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Winter

Are you ready for when the cold wind blows? Here’s a winter prep list

With the winter heating season beginning Oct. 1, it’s time to get your home ready for cold weather. Outside: Repair damaged shingles, windows and doors. Clear your gutters of any leaves or debris to prevent any roof damage. Inspect your yard for any tree branches that could interfere with power…...

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CUB Executive Director David Kolata’s statement on Nicor rate hike

The following is a statement from Citizens Utility Board (CUB) Executive Director David Kolata on Nicor Gas’ $240 million rate hike.  It’s unacceptable that Nicor Gas pushed for higher rates—its third record request in four years—while people are struggling under a pandemic and the highest winter heating prices in more…...

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CUB Q&A: What’s a heat pump, and how is it a key to our clean energy future?

With the ever-changing landscape of utilities and energy in Illinois, one topic that has recently gained traction is the use of heat pump systems. In addition to their potential to save consumers money, heat pumps are frequently cited as a way to promote more equitable changes in energy policy, and decarbonize buildings around the state. But…...

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Top to bottom: Is your home ready for winter?

It may not feel like winter yet, but the battle for your heating bills begins right now. Here’s a top-to-bottom checklist to get your home ready. Outside the house Repair damaged shingles. Inspect your gutters. If they’re filled with leaves, that can lead to winter damage to your home’s siding…...

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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,…...

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Yes, it’s time to start thinking about winter

It may not seem like it, but winter is approaching and it’s time to make your monthly to-do list for getting your home ready for the cold season. A suggested schedule: September: -Have your furnace inspected by a certified HVAC professional before the winter. If you have a heating system…...

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Give us your best winter efficiency tips, you could win $100

As we pull out our winter jackets from storage and hunker down for the (hopefully  short) winter, CUB wants to receive your best cold-weather energy efficiency tip. We want to hear hear from the real experts on Illinois winters: utility customers like you! Fill out this form and you could be randomly…...

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Prepare your home for the cold!

It may be hard to believe that winter is coming with balmy temperatures on the first day of fall, But now is the time to prepare your home for the cold months ahead. Make sure your windows and doors are properly prepared by: Inspecting cracked or broken glass, examining door frames…...

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Good news: Gas prices down by 30-70%

One year ago, Illinois residents were recovering from a polar vortex that pushed natural gas prices as high as a record $1.21 a therm. Flash forward to this spring and gas prices have fallen by as much as 84 cents per therm. The prices change on a monthly basis, but…...

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Don’t say the “P” word

by Samantha Vercellino The weather is about to change–and not in a good way. Painful memories of last winter will resurface this week as the Midwest welcomes back the “polar vortex” which was triggered by Super Typhoon Nuri, the National Weather Service says. The Artic outbreak will bring below-average temperatures for…...

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