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Energy

How do Illinois consumers feel about smart meters?

As ComEd and Ameren begin the enormous task of installing nearly 5 million digital smart meters across the state over the next decade, we polled more than 1,000 weekly e-newsletter subscribers to get their thoughts on the new technology. We also invited consumers to submit their comments and questions about digital smart meters. Find…...

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The quest for a smarter power grid begins today

Today, Illinois’ biggest electric utility will begin installing digital “smart meters” in Chicago’s western suburbs, launching an ambitious plan to give 4 million customers new meters by 2021. These new meters, built in a plant on the city’s South side, are a symbol of high-tech upgrades, collectively called the “smart grid,”…...

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Land of Lincoln an energy leader

If you’ve ever driven the vast expanse between Chicago and Cairo—past nuclear power plants, corn fields, giant wind turbines, coal mines and oil wells—it’s not hard to believe that Illinois is an energy leader in the U.S. But just how much energy does the Land of Lincoln produce? Here’s how…...

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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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And the award for best energy song goes to…

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vtPk5IUbdH0] Electric Avenue, the 1982 hit by reggae artist Eddy Grant, has been voted the best energy song of all time by Illinois consumers. CUB’s month-long contest asked music-lovers and energy nerds alike to submit their favorite energy-themed song on Facebook for a chance to win a month of free…...

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Where does your electricity come from?

When you flip on a ceiling fan or hit the power button on your TV remote, do you have ANY idea where that energy comes from? On any given day, it’s impossible to know exactly what power source—coal, nuclear, wind, etc.—is generating the electrons flowing into your home. But you…...

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We’ve got a winner!

After some seriously good entries from fans of CUB, Douglas of Park Forest was chosen as the winner of our cartoon caption contest. Douglas was chosen randomly out of about 100 people who entered the contest. His caption — “I know it’s inconvenient, honey, but look at what we save in…...

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Should ceiling fan efficiency standards be strengthened?

There’s a new battle brewing in Washington, and the target may be hanging in your living room. The House of Representatives last month voted to withhold money from the Department of Energy that the agency would use to consider updated efficiency standards for ceiling fans. Originally enacted by Congress in…...

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Win up to $900 of free electricity!

Presence Health is partnering with CUB in a contest encouraging Illinois consumers to go green and lower their utility bills. Here’s how it works: Community members and Presence Health employees can sign up for CUB Energy Saver—that’s CUB’s free bill-cutting service—as a member of any hospital’s energy-saving team. At the end of summer,…...

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5 no-cost tips to cut your summer energy bills

Summer is here, and along with all the fun stuff comes an annual spike in our electric bills.  To keep more money in your pocket for road trips, pool visits and ice cream, here are five no-cost tips to cut your summer energy costs: Avoid placing lamps or TV sets…...

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