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Solar

Making History: The results of Illinois’ first solar lottery

By Christina Uzzo CUB Environmental Outreach Coordinator  In a first in state history, the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) held a lottery to determine which proposed solar projects would receive funding through a new state program called the “Adjustable Block Program.” Hundreds of projects won funding, including 112 community solar projects…...

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No such thing as free solar panels (but they can be affordable!)

CLAIM: You can get free solar panels installed on your roof! FACT: Some companies offer solar panel installation for no money down, but it’s not exactly free—you’ll be renting the panels, monthly, for the term of the lease, which is usually 20 years. CUB RECOMMENDS: Explore all of your options.…...

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CUB Advocacy Item: Tell White House its tariff is bad for solar, bad for consumers

The White House this week announced a 30% tariff on imported solar panels. The tariff reportedly will decrease by 5% over a four-year span, ending at 15% in 2022. This decision will needlessly raise the cost of solar panels, which could stall or kill solar projects that help stabilize the…...

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New EDF/CUB study shows potential of real-time pricing to cut power bills

Ninety-seven percent of a sample of Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) customers would have saved money in 2016—without changing their electricity use—had they participated in a “real-time pricing” program in which power prices change hourly, according to new research released today. In a broad, first-of-its-kind study, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and the Citizens…...

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Join the fight against a crippling solar tariff

This is a special update about a threat to clean energy—and we’re asking you to send a message to the White House to show your support for solar power. On Halloween, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC)—a federal agency that provides trade expertise to the White House—recommended that President Trump…...

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CUB on repeal of Clean Power Plan: Bad news for consumers

As expected, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency today issued a proposed rule to repeal the Clean Power plan. Read the statement by CUB Executive Director David Kolata: “Any attempt by the Administration to weaken or repeal the Clean Power Plan is bad news for consumers. The Clean Power…...

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BREAKING: Trade officials open door for tariff that could be devastating to solar industry

In a 4-0 vote, the U.S. International Trade Commission today opened the door for the White House to impose tariffs that could more than double the cost of the imported solar panels so important to the health of our nation’s solar power industry. The Los Angeles Times reported that the…...

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Protect solar power—Oppose a tariff

We want to alert you about an important issue that could have a devastating impact on our efforts to fight for a more reliable and affordable power grid. Here’s a quick summary: A case before the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC)—a federal agency that provides trade expertise to the White…...

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State Capitol Update: LIHEAP and solar funds saved!

  CUB wants to thank those of you who took action to protect two excellent state programs: Illinois Solar for All and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). A few weeks ago, funding for those programs was in danger of being “swept”—or used for different purposes in the…...

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Send a message now: Support community solar!

CUB put out an emergency e-mail today to spark Illinoisans to send messages to Springfield in support of solar power. Last year, state regulators updated Illinois’ Community Solar Standard. The standard opens the door for entire neighborhoods to enjoy the money-saving benefits of solar energy—even families who can’t afford solar…...

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