CUB guide Archives | Citizens Utility Board

What is Electrification? A CUB Explainer

Elizabeth — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 15:56:24 +0000

What’s with all the buzz about electrification? CUB has a new “Better Heat” guide that explains this topic in-depth, but here’s a quick CUB explainer to help break it all down. What is electrification? Building electrification is the process of replacing fossil-fueled equipment like furnaces and natural gas stoves with their electric counterparts. Switching to electricity to run your home means that your energy can come from clean and more affordable sources like solar or wind, improve indoor air quality and help protect you from high gas costs. Why does CUB support it? CUB supports the transition to electrification because Illinoisians simply can’t afford not to. Gas is bad for our bottom lines: The volatile gas market subjects customers to recurring price spikes and high charges linked to aggressive utility spending. Currently, Illinois consumers face about $887 million in rate-hike requests by the state’s major gas utilities. These problems are felt statewide but seem to be most severe in Chicago, where about one in five customers are consistently one month or more behind on their gas bills. (Last month, we held a protest at the Peoples Gas Headquarters against their record $402 million rate-hike request.) Gas is bad for our health: There is mounting evidence that gas stoves pollute your home’s air. Sustainability think tank RMI linked the typical use of gas stoves to a 42 percent increase in rates of childhood asthma and additional health problems. Gas is bad for the planet: Heating with gas is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. RMI found that 10 states account for nearly 60 percent of greenhouse gas emissions from buildings — and Illinois ranks third. Natural gas isn’t a sustainable option, either environmentally or financially, in the long run. It’s time for consumers to explore alternatives. How do we electrify? Electrification requires planning–this won’t happen overnight. But there are steps you can take now to get started. Complete your checklist of energy efficiency upgrades. CUB’s Clean Energy page has information on tips and programs to make your home more efficient. A home energy audit can help you make a checklist of improvements. Making your home as efficient as possible maximizes savings before you switch from gas. Plus, it’ll help when the time comes to purchase an electric heat pump (see below) to replace your gas heat: An energy-efficient home may require a smaller, less expensive pump. Manage your energy use. When you use energy is as important as how much you use. You can participate in “demand response” programs in which you can put off the bulk of your electricity usage to times when electricity demand is lower. By reducing peak electricity demand, these programs help make the power grid cleaner and more reliable, and they can help you save money. Consider using more renewable energy– you can do this by subscribing to a community solar offer or installing solar panels on your home. There has never been a better time to go solar. Once you’ve done these, consider switching from gas to electric appliances. Geothermal heat pumps are the most efficient method to heat and cool your homes and […]

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CUB releases first-ever Solar Guide: new resource shows IL consumers how to secure clean, affordable energy with solar

Elizabeth — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 15:58:14 +0000

This Earth Week, CUB released its first-ever solar guide to help consumers learn more about and navigate their solar energy options in the state. CUB’s Guide to Solar is a free, comprehensive introduction to solar energy for your home. Written in plain, easy-to-understand language, the guide educates consumers on how solar panels work, provides an overview of solar programs available in Illinois, details solar financing options, and concludes with a solar glossary and other helpful resources. The guide also explains Illinois Solar for All, a program to help income-qualified households go solar, and it introduces consumers to Community Solar, a program that helps people enjoy the benefits of solar, even if they can’t put panels on their property. “With all the incentives available, there has never been a better time to take advantage of solar power in Illinois, but during this solar boom, people need a consumer advocate in their corner,” said Marina Minic, solar programs coordinator at CUB and one of the lead authors of the guide. “We hope this guide provides consumers with a helpful roadmap so they can navigate the technical details and the sales pitches to determine the best option for their own household.” Minic said the passage of Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act in 2021 and the federal Inflation Reduction Act in 2022 created the most beneficial incentives in the history of the solar industry. Now consumers have more choices, and it’s not unusual to have solar sales representatives coming to your door. The 20-page guide is available for free on CUB’s website. For more information, check out CUB’s Clean Energy page and CUB’s Guide Catalog.

