Consumer wallets took a big hit in January, with four utility rate increases–and a new $53 million natural gas rate-hike request. On Jan. 1, ComEd and Ameren were awarded a combined electric rate increase of $436 million (about $232 million for ComEd and $204 for Ameren). CUB filed a “petition for…...
“Now is the time for Time-of-Use pricing”
Today, CUB and the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) urged ComEd and Ameren to offer optional “Time-of-Use” pricing plans in Illinois. Such plans would reward energy-efficient customers for shifting electricity use away from “peak” hours–when demand is high, prices skyrocket, and power plants produce the most pollution. These plans would not only save individual…...
Bracing for winter? CUB is!
At CUB we’re preparing for another busy winter. Are you ready? In the first half of 2014, CUB’s crew handled 2,507 complaints/inquiries from gas and electric customers reeling from polar vortex price spikes. That’s a 79 percent increase from the previous year. Despite this week’s burst of winter, the cold season isn’t…...
Enrollment for Peak Time Savings is Quick and Easy
CUB Director of Governmental Affairs Bryan McDaniel walked us through how to sign up for Peak Time Savings (PTS). PTS is a free program for ComEd customers with digital smart meters that credits customers for reducing electricity usage on certain high-demand summer days. Enrollment is quick and painless. Take a…...
ComEd Discounts: L-E-Delightful
We don’t want to induce a panic, but we have big news: ComEd is discounting LED light bulbs! Time to run to your nearest hardware store to take advantage of these long-lasting, energy-efficient lighting marvels. ComEd is offering the in-store instant discount as part of its Smart Ideas efficiency program. (The utility is required to offer…...
Act now to avoid skyrocketing electric prices
We’ve been updating you on two developments that could have disastrous consequences for your power bills. Now’s the time to act to protect YOUR interests. ComEd customers: Tell Congress to fix a terrible court ruling that could increase your rates by 20% A recent federal court ruling stripped power grid operator PJM (the…...
An expensive court decision for ComEd customers
We told you last week about an Appellate Court decision that could increase future ComEd power prices by 20 percent! It all revolves around energy efficiency programs known as “Demand Response”– aka”negawatts.” That’s when the manager of the power grid, an organization called PJM, pays huge industrial customers to shift…...
Updates to Chicago Power Calculator
CUB is hosting a news conference today to announce updates to the Chicago Power Deal Calculator in time for changing October electric rates. CUB launched the calculator this summer to help Chicago residents decide if they are better off staying with the City’s municipal aggregation deal with Integrys Energy Services or switching to…...
Update to Chicago Power Deal Calculator
CUB introduced the Chicago Power Deal Calculator in June to help you decide if the City’s deal with Integrys Energy Services was the right choice for you over the summer. Integrys recently announced rates for October 2014 through May 2015, and CUB has updated its calculator to help you determine whether…...
