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utility bills

Consumer advocates fight for extended COVID-19 protections for utility customers

After a historic agreement between consumer advocates and Illinois’ major utilities, state regulators are now considering the most comprehensive COVID-19 utility relief measures in the country. This plan could serve as a national model for helping utility customers struggling to pay their bills during the worst economic crisis since the…...

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This week’s e-newsletter: 5 questions you should ask about your high gas/electric bills

“Why is my bill so high?” Danielle Holmes, Consumer Rights Specialist, gets that question a lot. Over the past 9 years she has counseled thousands of utility customers a year. Taking a hard look at your utility bills is probably not your favorite pastime—but Danielle has found that you can…...

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Energy myths busted

Congratulations to CUB’s Energy Myths Quiz winners: Regina from Aurora and Patricia of Oak Lawn! They each won $100 off their October utility bills for taking the time to bust some energy myths. Whether you took the quiz or not, check out the answers below to see how your energy…...

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Tell Gov. Rauner to fight rate hikes that cover utility legal fees

Did you know that under Illinois law your hard-earned money helps to cover utility company legal fees?     According to a review by CUB’s legal department, ComEd, Ameren and the other big utilities have charged their Illinois customers about $60 million on legal fees and other expenses trying to…...

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How high are electric bills? Way too high!

Last week, we sent consumers the new electric rates for 2018 (for ComEd and Ameren) and asked them a simple question: Tell us what you think of your electricity bills–are they too high? Here are some of the answers: “Way too high.” -Lewis J. “Seems ComEd gets a charge raising the…...

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Victory in Springfield: Funding restored for excellent utility program

Good news out of Springfield this week: General Assembly leaders and the governor restored funding for the Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)—an essential program that helps keep electric and gas bills affordable for  roughly 50,000 low-income customers. After months of campaigning from consumer advocates, including CUB and more than 1,700 of you who…...

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Beat the Chill: 8 Ways to Prepare Your Home For Winter

By: Samantha Vercellino Don’t let the unusually warm weather the past two weeks fool you. October marks the opening of the winter heating season. Jack Frost will be at your doorstep soon, which means there’s not much time left to get your home ready before the cold hits. Follow CUB’s…...

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Money-saving programs to brag about

By Samantha Vercellino Thanks to efficiency programs offered by Illinois’ major utilities saving energy—and money— is easier than ever before. CUB chose five of its favorite energy efficiency programs from across Illinois. (See them below in no particular order.) ComEd’s Lighting Discounts Lighten your utility woes by switching to newer energy-saving…...

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Great advice and savings at CAPS Energy Efficiency Event

CUB was honored to be invited to a CAPS (Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy) Energy Efficiency Event at Chicago’s 7th District Police Station Thursday.  Several CUB staffers were on hand to help residents uncover savings in their phone, gas, and electric bills. Aimee Gendusa-English, CUB’s community service liaison, had the opportunity to look over the…...

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From the CUB files: Top 5 worst consumer horror stories

As CUB approaches its 30th anniversary, we’ve compiled a list of some of the worst consumer horror stories we’ve ever heard. What better way to celebrate Halloween? 1) The phone plan that ate my bank account! It sounds like the title of a 1950s creature feature, but, unfortunately, it’s reality for…...

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