CUB Tips Archives | Citizens Utility Board

We asked CUB supporters for their best energy efficiency tips

Elizabeth — Fri, 25 Jul 2025 21:07:35 +0000

This month, we asked email subscribers to submit their best energy efficiency tips and we got many creative answers outside of CUB’s standard energy efficiency tips. Here’s a few of our favorite submissions: Victoria: “I spent some of my early years in Atlanta, GA in the 1940s and learned from neighbors there that when the heat of the day was at its peak we should close all blinds and shades and utilize fans (often handheld) to maintain coolness for our bodies. Splashing cool water on our skin was also helpful. With our current rash of heat waves it helps to keep old strategies along with new ones in our toolbox of adaptations.” Linda: “I have only a window air conditioning unit in my bedroom. When it is excessively hot, I close the door and turn on the AC unit for about 2 hours before bedtime. I turn it off when I turn the light out for sleep rather than run it all night. The AC cools the room and removes the humidity which makes the room a lot more comfortable. In very warm weather, I try to do laundry around times that are not general office hours. I also sometimes hang clothes up (until they are) about half dry and pop them in the dryer for a shorter time, using less gas and electricity but still getting rid of wrinkles.” Eric: “We turn our air conditioner off at every opportunity and open the windows. We have a few small fans we use to move through the house by putting them in windows blowing out to draw air from other windows across the room or house. If the temperature outside is below 78, we are cooling with outside air and fans instead of the AC.” Susan: “I’m retired, so I signed up for ComEd Hourly Pricing. I keep the Five-Minute Prices link active and make sure that I run my dishwasher, laundry, etc., at low-cost times.” (CUB note: Hourly Pricing is a special electricity pricing program that charges customers a market price that can change hourly. Susan is talking about a page Hourly Pricing participants can visit to say the latest prices. Ameren has a similar program, which the next consumer, Ron, discusses below.) Ron: “I have solar panels, Ameren’s Power Smart Pricing program (Time of Day rate), and a Volt plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. Most of the time I drive on sunshine (solar power). I use very little gasoline, hence reducing my carbon footprint. June was hot and sunny, so I produced a record amount of solar electricity (1335.8 KWH). This was 153 KWH more than I used. Solar and a plug-in hybrid EV are very energy efficient.” Kiersten: ”Keep working on replacing your lightbulbs with LEDs! There are so many homes and commercial buildings still using incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs… Solar LEDs with motion sensors are so much better!” Richard: “Make sure your air conditioner condenser is clean after all tree flowers have dropped. A dirty condenser really lowers efficiency.” Mel: “If you own your home, check your attic for plenty of insulation. Adding extra insulation keeps heating […]

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Renting your first apartment in Chicago? Here’s how to read your utility bills

Elizabeth — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 21:13:54 +0000

By: Citlali Dominguez So you just moved into your new apartment, and you’re having trouble reading your utility bills. Don’t panic, CUB is here to help! We’ll start with electricity! A simple way to understand your bill is, supply + delivery + taxes & fees = amount due. Supply, what you pay for the actual electricity, takes up about a half to two-thirds of your bill. Delivery, about a third to a half of your bill, is what you pay ComEd to get the electricity to your home. Electricity usage is billed by the kilowatt-hour (kWh)— roughly enough power to run a typical window air conditioning unit for an hour. Check out the sample bill provided by ComEd: Let’s break it down: In section 1 you will see your personal information: name, address, and phone number. Make sure your information is correct. In section 2 you will see the issued date, which means the date that your bill was created. This section also will include a personalized account number, due date (when the payment is due), and amount due (the amount owed to ComEd). Section 3 shows your total usage over that past 13 months. Each month displays how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity were used. You will also see a bolded word that reads Actual. This means the utility read your meter that month. ComEd sometimes estimates your usage for the month, but that shouldn’t happen with modern meters that can be read remotely. So if it ever does say “estimated,” contact ComEd. Section 4 is not as scary as it looks! The first long section demonstrates your average energy usage and temperature for that current month. It also shows how much your usage has increased, percentage-wise, since the year before. The box on the bottom left shows last month’s average energy usage and temperature. The box on the right shows the average energy usage and temperature of last year. Section 5 shows the supply section, which is the cost of your electricity usage for that month. Here you will see the company that supplies your electricity–either ComEd or an alternative electricity supplier. In this case the bill says “ComEd provides your energy.” (Beware of bad supplier deals. If a company other than ComEd is listed here, make sure to check what per-kWh electricity supply price you’re paying and how it compares with ComEd’s price, which should be listed on your bills as the “Price to Compare” in the “Updates” section on the back page. It’s likely that ComEd will have the lower supply rate. ) Section 6 shows the delivery cost, which is the cost of delivering energy to your apartment for that month. This section will always list ComEd as the company that delivers your electricity–even if a different company is listed as your supplier in the Supply section of your bill. Beneath the big circle that is in the middle of your ComEd bill you will find the cost of taxes and fees. See that wasn’t so bad! Now let’s tackle the back of your electricity bill! It should look similar to the example below. Don’t […]

