopping block

CUB travels across Illinois, and we find that almost everyone supports energy efficiency—because it’s THE BEST WAY to lower utility bills. That’s why we’re asking you to send a message to Congress and the White House to protect efficiency. We were concerned a month ago when the American Council for an Energy-Efficient…...

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