(800) 669-5556

Blog

Stop: The “Raise Our Utility Bills Act”

New legislation was introduced in Washington this month that would kill efficiency standards and potentially hit Americans with billions of dollars in higher utility costs. H.R. 117 is called the “Energy Efficiency Free Market Act of 2017,” but a better name would be the “Raise Our Utility Bills Act.” The…...

Read more

New electric rates for Ameren customers

Ameren customers may be pleasantly surprised to see their new electric rates for 2017, but CUB is fighting for an even bigger rate decrease. The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) has approved a $14.5 million Ameren electric rate decrease that took effect Jan. 1. CUB is glad that rates have dropped,…...

Read more

New electric rates for ComEd customers

With the new year comes new electric rates for Illinoisans. The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved a $127.5 million ComEd delivery rate hike. The 5 percent increase took effect Jan. 1 and is expected to raise average bills (660 kilowatt-hours a month) by $2. CUB is challenging the rate hike…...

Read more

Want to lower your cellphone data bill?

One of the biggest sources of frustration for smartphone users is exorbitant data rates. However, there are measures you can take to prevent paying more than you have to on your next bill. (The Cleveland Plain Dealer ran a series of stories about data overages, including some really helpful tips, after…...

Read more

Fight for lower Illinois American Water rates

CUB’s putting out a statewide consumer alert because we need your help in a case before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Customers of Illinois American Water have just received a $35.3 million rate hike. We helped reduce the proposed increase by about $14 million—but we think we can cut it even…...

Read more

New gas prices for January

Most natural gas customers in Illinois will see higher gas rates in January, according to new numbers released by utilities. The most notable increase is Nicor, which is at 42 cents/ therm this month, up from 27 cents/therm this time last year. Liberty Utilities is the lone utility with a…...

Read more

Beware! New year, new electric rates

As of Jan. 1, the electric rates for both Ameren and ComEd customers have changed. For Ameren electric customers, rates have dropped about $14.5 million. However, CUB believes customers deserve an even bigger cut: a total of $22 million. That’s why the watchdog filed a petition of rehearing with the…...

Read more

Northwest Herald: Thumbs up to CUB!

The Northwest Herald of Crystal Lake used its last editorial of 2016 to praise CUB for the cable guide we released in December. “Thumbs up: to the Citizens Utility Board for releasing its first ever guide to help TV viewers cut down on costs,” the Northwest Herald wrote. Thanks for…...

Read more

CUB cable campaign makes headlines across Illinois

We launched an education campaign for cable customers in mid-December, and it’s been making headlines across the state. Some examples of the coverage we’ve received: Comcast-owned station asks if cable bills are too high, Broadcasting Cable CUB offering guide on cutting on TV costs, Champaign News-Gazette CUB releases guide to…...

Read more

CUB’s 2016 year in review

Thanks to your generous support, CUB helped saved Illinois consumers some $35 million in 2016, and we secured a major victory in Springfield. But we have more battles in the new year.  Policy Team: Efficiency victory in Springfield CUB helped pass the Future Energy Jobs Bill (Senate Bill 2814). We supported…...

Read more