CUB’s legal team faces an unprecedented challenge, as five of Illinois’ major utilities are asking for rate-hikes totaling more than $2 billion. Illinois consumers know how important this fight is–with the rising cost of living due to inflation, many of them face hard decisions. Nearly 34% of American households reduced…...
Peoples Gas pushing for $402 million rate hike– another fossil fuel increase!
Peoples Gas, which serves Chicago residents, was expected on Friday to file for a record $402 million rate hike–a roughly 59 percent increase in delivery rates, according to Crain’s Chicago Business. Its suburban sister company, North Shore Gas, also is expected to file for an $18.5 million, or about 19…...
Consumer alert: CUB releases tips on surviving expensive winter
With consumers facing higher heating bills this winter due to skyrocketing natural gas prices and aggressive utility spending, CUB released tips to help consumers get through an expensive winter. The watchdog has set up a special online resource, CUBHelpCenter.com, which explains why gas bills are high and offers safety and…...
Need to call your utility? Here’s a list of utility hotlines
Your utility bills will always list a number you can call if you need to reach the company that provides you with service. But if you don’t have your bill handy, CUB compiled a list. Utility hotlines ComEd: Residential: 1-800-EDISON-1 (1-800-334-7661) Spanish: 1-800-95-LUCES (1-800-955-8237) Business: 1-877-4-COMED-1 (1-877-426-6331) Emergencies: 1-800-334-7661 Payment arrangements and credit issues; 1-800-334-7661…...
Consumer advocates secure utility protections after hard winter
Throughout the pandemic, consumer advocates, state regulators and utilities have negotiated consumer protections to try to keep people connected to service. The following is a summary of the latest protections, broken down by the major utilities in the state, according to the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). After reading this, CUB…...
Brace yourself: October gas prices more than double 2020 supply rates
Most Illinois natural gas utilities in October are charging more than double their 2020 prices, according to preliminary tariff filings. Natural gas prices have been on the rise since early this year, causing growing concern as winter weather draws near. These appear to be the highest winter heating season prices…...
CUB, AG challenge North Shore Gas’ $10.6 million rate hike
North Shore Gas is seeking an unjust $10.6 million rate hike fueled by an inflated profit rate for its shareholders, according to testimony CUB filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). The testimony is part of an overall effort by consumer advocates, including the Illinois Attorney General’s office, to wipe…...
Illinois gas utilities ring in the new year with higher rates
Illinois’ major gas utilities are kicking off 2021 by raising the price per therm for January. This across-the-board increase is on track with predictions made by the Energy Information Administration (EIA) at the beginning of this heating season. The price per therm you’re paying for natural gas in January, also…...