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What’s the deal with air source heat pumps? CUB investigates

Elizabeth — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 17:43:18 +0000

By David Weaver Carbon Free Buildings Coordinator Do you have questions about Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs)? What are they? How do they work? Are they capable of heating my home in the winter? Will they save me money? Should I make the switch? These are all important questions that we get asked almost daily here at CUB, and to make sure we are able to provide the most accurate information to our consumers, I had to start researching and asking some experts. What are air source heat pumps and how do they work? Heat pump systems are another method for heating and cooling your home in a more energy-efficient and cost-effective manner. Much like a refrigerator, heat pump systems utilize electricity to move heat from cool spaces to warm spaces and vice versa. Because heat pump systems move heat rather than generate it, they are a more economically sound way of warming your home. This is because when properly installed, an ASHP can provide 300% more heat energy to a home than electricity used. ASHPs can use a home’s existing ductwork or use mini-splits. Mini-splits have a head that goes up on the wall and depending on your home’s needs you can install heads in various rooms with each controlled separately. Are they capable of keeping my home comfortable? ASHPs are more efficient at cooling homes than air conditioning units and should have no issue keeping homes cool in the summer as long as they are properly designed. In fact, as many models of ASHPs, especially cold climate heat pumps, have variable speed compressors, they are often considered more comfortable than A/C units because they can maintain a steady temperature, whereas A/C units often have to turn on and off throughout the day causing significant temperature fluctuations in the home. Cold Climate ASHPs operate more efficiently and less expensively than furnaces, electric resistance heaters and broilers. Of course this efficiency advantage lessons on frigid days, when the temperature drops below zero for an extended period of time. Some models are designed to work with backup electric heating or another system that kicks in at a certain temperature. However, a properly designed cold climate air source heat pump can keep a home comfortable even on days when the ambient temperature goes below -13 degrees. One way to improve the performance of your heat pump is to make sure your home is properly insulated and weatherized. John McKinnon installed a heat pump to cool and heat his family’s home, a more than 100 year-old building in Chicago that didn’t have air conditioning. “We were already interested in energy efficiency and to stop using polluting fossil fuels, (fortunately) the upfront costs of the heat pump (which cools and heats) were almost the same as putting in a new A/C system,” he wrote. “So to us it wasn’t much of a choice because we saved money with energy efficient rebates, will continue to save money over time, and it was another move towards electrifying our building.” The ASHP performed well in their first summer and winter. “The temperature is very balanced with units installed throughout our […]

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The EV Buyer’s Handbook: A summary

Elizabeth — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 19:38:23 +0000

For your convenience, we offer this summary of the EV Buyer’s Handbook. You can order the full guide for free on our guide order form. Introduction An electric vehicle is any car or truck that plugs into an electric socket. It has a battery that stores energy to power an electric motor (or two, three, or four motors) that propels the vehicle. Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) is an all-electric vehicle. Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) has both an electric motor and a gasoline engine. A PHEV runs on electricity until the battery runs down and then automatically switches to gas. Note: A car must be able to plug into the electricity grid to be considered an EV. Hybrid cars, such as the Toyota Prius, aren’t EVs because they are fueled by gasoline, but have an electric motor making them a more fuel-efficient internal combustion vehicle (ICV). Costs: EV vs ICV While the sticker price of a new EV is higher than a comparable ICV, many EVs are eligible for federal rebates and state purchase incentives that help reduce the costs. Also, EV operating costs are lower than traditional ICV cars. While EVs are typically 10-15% more expensive than comparable gasoline models, maintenance costs are 40% lower for EVs and electricity for charging is less expensive than gas. You may also find that your insurance costs are higher for an EV, because the value of the car and the cost of parts and labor to fix it after a collision are higher. EV Range EV range depends on the storage capacity of the battery and the efficiency of the vehicle, though bigger batteries mean higher costs. It’s a good idea to estimate your maximum daily travel and get a vehicle with at least twice that amount of range. The average car in Illinois travels less than 40 miles a day and the typical all-battery EV (BEV) has a range of at least 100 miles, so an EV covers many needs. EV Rebates and Fees Rebates– Illinois passed the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which provides a state-level rebate of up to $4,000 to help reach a goal of over 1 million EVs on Illinois roads by 2030. Plus, there are federal incentive programs. The federal tax credit is $7,500 for most EVs, based on battery capacity. Fees– There is at least one extra cost of owning an EV in Illinois– the state charges a $100 annual EV fee to make up for the fact that you don’t pay any gas taxes into the Road Fund that funds state highways. Charging Your EV All you need to charge an EV is a place to plug it in. For most people that means a home garage or parking space. How long you need to be plugged in depends on the power of the charge and how far you’re going. EVs have three levels of charging speed. Level 1 is a standard 120-volt wall socket. Level 2 is a 240-volt appliance wall socket. Level 3, or Direct Current Fast Charge (DCFC), is a 480-volt outlet socket, which is not currently able to be […]

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It could be a good time to buy an EV! Read our tips, order our EV Buyer’s Handbook