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Jumpstart your spring cleaning with energy efficiency tips from CUB

Elizabeth — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 16:15:35 +0000

It’s time to get your home ready for warmer weather. Remember, energy efficiency is just as important during hot weather as it is in cold, so consider adding these home maintenance tasks to your spring cleaning checklist: Air conditioning maintenance. A properly maintained AC system can help you save hundreds a year. Clean or replace your air conditioning unit’s filter every one to two months to ensure proper and efficient performance. (This is true whether you have a window unit or a central AC system). Vacuum your air intake vents regularly to remove dust and clear registers of objects that might block the airflow. Also, have an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) specialist inspect your central air conditioner at least once a year–and the spring is a good time. Check your windows and doors. After the winter, there may be damage to your windows and doors that could cause cool air to escape, taking your hard-earned money with it. Check for any leaks or cracks and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk, which you can buy at your local hardware store. Take stock of your window and door screens. Look for any areas that need patching. Remove your storm windows and replace them with screens, and if you have a screen door dust it off and inspect it, and plan to install it. Screens allow natural breezes to circulate in your home on mild summer days. Consider investing in fans. By strategically using floor and ceiling fans, along with existing ventilation, you can get away with setting your thermostat one to two degrees higher and save money on your power bills. Giving your current fans a good cleaning once they’re out of storage can help them run more efficiently. Switch the direction of your ceiling fans. In colder months, run your ceiling fan clockwise (from your position, looking up at it). When the weather gets warm, it’s time to run your ceiling fans counterclockwise (CUB has instructions on how to do that) to push cool air down. Circulating cool air will reduce the need for your air conditioner to work as hard (you can set it a few degrees higher), saving energy and money. Don’t forget to turn off the fan when you leave the room–fans cool people, not rooms. (Bonus tip: If you haven’t used your ceiling fans since last summer, be sure to wipe down the blades to remove any dust that has accumulated.) Consider upgrading your thermostat. If you want more control of your energy bills this summer, consider replacing your old thermostat with a programmable one or a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats use sensors that continuously monitor temperature, humidity, and other variables throughout your house. According to Energystar.gov, on average, smart thermostats save customers 8% on heating and cooling bills yearly. Get a home energy assessment. Many utilities offer home energy assessments at no cost to the customer–and oftentimes you can get free products, such as LED bulbs, to help improve your home’s efficiency. Ask your gas/electric company about such services. Here’s info about ComEd’s program, which offers extra benefits for lower-income customers, and Ameren’s […]

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Protect yourself from utility disconnections

Elizabeth — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 09:01:04 +0000

Protect yourself from disconnection with the following tips. Be proactive. If you’re having difficulty paying your bills, call your utility. Here are the direct hotlines for major Illinois utilities: Ameren Illinois – 1-800-755-5000 Aqua Illinois – 1-877-987-2782 ComEd – 1-800-334-7661 Illinois American Water – 1-800-422-2782 Nicor Gas – 1-888-642-6748 North Shore Gas – 1-866-556-6004 Peoples Gas – 1-866-556-6001 Utilities Inc. – 1-800-831-2359 Find out about state-assistance programs, utility programs, charities and consumer-friendly payment plans that can keep you connected. In Illinois, financial assistance is available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP. Read CUB’s LIHEAP factsheet and visit our Financial Resources page. Don’t assume you’re protected. There are regulations that prevent disconnections during extreme cold or heat, but they’re not applicable to every account and circumstance: A utility can disconnect you WITHOUT WARNING if: Your utility equipment has been tampered with. There is no customer of record at your address. There is a dangerous or potentially dangerous condition, such as a gas leak. A utility CAN disconnect your service if you: Fail to pay an entire past-due bill or security deposit. Default on a payment plan you negotiated with the utility. Deny the utility access to your meter. Note: While regulations prohibit shut-offs after 4 p .m . and on weekends and holidays, technically the disconnection could be performed as long as the utility has personnel available to take a customer call or payment, and reconnect the same day. A utility CANNOT disconnect your service if: The temperature is below 32 degrees or expected to fall below 32 degrees within the next 24-hour period and disconnection would affect your heat. The temperature is at least 90 degrees or expected to rise to that temperature within the next 24-hour period and disconnection would affect your only source of space cooling (gas or electricity). The National Weather Service issues an excessive heat watch, heat advisory, or excessive heat warning covering the area of the utility in which your residence is located. It’s the day preceding a weekend or holiday when temperatures are expected to meet the above criteria. It’s between December 1 and March 31 AND if the utility accepted LIHEAP funds on the account after September 1 of the heating season. It’s between December 1 and March 31 and you have an electric heat account (your primary heat source is powered by electricity). It’s between December 1 and March 31 and you are a veteran or service member (including service members who have just been assigned to duty). Learn all your options to avoid disconnection. Once disconnected, utilities can demand payment in full before reconnecting you. And they might add a “reconnection deposit” and fee. If a gas or electric utility plans to disconnect your service, they must deliver a written warning to your residence, detailing how much you must pay by when to avoid shutoff and when your service will be disconnected if you don’t pay on time. You are entitled to receive a warning call 48 hours before your electricity or gas is disconnected, so make sure to keep your contact information with the utility company […]

