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Electric

Join the fight for affordable electric/gas bills

Today, we’re urging electricity customers across the state to sign petitions to the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), based on two recent ICC votes. The good news is that on Dec. 9, the ICC voted for a $66.7 million rate cut for ComEd customers. Rates were expected to go down, but…...

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A ‘greener’ take on this year’s holiday gift giving

By Samantha Vercellino Gift shopping can be stressful, especially when the holiday is right around the corner. But don’t fret; we’ve put together a list of our five favorite “green” gifts of 2015! Smart Crock-Pot: Unlike most slow cookers, the Smart Crock-Pot is Wi-Fi enabled which allows users to adjust its temperature…...

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Breaking: Good news, bad news for Illinois consumers

After a busy day at the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), ComEd customers received news that their rates are dropping by $66.5 million–but Ameren gas and electric customers got hit with a total of $150 million in rate hikes. Read CUB’s statements on the ComEd and Ameren decisions. In both cases…...

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8 ways to stay comfortably warm this winter

By Samantha Vercellino Polar vortex or not, winter is always cold—but staying warm and cozy shouldn’t break the bank. Follow CUB’s simple tips to live comfortably, and save, during the bitter cold. Heat efficiently. Your heating system, like any other machinery in your home, will eventually break down. That’s why…...

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Bright future: Good news from the Illinois Commerce Commission

The future for solar looks a little brighter in Illinois after two recent Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) rulings. The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) applauded the decisions after months of work in favor of the reforms.  “If Illinois wants to have a cheaper, cleaner and more stable…...

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CUB helps Chicago landlord out of $1,048 electric mistake

By Samantha Vercellino Hoping to get the property’s electric service switched back to his name, the Chicago landlord immediately called ComEd to sort out the details. According to Mark, a company representative claimed it would be an easy fix. However, two days later, Mark was hit with a $1,048 power bill.…...

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There isn’t a case CUB can’t help solve

By Samantha Vercellino Sometimes selling your house can be frustratingly hard–even for your electric bill. Mark DeVaun should know. The sale of his home was moving forward, and the electric service was switched to the buyer’s name. However, a missed down payment on the buyer’s end delayed the house closing…...

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How to be an energy-efficient pet owner

By Samantha Vercellino We love our pets—so much that we celebrate 115 pet awareness events throughout the year! (Don’t believe me? Check for yourself.) But living with a furry, feathery or scaly sidekick can make it a real challenge to be energy efficient. Follow these simple actions to make sure…...

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Money-saving tips to EAT up

By Samantha Vercellino As the days get shorter and colder, chances are we’ll be spending more time inside—and cooking. But before hitting the kitchen, look at these tips to ensure maximum savings during the festive-but-frigid months ahead. Plan accordingly. You don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen to…...

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Here’s why it pays to read the fine print

By Samantha Vercellino Richard Carlson is more than conscious of his home energy use. The Chicago resident, who owns a studio apartment, takes care in turning off the lights before work and using his air conditioner only on the hottest days. It is because of his commitment to being energy…...

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