Sophia — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 16:46:13 +0000

Thanks to Illinois’ Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), the state this month launched an unprecedented $4,000 rebate on electric vehicle (EV) purchases—meaning it’s time for a lot of drivers to start thinking about going electric. With gas prices over $5 a gallon this summer, CUB promoted the rebate by releasing an EV Buyer’s Handbook. (Order it here.) Also, get more details on the rebate here. The rebate is available until Sept. 30, so this summer may be the best time to buy. Should you take the plunge? Below are the biggest factors to consider if you’re thinking of ditching your gas-powered car for an EV. Price. On average, a new EV costs around $10,000 more than a traditional car. Remember, though, in addition to being environmentally friendly, electric vehicles also help you save money in the long run. According to a Consumer Reports study, over the first seven years of owning an EV, you can save $4,700 or more by not having to buy gasoline. Depending on the model of car you’re looking to get, the state rebate and federal tax credit could make the purchase of an EV less costly. Keep in mind, however, that the $7,500 tax credit is only available for manufacturers who have sold under 200,000 qualified vehicles. Once a manufacturer hits the 200,000 mark, like Tesla did in 2018, buyers of that manufacturer’s vehicles will not receive the tax credit. For a deep-dive on the federal tax credit, check out this article from Edmunds. Another option is buying a used EV which can be significantly cheaper than a brand new vehicle. Some used EVs can go for as little as $5,000–but as always do your research. Here’s one resource for that. Range. One of the most important factors to consider when debating a switch to an EV is how much driving you tend to do on a daily basis. In fact, “range anxiety” is a top concern many consumers have when it comes to EVs. Most EVs get around 200 miles per charge, which seems more than enough for local driving. So taking note of how many daily miles you tend to put on your gas-powered car will give you a good idea of how far a fully charged EV can take you. If you are concerned about range, you can always consider a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle, or PHEV. A PHEV runs on electricity until the battery runs down and then automatically switches to gas. Just remember, the big state rebate is not applicable to PHEVs. Lifestyle. Your lifestyle is an important factor to consider as well. Do you tend to carpool? Do you have children? How much space do you need? Many electric vehicles offer additional storage space available under the hood of the car where there would normally be an engine. At the time of this writing, most EVs on the market are four-seaters, though there are some options with more seating available. For example, the Mercedes EQB, Tesla Model X and Volvo XC90 Recharge are seven-seaters for those who need the extra seats. Charging. With an EV, you’ll have to […]

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CUB’s Newest Consumer Guide Aims To Help Renters

Sophia — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 20:32:44 +0000

The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) has released a free guide to help renters navigate the utility world. Consumers can order a free, printer-friendly copy of “A Renter’s Utility Guide: Go Green, Cut Costs and Learn Your Rights” by visiting www.CitizensUtilityBoard.org. “It can be difficult for renters to find clear, comprehensive information on how to be a smart utility customer,” CUB Executive Director David Kolata said. “We hope this guide gives renters more confidence when searching for a new place or dealing with utility issues.” The free guide contains tips to cut your energy costs, provides information about money-saving renter efficiency programs and explains how renters can take advantage of solar power. It also lays out a consumer’s rights as a renter and a utility customer. CUB details the important steps to end utility service in a former residence and establish service in a new one. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy reports that energy costs hit renters harder than people in single-family homes, and rented dwellings are often among the least efficient. In 2015 the Energy Information Administration reported that consumers living in rented apartments spent about 45 percent more for energy per square foot than residents of single-family owner-occupied homes. CUB hopes this guide will help renters save money on their utility bills. Illinois consumers can get a free guide emailed to them at www.CitizensUtilityBoard.org.

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A Renter’s Utility Guide Sources

Jim Chilsen — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 12:59:36 +0000

The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) used the following resources to research and write A Renter‘s Utility Guide: Go Green, Cut Costs and Learn Your Rights. CUB Facts on Alternative Suppliers. https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/electriccompetitioncomed/ CUB’s Guide to Buying Your Own Modem/Router. https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/buying-internet-routermodem/ CUB’s Guide to Phone Choices. 2021. https://citizensutilityboard.salsalabs.org/cubsguidetophonechoices/index.html 2015 Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) Data. U.S. Energy Information Administration https://www.eia.gov/consumption/residential/data/2015/index.php?view=consumption#undefined Gas and Electric Guide: A Handbook for Residential Gas and Electric Customers in Illinois. 2019. https://citizensutilityboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/OnlineGasElectricGuide.pdf “How high are household energy burdens? An Assessment of National and Metropolitan Energy Burden across the United States.” September 2020. Ariel Drehobl, Lauren Ross, and Roxana Ayala, American Council for an Energy-Efficiency Economy. https://www.aceee.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/u2006.pdf Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. “Utility Bill Assistance” section. https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo/CommunityServices/UtilityBillAssistance/Pages/default.aspx Illinois Legal Aid Online. “House and Apartment” section. https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/ Utility websites: Ameren.com AmWater.com/ILAW AquaAmerica.com (Go to “Our States,” and “Illinois.”) ComEd.com NicorGas.com NorthShoreGasDelivery.com PeoplesGasDelivery.com Other Resources: ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY IllinoisRentalAssistance.org Helpline: 1-866-ILHELP1 (866-454-3571) Hearing Or Speech Impaired Hotline: 1-866-324-5553ILLINOIS LEGAL AID ONLINE IllinoisLegalAid.org (Under “Resources” choose “House & Apartment.”) CITY OF CHICAGO Chicago.gov (Search “Housing” and “For Renters.”) Department of Housing: 1-312-744-3653 Chicago Renters’ Rights Hotline at 1-312-742-RENT (312-742-7368) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD) HUD.gov (Search for “Tenants rights Illinois”)

