CUB survey Archives | Citizens Utility Board https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/blog/category/cub-survey/ Fight utility rate hikes, promote clean energy, and advocate for consumer protections in Illinois. Tue, 12 Aug 2025 22:46:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cropped-CUB_LogoBadgeAlt-32x32.png CUB survey Archives | Citizens Utility Board https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/blog/category/cub-survey/ 32 32 CUB supporters react to ComEd bill increases: “I’m tired of being nickled and dimed to death” https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/blog/2025/08/12/im-tired-of-being-nickled-and-dimed-to-death-cub-supporters-react-to-comed-bill-increases/ Tue, 12 Aug 2025 21:08:00 +0000 https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/?p=43456 When we first warned consumers that a 45-50 percent summer price spike was coming, Commonwealth Edison estimated the increase would be about 10-15 percent on bills, or about $10.60 a month on average over the next year. But a series of heat waves combined with the spike appears to have blown that estimate up this summer.  The Chicago Tribune reported on this bill shock, with ComEd saying the average increase from May to June was more like $67 and some customers complained of triple-digit increases.  We asked ComEd customers for their first-hand accounts of how high their electric bills had jumped this June and, as usual, got many detailed responses from CUB supporters. Consumers who submitted a story saw bills increase from 17 percent on up–including one customer who saw his bill go up from about $40 a month to more than $4,000. (Note: Many consumers are still experiencing issues with ComEd’s new billing system, so some of the more outrageous increases could be potentially attributed to a billing mistake.) The average bill increase was 184 percent when adjusted for the one outlier case.  Here’s a sample of some 20 submissions we received:  Jim H. “Our July bill is 58 percent higher than last month, 33 percent higher than last July. $162 for a one level 2BR 1000 square foot frame ranch. Although we do have Central air.” John G. “In May, ComEd told me that I used no electricity, but charged me a $41.05 delivery fee. In June I was charged $4,060.02 for that month’s use – for a little three bedroom house. We’ve been working on getting it resolved ever since.”  Toni H. “My bill went from $10.50 to $67 and I have solar panels– 34 Solar panels on my roof. These corporations are out of control and I am tired of being nickled and dimed to death.” William D. “My bill last month was $99. This month it is estimated at $260. How are we supposed to live like this? It’s insane.”  Peggy K. “My normal bill is approximately $80. My last bill was $170! That’s an outrageous increase!”   Craig R. “My July 22, 2024 bill was $159.82 for 1033 kWh. Supply and delivery were $67.93 and $69.35 respectively. The remainder is taxes and fees. My July 23, 2025 bill is $215.24 for 1151 kWh, an increase of 34.68 percent on my bill and 11.42 percent on my usage. My electricity supply charge is up 53.8 percent YOY.”  Vera P. “My bill is very consistent – high $70s to mid $80s. In June, my bill was $94. In July, it is $187; almost double.”  Michael R. “I have no panic stories to relate, but my bill is $92 higher than it was last month even with the new air conditioner and furnace. So I guess I’m one of the semi fortunate ones.”  Judy N. “I recently received my electric bill and was surprised. When I compared it to my bill from last year, the supply charge was twice as much, and the delivery was 55 percent more than last year. The only thing that was lower were […]

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]]> CUB’s 2025 Earth Month Challenge–we’ve got a winner! https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/blog/2025/04/16/cubs-2025-earth-month-challenge/ Wed, 16 Apr 2025 21:27:49 +0000 https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/?p=42727 We asked for your stories on how you planned to celebrate Earth Month, and you inspired us! Congratulations to our Earth Month Challenge winner, Dawn, a Chicago teacher who planned to celebrate by organizing fun activities for her students. She was randomly selected to win a $50 gift card.   Below are some of the submissions for CUB’s Earth Month Challenge. Thank you for sharing, and keep up the good work, whether the calendar says April or not!  Electrifying your home:  Debra, from Skokie: “We are installing a ground source heat pump. The system will include hot water for the house. This is replacing a gas furnace and a gas hot water heater. Inspired by the CUB information meetings, we already replaced the gas range with induction and installed solar. Hopefully, we can install a battery next year.”  Reconsidering personal habits:  Curt, from Chicago: “I reuse all of my plastic bags and things of that nature. Slowly but surely I will get to a personal zero waste lifestyle.” Nancy, from Winfield: “When weather permits, I hang our laundry outside, which affords me the pleasure of saving energy and enjoying a beautiful day simultaneously!”  Increasing advocacy work:  Marcella: “I’m joining (the Illinois Environmental Council’s) Chicago Lobby Week to talk to my alder about environmental issues…”  Leslie, from Crystal Lake: Is celebrating with “trash pick ups, attending rallies, voting, (and) hosting an Earth Care Fair for the congregation”  Promoting solar energy: Julian, from Bolingrook: Is “setting up webinars and in person events to inform the community about the importance of using and understanding solar energy.” Connecting with nature:  C, from Oak Park: “We will connect two rain barrels to collect water for our garden/lawn”  Marvin, from Roselle: “(I’m) planting a wildflower garden”  Susan, from Oak Lawn: “My friend and I hiked in Giant City State Park and Shawnee National Forest. We picked up some garbage along the way as we enjoyed the beauty of Southern Illinois.” Yard work:  Laurel, from Winfield: Started composting– “I have a large flower garden, so this is a welcomed transition from running to the local big box garden center. In May, I’ll be able to harvest some of that compost on the bottom. It’ll be a first!”  Mark, from Bolingbrook: “I am monitoring my total water usage and planting native plants on the border of my yard, along with eliminating any outdoor watering” Olubukola, from Chicago: “I plan to celebrate by working in my garden, reducing usage of materials and objects that pollute our environment.”

