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efficiency

Energy Reports: Helpful or Headache?

Not too long ago, CUB began noticing an uptick in complaints about periodic “energy reports” being sent to consumers from the utility companies.  The reports give consumers information about their home’s natural gas and electricity usage, include tips on making homes energy efficient, and compare energy usage to neighbors. While the…...

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Take CUB’s Survey: Have you received a utility energy report?

Imagine this: You get a letter from your electric or gas utility that has colorful bar graphs and says something like this, “You used 21% more natural gas than your neighbors. That cost you about $102 extra.” Or maybe, your electricity/gas usage compares favorably to your neighbors and your  energy…...

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Baby, It’s Cold Outside

Just when we thought we were out of the woods, another record-breaking arctic blast has taken the country hostage. We know many of you are dreading your impending utility bills, so before it’s too late, find out how to cut costs and avoid the polar vortex punch. First, join CUB…...

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Say hello to LEDs

New federal efficiency standards marked the death of the traditional incandescent light bulb in 2014. You have three new options for bulbs now: incandescents that meet the new standards (usually made with halogen), compact fluorescent lights (CFL), and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). We’ve made a nifty infographic for you to learn more…...

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CUB on Fox Chicago: How to keep your home warm in the bitter cold

CUB’s consumer alert sparked a live interview on Fox Chicago. A cold snap like this shows how important energy efficiency is! Watch CUB’s Fox interview here....

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7 tips for protecting your home from the ‘damn cold’

The experts say Illinois is getting slammed by a “polar vortex,” a rotating pool of frigid air bringing dangerous, record-low temperatures and wind chills of up to 50 degrees below zero. But one Chicago native had a simple way of describing it: It’s “damn cold.” The same energy efficiency tips…...

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The Top 10 Best “Energy Songs” Ever

CUB just wrapped up a month-long contest asking consumers to submit and vote for the best energy-related song of all time. Although Eddy Grant’s “Electric Avenue” ran away with it, there were dozens of great entries. Here are our top ten: [youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=_BRv9wGf5pk] 1. Snap – I’ve Got The Power. An important reminder that…...

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