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Energy

Federal stats: IL has lowest average electric bills in Midwest for 8th straight year

Recently released federal statistics show that for the eighth straight year Illinois has the lowest average residential electric bills in the Midwest. And in 2019, we had the fourth lowest bills in the nation. That’s encouraging, but there’s a lot of work left to do in order to secure clean,…...

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Sources for CUB’s Home Savings Guide

Be sure to read other CUB resources on how to save money: CUB’s Guide to Cutting Cable TV Costs CUB’s Cellphone guide “Saving on Cellphone Service” CUB Guide to Fighting Robocalls CUB’s Gas & Electric Guide: A Handbook for residential gas and electric customers in Illinois CUBHelpCenter.com Below is a…...

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Consumer advocates race against the clock to stop a big bill hike

As you know, CUB has been working to fend off a federal regulatory ruling that threatens to hit most Illinois consumers with a huge electric bill increase (up to $864 million a year). But we’re facing a roadblock and that’s why we need your help to fight an important and…...

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Chicago becomes national leader with EV ordinance that’s good for pocketbook, planet

Chicago has joined a small circle of U.S. cities pioneering policies to prepare for the projected growth in electric vehicles (EVs). On Friday, the City Council passed an ordinance that opens the door to cost-effective expansion of charging equipment in residential and commercial buildings. It’s called the Electric Vehicle Supply…...

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Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audit

Have some spare time at home and wondering how to bring down your utility bills? Conduct your own home energy audit, and use this guide as a handy checklist.  Switch to LEDs If you haven’t heard this before from CUB, we’ll say it again: Ditch your incandescents! Incandescent light bulbs…...

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ICC OKs new ComEd pilot program, giving electric customers more money-saving choices

Customers of Illinois’ largest electric utility are one step closer to enjoying another program to help them save money and lower their reliance on dirty sources of power: “Time-of-use” (TOU) pricing. Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) have been pressing for this innovative program for more…...

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CUB alerts Illinois utility customers to free services during crisis

The Citizens Utility Board has announced free services for Illinois utility customers during the public health crisis and shared tips on how consumers can protect their bottom line in these uncertain times. “In the middle of this unprecedented public health and economic crisis, the last thing anyone needs to worry…...

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COVID-19 crisis: How agencies that distribute energy assistance are impacted

Agencies that distribute Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds to help people afford their utility bills have been affected by COVID-19. The chart below gives a summary of those agencies. UPDATE for all utility customers: If you have a question about assistance programs to help you pay your…...

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Nexamp and Clearway: Two new community solar offers available to Illinois consumers

In this article, we’ll break down the terms and conditions of two community solar offers advertised by Nexamp and Clearway. Let’s start with the basics  What is “community solar”? Community solar is an exciting new program in Illinois that can help reduce your electric bill while supporting the development of new solar…...

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The “largest electric increase in state history”—unless Illinois passes CEJA

A Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) ruling could increase power bills for most Illinois consumers by up to $1.7 billion over the next decade—what could be the largest electric increase in state history—unless the General Assembly passes the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) in 2020. (Read CUB’s statement.)  Here’s what you…...

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