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Washington Post: Hiring a contractor for home electrification projects? Ask these questions!

Jim Chilsen — Fri, 17 May 2024 11:34:04 +0000

The Washington Post provided a helpful checklist of key questions to ask for consumers wanting to electrify their homes. “Home upgrades are rarely easy, but home electrification projects present a novel challenge,” writes Climate Advice Columnist Michael J. Coren. “The technology inside modern appliances such as heat pumps, water heaters, induction stoves and EV chargers advances quickly. Devices may talk to the electrical grid and each other. Not everyone is prepared to treat the home as a digital, interconnected system, especially for homes that were designed for the fossil-fuel era.” But energy efficiency and electrification are key, if we want to effectively fight climate change and reach net zero by 2050, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. The Post asked more than a dozen experts and contractors for tips on how to pick solid electrification contractors for projects like installing an induction stove, a heat pump or solar panels. Here are some questions to ask: What’s the (energy efficiency) state of your home? Before you begin any project, make your home as energy efficient as possible. Consider an energy audit (and remember, you can get a tax credit) or at least a DIY audit. What do you want to electrify? Don’t wait for an appliance to break, start creating your electrification plan now. Doing projects in the right order can avoid expensive hassles, such as having to bring an electrician back for multiple projects. Check out Rewiring America’s electrification planner and RMI’s green upgrade calculator. Do you need a second opinion? Do your own research, but consider seeking the insight of an engineering professional (a mechanical or electrical engineer) to make the best choices on electrification technologies. This guidance comes with a cost, of course, but the price tag can be worth it if it leads to equipment and efficiency savings. Will the contractor give you options? Some contractors may only push a system they know, and that can be dead wrong. For example, a contractor may tell you that heat pumps don’t work in cold climates. “That’s a myth derived from the limitations of models from the 1970s,” The Post reports. Modern heat pumps work down to minus-25 degrees, Energy Star says. The right contractor won’t hem and haw; the right contractor will find electrification solutions for you, no matter where you live. The Post offers this guide about asking the right HVAC questions. How can you tell if your contractor is qualified? Look for lists of contractors verified by third parties, such as state and local governments, as well as appliance manufacturers. Other options include national lists (such as EPA-recognized contractor directories), testing organizations (such as North American Technician Excellence and industry trade associations (such as the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, or ACCA). To read the full checklist, see The Washington Post article here. Also, read these additional CUB resources: Heat Pumps: A Buyer’s Checklist What’s the deal with air source heat pumps? CUB investigates CUB’s Better Heat Guide (statewide version) And more at our Electrification page

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Spring into savings with CUB’s energy efficiency tips

