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electric bills

CUB’s NEW Gas & Electric Guide

We are happy to announce that after months of research and writing by CUB’s experts, we are releasing an online Gas and Electric Guide, the first such publication in CUB’s 35-year history. This free handbook is a comprehensive guide to all the rules and regulations that govern how gas and electric utilities should…...

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The forecast is sunny for La Grange principal’s electric bills

When Tim Sheldon moved to La Grange from a multi-unit building in Chicago two years ago, he finally got the opportunity to install solar panels, something he had been interested in for years. “In one hour the sun showers us with enough energy to power us for a year, we…...

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These energy myths are costing you money

Are you paying more than you should for your utilities? In honor of National Energy Awareness month, take CUB’s energy myths quiz, and you could win $100 toward your bills! CUB fights every day to keep the big electric and gas companies from ripping you off but all consumers can…...

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Environmental groups, state leaders rally against bailout of coal plants

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced plans to replace the Clean Power Plan with the Affordable Clean Energy (ACE) plan. CUB argues the new plan is a bailout for failing coal-fired power plants and threatens to raise our electric bills. Today, Chicago hosted the only hearings in which the…...

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Alternative supplier salesman gives customer simple script to close sale: ‘Say yes’

When Delores met James, a salesman from Illinois Gas & Electric, she says she was a bit confused by his offer, but he insisted it was a good deal. She wanted to take notes, but James never gave her pen back after borrowing it to write on her bill. And what…...

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Special report: Community power deals

Note from the editors: If you like this information, please consider making a donation to support our ongoing research of the energy markets, and to help fight billions of dollars in current and future rate hikes. (If you can’t contribute now, no worries. We’re glad you read the article!)    …...

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“Vampire power” could be to blame for your high electric bill

Turning your electronics off when you’re not using them seems like a simple way to cut down on your power bill. But that won’t stop “standby power,” a.k.a. vampire power. Think about your toaster, coffee maker, televisions, desktop computers and DVRs. You may leave these devices off for periods of time, but…...

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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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Good news/bad news on Ameren bills

There have been major developments concerning your Ameren natural gas and electric bills. Here’s a summary: The bad news: Rate hikes! Earlier this year, Ameren filed for a $46.6 million gas rate hike before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Now, it also wants a $71.75 million electric hike. The increases…...

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The 5 questions you should ask every time you open your electric or gas bill

CUB staffs more than 400 events a year, which means on average not a day goes by where CUB isn’t somewhere showing someone how to save money. Our utility-bill clinics are great events, but we want to empower consumers to do their own bill analysis. Read our how-to article, “5…...

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