Protect yourself from disconnection with the following tips–and watch and share our new video. Be proactive. If you’re having difficulty paying your bills, call your utility. Here are the direct hotlines for major Illinois utilities: Ameren Illinois – 1-800-755-5000 Aqua Illinois – 1-877-987-2782 ComEd – 1-800-334-7661 Illinois American Water –…...
Preparing for an Expensive Summer: Your Energy Efficiency Shopping List
In 2021, homes across the country used about 235 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity to cool their homes–that’s about 16 percent of total residential energy consumption. So as we prepare for an expensive summer, it pays to improve your home’s efficiency. CUB put together a home-improvement shopping list for better energy…...
CUB releases tips in wake of governor’s disaster declaration
Dangerously low temperatures and up to a foot of snow prompted Gov. J.B. Pritzker to issue a disaster proclamation for all 102 counties and warn Illinois consumers about the possibility of “soaring utility bills.” . “The sub-zero temperatures are resulting in increased demand and decreased supply, causing natural gas prices…...
Beware High Bills! A Halloween Special
Although Halloween classics like Count Dracula, Freddie Krueger and Michael Meyers cause a fright, few things are scarier than paying high energy bills. In honor of the spooky season, CUB staffer Cate York created a new video, “Beware High Bills: A Halloween Special.” It’s a fun, quick summary of the…...
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…...
10 ways to get your home ready for summer
After the recent blast of wintry weather, it’s hard to believe summer is on the way, but it will be here before you know it. Now’s the time to get ready. 1) Schedule HVAC maintenance. Before the hot weather hits, schedule an appointment with an expert to check your equipment’s performance. An HVAC…...
Keeping your home comfortable without breaking the bank
Follow these winter tips to save energy and money. Don’t jack up your thermostat. The Department of Energy recommends keeping the thermostat at 68 degrees while you’re awake and at home. But when you’re asleep or away, you can turn it lower. Our friends at the Citizens Utility Board in Minnesota,…...