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CUB Statement on $83 Million Ameren Rate-Hike Request

Ameren Illinois customers have just suffered through one of the most expensive winter heating seasons in more than a decade, and now they face an $83 million electric rate-hike request. This is bad news for consumers, and it’s why we’re working to ensure the consumer-friendly rate-setting system (created by the Climate…...

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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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Statement by CUB Executive Director David Kolata on ICC Consumer Protection Measures Amid COVID-19 Crisis

We thank state regulators for their pro-consumer actions today. These are uncertain times, and the last thing consumers need is to have their utility service interrupted, or to have their health threatened by alternative supplier sales representatives knocking on their doors. As this public health crisis unfolds, we need to…...

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The guy at the door says he’s from the utility: Are you sure?

For more than 30 years CUB has battled Illinois utility companies to protect customers from exorbitant rate hikes–but we’ll stand with the utilities any day if it helps consumers avoid getting scammed. That’s why today CUB spoke at a news conference with ComEd, Peoples/North Shore Gas and Nicor Gas to warn…...

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In a jam with your utility? Don’t rule out Facebook, Twitter

Social media isn’t just for selfies and life updates. Facebook and Twitter can help you tackle utility problems. One Chicago couple recently took to Twitter to address a concern with Peoples Gas. Having had their heat turned off, they had made a payment to restore service. However, they reported that the utility…...

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An electric deal from…..Comcast?

By Samantha Vercellino Everybody knows that Comcast bundles cable, Internet and phone services, but did you know the company now sells electricity, too? Recently, a CUB staffer found a pitch for Comcast’s Energy Rewards plan in his email inbox. We decided to take a closer look at the deal. These…...

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Beware of utility imposters

More than 1,000 consumers have signed CUB’s petition asking legislators to help fight the utility imposter scam. In this awful scam, con artists knock on your door or call you, pretending to be from the regulated utility and demanding quick payment of a bill to avoid a service shut-off. It’s been…...

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Exposed: Lies about your gas bill!

Over 30 years of consumer advocacy, CUB has heard a lot of misinformation about utility service–yep, some real doozies! As winter approaches, here’s our list of the top 5 myths about your gas bill. Myth No. 1: There’s nothing you can do to cut your energy bills. CUB’s free online tool,…...

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11 ways to save energy (and money) this winter

In CUB’s recent statewide campaign promoting energy efficiency, one of our messages was that efficiency has always been about making your home more comfortable, but using less energy. Now that federal experts have predicted Midwest natural gas bills will jump by 13 percent compared with last winter, it’s time to…...

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CUB Analysis: Up To $37 Million Per Year In Potential EE Savings

CUB held news conferences across Illinois today to release a report that holds both good news and bad news for Illinois consumers. First the bad news: The Federal Energy Information Administration (EIA) recently released state fact sheets that indicate Illinois is one of the biggest household energy users in the…...

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