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Cut your TV costs with CUB’s updated cable guide

Celeste — Tue, 10 Nov 2020 16:27:27 +0000

In September, we asked and you answered: The utility bill you hate the most is cable. The average consumer pays $100-$200 a month on their cable bill, but only watches an average of 17 channels! That’s why we’ve updated CUB’s Guide to Cutting Your TV Costs with the most recent information on your options when it comes to cable and streaming subscriptions. Get a printer-friendly copy emailed to you for free!

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CUB Analysis: Put low-income communities at heart of state EV policy

Celeste — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 13:51:05 +0000

With the right electric vehicle (EV) policies, Illinois can deliver cleaner air, low-cost transportation options and lower energy costs for all consumers, particularly in neighborhoods most burdened by pollution, poverty and high power bills, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) argues in a new analysis released Wednesday. At a time when the global pandemic and nationwide protests against racial injustice shine a harsh light on stark inequalities, CUB’s 20-page guide, “EV for All: Electrifying Transportation in Low-Income Communities,” argues for placing low-income neighborhoods at the center of future EV policy. With vehicle pollution now the worst driver of climate change, transportation electrification has significant potential benefits for the planet and consumer pocketbooks—“but not if low-income communities are left in the rear-view mirror,” according to CUB’s guide. Illinois already has a model for strong EV policy in the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA), comprehensive energy legislation proposed in Springfield, the guide concludes. “Our message has always been that the right EV policy benefits everyone, even people who don’t drive electric vehicles,” CUB Executive Director David Kolata said. “Up until now, the communities that could most benefit from EVs have too often been denied those benefits. But with creative solutions, Illinois policymakers can use vehicle electrification as a mechanism to reduce energy and transportation costs as well as pollution for low-income neighborhoods. We are advocating for strong clean energy policy—like the Clean Energy Jobs Act—that brings EV benefits to everyone in the state.” CUB’s guide illustrates how underserved Chicago neighborhoods, often near transportation corridors but far from good transit options, suffer from disproportionate exposure to air pollution and have been hit hardest by respiratory ailments, including Coronavirus. Not only could cleaner forms of transportation help make communities healthier, but CUB, a watchdog group that fights for lower energy costs, argues that they also can help reduce the “energy burden” in those areas. For example, CUB’s research team found that policies that encourage EV owners to charge their cars when electricity costs are low (typically in the middle of the night) could help manage power grid costs and spark up to $2.6 billion in cumulative energy savings for all consumers—even those who don’t drive EVs—over the next decade. Without the typical machinery, such as a transmission, EVs are cheaper to maintain, and the cost to travel is usually less than the gasoline equivalent of $1 per gallon. While EV prices may still be too steep for many families, CUB proposes creative solutions to deliver EV benefits to low-income neighborhoods—many ideas that could be tested in pilot programs in those neighborhoods: Income-based rebates for used EVs and home chargers. Income-based swap programs to encourage trading-in internal combustion cars for EVs. Geo-targeted public charge station development (with discounts for local residents). Low-cost “last-mile” transportation options, such as car-sharing, e-scooters and e-bikes. E-transit buses that are targeted for communities in “transit deserts.” (In a test program, two e-buses saved the City of Chicago $54,000 a year in fuel and maintenance costs.) The electrification of municipal fleets (police cruisers, garbage trucks, snow plows). Municipal transportation hubs in low-income neighborhoods could also serve as EV charging stations for the […]

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Order CUB’s Guide to Home Savings (it’s free!)

Jim Chilsen — Wed, 27 May 2020 12:44:05 +0000

The last thing you should be worrying about right now is high utility bills. That’s why CUB is bringing you a new guide to help cut your home costs and financial stress during this challenging time. Get a free, printer-friendly copy of CUB’s Guide to Home Savings emailed to you. Please consider giving a donation to support CUB’s efforts to provide free services, such as this guide, to Illinois consumers, and to fight billions of dollars in current and future rate hikes.

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