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Welcome to the online edition of The Spring 2025 CUB Voice! In order to devote the most resources to our free consumer services–including challenging rate hikes, running our Consumer Hotline (1-800-669-5556) and holding hundreds of events to help people cut their utility bills–CUB is printing and mailing a condensed CUB Voice. But this digital version has full coverage of how your CUB team is fighting for lower utility bills, clean energy and consumer protections. My special request: CUB receives no state funding—we rely on support from good people like you. Please help us continue to provide these critical services for Illinois consumers.

Thank you!
Sarah Moskowitz
CUB Executive Director

Casework Roundup: Enough! Gas utility pushes for record rate hike

The ink was barely dry on rate hikes granted electric and water utilities in 2024 when Nicor Gas and Ameren Illinois proposed new gas increases for 2025—including one that would be the largest gas increase in Illinois history. (Also, Peoples Gas has filed papers with state regulators indicating it might file for a rate hike.) Read our roundup of key CUB cases before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).

Thank you, Illinois consumers: Executive Director’s 2024 End-of-Year Report

Read our snapshot of how hard the CUB team worked for you and all Illinois consumers in 2024. We are grateful for your generous support. Our accomplishments are your accomplishments, and together we are making a difference for people across Illinois. On behalf of the CUB team, a warm, heartfelt thanks for your support. (Also read about our work defending your rights at the nation’s largest power grid operator.)

In memoriam: CUB Board Treasurer Kris Thomsen

CUB is sad to report that L. Kristofer Thomsen, a longtime member of the CUB Board of Directors and its treasurer, has passed away. Kris’ own, loveable brand of toughness became legendary in the CUB hallways. “Kris was a lovely person with a strong sense of justice who imposed his will on the world with fierce bluntness and hilarious sarcasm,” CUB Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz said. “We’ve lost a great friend and champion for the organization.” Read a tribute to Kris. 

New electric rates for ComEd and Ameren customers in 2025

In December 2024, state regulators granted a $606 million hike in delivery rates for ComEd and a $309 million increase for Ameren–those rate hikes are being spread out over four years. The rulings cut hundreds of millions of dollars in wasteful spending proposed by both utilities, reduced the rate hikes and did not allow increases in the companies’ profit rate for shareholders. But, of course, too many people are having a hard time affording their bills–we’ve got more work to do as consumer advocates. Read our breakdown of new electric rates for 2025.

Peoples Gas Customers Face Onslaught of Record-Breaking Rate Hikes Under Disputed Pipe-Replacement Program, Report Finds

A controversial proposal by Peoples Gas to continue overhauling its network of underground pipes would leave Chicagoans inundated by recurring rounds of record-breaking rate hikes over the next 15 years, a landmark report found. Meanwhile Peoples customers would continue to incur charges associated with the pipe-replacement program for another 75 years – or more than six decades after the utility currently estimates it will finish revamping its system of gas mains, according to the report. (The study can be found at PeoplesGasBoondoggle.org. In related news: Groups deliver more than 5,000 public comments calling for reform of Peoples Gas pipe replacement program.)

Consumer Victory: FERC Rejects PJM’s Anti-Consumer Transmission Proposal

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has rejected an anti-consumer proposal by PJM Interconnection and a group of transmission owners . The plan would have “threatened efficient, thoughtful regional transmission planning and further shielded the process from scrutiny. It would have served to enrich transmission owners much more than the public interest. We’re glad FERC saw through PJM and the Transmission Owners’ power grab,” CUB said in a statement. 

CUB supporters supply great photos for contest–and one lucky participant wins a gift card!

Congratulations to Paul from LaGrange for being randomly selected to win a $100 gift card as part of CUB’s Clean Energy Action Month photo contest. “I’m surprised!” Paul exclaimed. Take a look at the great photos people gave us.

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In November, CUB was the subject of a Chicago Sun-Times feature story to mark our 40th anniversary. The story began: “Utility bills can be confusing, but the nonpartisan Citizens Utility Board of Illinois has helped save consumers an estimated $20 billion in blocked rate hikes and refunds over the past 40 years.” Read the story on CUB’s WatchBlog.

With Chicago wind chills dropping below zero, Illinois PIRG, AARP Illinois and CUB delivered 5,000+ petition signatures to state regulators calling for reform of Peoples Gas’ mismanaged, over-budget pipe-replacement program. The program has been a big reason for Peoples Gas bills skyrocketing.

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CUB’s Outreach Team, pictured here in the office in October, says thank you to  CUB supporters who make their work possible. The team holds hundreds of educational events across the state each year and work with many partner organizations to educate Illinois consumers on their utility bills and saving money.

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