Elizabeth — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 16:33:55 +0000

It’s time to get your home ready for warmer weather. Remember: Energy efficiency is just as important during the spring and summer as it is during the winter so make sure to include these home maintenance tasks on your spring cleaning checklist: Air conditioning maintenance. Clean or replace your air conditioning unit filters every one to two months to ensure proper and efficient performance. Also, have an HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) specialist inspect your air conditioner at least yearly. A properly maintained AC system can help you save hundreds a year. Check your windows and doors. After the cold, wet winter, there may be damage to your windows and doors that could cause cool air to escape, taking your hard-earned money with it. Check for any leaks or cracks and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk, which you can buy for a modest price from the hardware store. Take out storm windows and doors. Remove your storm windows and replace your glass front doors with screen doors so you can allow natural breezes to circulate in your home on milder days. Think about investing in fans. By investing in and strategically using floor and ceiling fans, along with other sources of ventilation, you can get away with setting your thermostat one to two degrees higher and save money on your power bills. Switch the direction of your ceiling fans. If you follow our tips and have a ceiling fan, you should be running it clockwise (from your position, looking up at it) through the colder months When the weather gets warm, it’s time to run your ceiling fans counterclockwise (CUB instructions on how to do that) to push cool air down. Circulating cool air will reduce the need for your air conditioner to work as hard, saving energy and money. Don’t forget to turn off the fan when you leave the room–fans cool people, not rooms. (Bonus tip: If you haven’t used your ceiling fans since last summer, be sure to wipe down the blades to remove any dust that has accumulated.) Upgrade your thermostat. If you want more control of your energy bills this summer, consider replacing your old thermostat with a programmable one or a smart thermostat. Smart thermostats use sensors that continuously monitor temperature, humidity, and other variables throughout your house. According to Energystar.gov, on average, smart thermostats save customers 8% on heating and cooling bills yearly. Get a free assessment. Many utilities offer home energy assessments at no cost to the customer. During these assessments, an expert will go over any energy efficiency opportunities in your home and may even provide you with free products to get you going in the right direction. Inquire with your electric company about such services. Here’s info about ComEd’s program, which offers extra benefits for lower-income customers, and Ameren’s program, which is only for income-qualified customers. Dust off the grill: Grills keep heat out of the kitchen, meaning air conditioners don’t have to work harder to cool it off. There are a lot of tips on healthy and environmentally sound ways to grill, here are some from The […]

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Five questions every gas and electric customer should ask when reading their bills

Elizabeth — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 21:09:40 +0000

CUB holds hundreds of events across Illinois to analyze consumer utility bills, but we also want to make sure people know to read it themselves if needed. “If you get a high bill, it’s important to ask a few questions,” said CUB Communications Director Jim Chilsen. Here are five questions to consider when reading your gas and electric bills: Am I paying for an alternative gas or electric supplier? Your bill is divided into two parts: supply and delivery. On the supply side, the biggest fee is the per-kilowatt-hour (electric) or per-therm (gas) supply charge, which covers the actual gas or electricity you use. If your supply costs skyrocket, it might be because you’re paying a high rate with an alternative supplier. Scan the supply section to see if you spot the name of another company. Am I using more energy? Did your energy usage spike last month because of weather or extra house guests? Most bills have a bar graph that displays your energy consumption and how it compares to past months. Did my electric or gas utility get a rate hike? If the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) granted your utility a rate hike, the increase will be reflected in higher rates on the delivery side of the bill. The two biggest delivery charges are the monthly customer charge and a per-kilowatt-hour or per-therm distribution charge. Is my meter being read? Some utilities may skip meter readings and estimate your usage. When they get the real reading, you may get an adjustment and that could lead to an uptick in your bill. In your bill’s meter section, look for the words “Actual” or “Estimated” (or the letter “A” or “E”). If a utility estimates your usage two months in a row, find out why. The good news is more modern meters can be read remotely, so estimated bills are less common. Is there something unusual? Is there a security deposit, installment plan, or budget billing adjustment adding dollars to your bill? Is there a new or different meter number? Call the utility for a full explanation, and request an on-site investigation if necessary. Read our newly updated Gas and Electric guide, and visit our Gas and Electric pages for more in-depth tips and information.

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CUB’s 5 ways to mark Earth Week (and any week!)

Elizabeth — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 19:53:00 +0000

In this week leading up to Earth Day, on Saturday April 22, we’ve rounded up a list of five ways you can mark the moment, with the help of CUB resources. This year’s Earth Day theme is “Invest in our Planet,” which fits nicely with CUB’s message that clean energy lowers utility bills. See our checklist of actions to consider this week, and any week: Do some spring cleaning and practice energy efficiency As we look forward to summer, we start with the basics–because the cleanest, cheapest energy is the energy we don’t use. CUB recommends simple actions, like turning off the lights and fans when you leave the room. But springtime is a great opportunity to get your home energy efficient for the summer. Also…. Check out these handy summer energy-saving tips; Read our Year Round Energy Savings fact sheet; Visit our Clean Energy page to get details on free or low-cost energy efficiency programs your utility may offer; Read CUB’s Guide to Going Green. Consider Solar There’s never been a better time in Illinois history to go solar. But not everyone can install panels on their property (people who have a lot of shade, or apartment dwellers). But in Illinois, you can still get the benefits of solar power without having to install solar panels on your roof. Community Solar allows you to subscribe to a portion of the output of a solar installation (a.k.a. community solar garden) somewhere in your utility’s territory to offset part of your electricity usage. Check out our Solar in the Community website for more information–currently, all of the companies offering community solar subscriptions offer savings for consumers. The program is open to all customers, no matter your income. In fact, the Illinois Solar for All program is designed for income-qualified customers and guarantees savings up to 20 percent – our ILSFA landing page has details. Learn more about geothermal heat pumps (and other heat pumps) What better way to celebrate Earth Week than to learn how the Earth can help you cut your utility bills? Much like a refrigerator, heat pump systems utilize electricity to move heat from cool spaces to warm spaces and vice versa. Depending on the season, geothermal heat pumps use electricity to move heat from the ground to your home and or from your home to the ground, and CUB Carbon Free Buildings Coordinator David Weaver reports that geothermal can reduce energy costs by up to 70 percent compared with traditional heating and cooling systems. That’s why CUB has launched its first-ever geothermal group-buy program. Grow Geo, in partnership with Midwest Renewable Energy Association and the Geothermal Alliance of Illinois, is designed to help Chicago-area consumers install a geothermal heat pump system at a discount and cut their utility bills going forward. Maybe you’re not ready to make the leap yet, but knowledge is power: Attend a presentation on the program (they’re called Power Hours) to educate yourself about geothermal heat pumps. If geothermal isn’t right for you, learn more about another efficient alternative, air source heat pumps. Plant native trees for Enviroscaping Get your hands dirty–and plant […]

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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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A guide to energy efficiency programs for income-qualified households

Elizabeth — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 22:41:47 +0000

By Kate Shonk Sustainable Communities Liason Facing high energy prices and the rising cost of living, many consumers want to cut down on their monthly utility bills. In Illinois, consumers have access to energy efficiency programs offered by utility companies–including ones for income-qualified households. The programs designed for lower-income customers can vary slightly between utility companies and may not be available to those serviced by municipal or cooperative utilities. Below is a summary so you can easily connect to these money-saving programs. Home Energy Assessments Every investor-owned utility in Illinois offers its own version of a home energy assessment. Through this program, a consumer can sign up to have an energy advisor visit their home and conduct tests to find potential energy-wasting areas. Once the walk-through is complete, they will offer participants free or discounted energy-efficient products, and even install them. Ameren customers must be at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level to participate in the Income Qualified Home Energy Assessment. MidAmerican customers may be eligible for a HomeCheck online assessment and a free energy efficiency kit equipped with LED light bulbs, advanced power strips, a low-flow showerhead, and a bathroom faucet aerator. In the ComEd, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas service areas, all consumers can schedule a single or multi-family Home Energy Assessment and receive free LEDs, hot water pipe insulation, an energy-efficient showerhead, and more. If households also meet specified income guidelines, they are eligible for added energy efficiency retrofits. For example, income-eligible consumers can receive free advanced power strips and smart thermostats. Other Programs for Income-eligible Households ComEd: ComEd partners with food pantries to offer free LED light bulbs, weather stripping and other efficient products. ComEd also partners with Community Action Agencies to distribute energy-saving kits. Lastly, ComEd offers income-eligible instant discounts on energy-efficient products at various retailers. Peoples Gas and North Shore: In Peoples Gas and North Shore territory, Public Housing Authorities can receive assistance for energy efficiency upgrades. In addition, owners of multifamily properties that are designated as income-eligible can qualify for energy efficiency retrofits. Renters can alert their property manager to the opportunity. Nicor Gas While not specific to income-eligible residents, Nicor offers free water-saving and weatherization kits to all customers. Illinois Home Weatherization Assistance Program (IHWAP) For additional assistance with weatherization and energy efficiency, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) offers IHWAP. Households must be at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level to receive state funds and 200 percent of the federal poverty level to receive federal Department of Energy and Health and Human Services funds. For more information, visit DCEO’s webpage or call (217) 785-2533. About the author: Kate Shonk started at CUB in 2022. She serves as the main contact for grassroots outreach events and works to advocate for Illinois consumers. Kate graduated from the University of Michigan in 2020 with degrees in English and Political Science. Her favorite part about working for CUB is combining her passions for community organizing and environmental policy. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, writing, and staying active around the city.

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