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]]> Natural gas takes the cake for worst bill https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/blog/2023/02/21/gas-then-cable-so-far-leading-the-race-for-the-worst-bill/ Tue, 21 Feb 2023 15:38:38 +0000 https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/?p=36784 We received nearly 400 responses to our poll on the most expensive utility bill, and, unsurprisingly, natural gas takes the cake for the most dreaded bill, with 173 votes. Here’s what some consumers had to say about their gas bills: “This natural gas bill seems to be the only one that I have very limited control over. Short of wearing heavy clothes indoors and putting up with cracking plaster and cooler washing/bathing temps. I find that there’s little I can do.” –Thomas F. “My bill has practically doubled since last winter.” –Linda H.  “This past month my Ameren Illinois bill was $407.00.  My electric and gas bills are billed together.  I am afraid to see what my bill will be this month. I have even closed off rooms in my house and am not even heating them and my bill was still so high.” –Rebecca H. Utility Natural Gas Cable/TV Electric Internet Telecom Water Votes 173 91 88 14 13 13 (CUB note: If you’re concerned about your energy bills, please visit CUBHelpCenter.com and CUB’s Clean Energy page for efficiency tips.)  In a distant second place was cable/TV with 91 votes, just edging out power bills. Here’s what Scott L. said about his cable bill, “It just seems like the bill goes up every month. When I complain they come up with some way to cut the cost. Why do I have to complain to get a better price? I have been their customer for over 30 years, I would think they would take that into consideration.”  Many consumers noted all of the extra fees that add to their climbing bills. Judy S. said, “We enjoy cable TV but the cost is ridiculous.  We don’t even have prime programming but the so-called municipal fees and additional charges etc. are a joke since they are not part of the package but added on after the fact and add $100 to the bill.  We are seniors and TV is our entertainment.” (Check out CUB’s Guide to Cutting Your TV Costs for more tips on saving on your cable bill.) Electric bills came in third with 88 total votes. Eva W. wrote, “It keeps going up up up to the sky.” Internet, water and telecom bills rounded out the poll with 14, 13 and 13 votes, respectively.  Thanks to everyone who took the time to let us know about their most expensive utility, it helps us understand what Illinois consumers are going through. Remember, CUBHelpCenter.com is available to Illinois consumers and provides resources to help manage your electric and gas bills.

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]]> CUB prize winner practices efficiency for the savings–but even more for the planet https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/blog/2022/06/06/cub-prize-winner-practices-efficiency-for-the-savings-but-even-more-for-the-planet/ Mon, 06 Jun 2022 16:11:51 +0000 https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/?p=34395 Congratulations to Jim of Berwyn for winning CUB’s Money Saving Programs survey giveaway Jim was randomly selected out of over 300 entries to win $100 off his utility bills.  With energy prices rising dramatically, CUB was interested in learning more about how consumers participate in the programs offered by utility companies that can help you save money and energy. Thanks to everyone who participated.  Here’s what Jim said about his experience with ComEd’s Air Conditioning Cycling Program:  “AC Cycling is great…Last summer, with net metering and AC cycling, my bills were only $5 for the four summer months.” Jim also told us about his commitment to fighting climate change through energy efficiency:  “One of my first priorities in doing anything is energy efficiency. We have one world to live in and I try to do what I can to help preserve that world. Important to both pocketbook and the environment, but the environment is primary to me.” Below you will find some of the energy efficiency programs listed to assist you as we enter an expensive summer for many Illinois consumers. Saving Energy, Saving Money Ameren  Multi-Family Energy Efficiency Program  Buildings with 3 or more residential units powered by Ameren are eligible for free energy-saving products, which may include LED light bulbs, smart thermostats and more. This program is available to multi-family properties, regardless of the income of the owner or occupants. Income Qualified Home Savers Assessment Program (Single Family) Ameren customers who meet income requirements based on household size qualify for a free home energy audit, which may include free energy-saving measures. Rebates and Incentives Ameren provides rebates on some energy efficient equipment and appliances, such as smart thermostats (sign up to receive a $100 coupon), heat pumps and air conditioners. ComEd Home Energy Assessment  If you are a ComEd residential customer, you may be eligible for a free Home Energy Assessment. During the assessment, an Energy Advisor will do a walk-through of your home, finding ways to make it more energy efficient. Virtual home assessments are also available. Multi-family property owners/managers can schedule their assessment here.  Income Eligible Programs  ComEd also offers programs specifically for income qualified single-family and multi-family property owners. You may qualify to receive free weatherization improvements and free installation of energy-saving products. Rebates and Extra Savings ComEd offers rebates for qualifying energy-efficient appliances, home products and heating and cooling equipment. Note: ComEd’s Marketplace allows you to buy energy-saving products on the spot.  Reducing Demand, Reducing Your Bills Peak Time Programs Both ComEd and Ameren offer programs that credit customers for reducing electricity use during certain “peak” times, usually hot summer afternoons when electricity demand is highest. CUB supports the program because it carries no cost and customers can earn money off their bill while helping to reduce stress on the grid. Ultimately, these programs can help reduce power prices for everyone, because they reduce demand.  ComEd’s program is called Peak Time Savings and Ameren’s is called Peak Time Rewards.   A/C Cycling You can help reduce electricity demand – and earn automatic credits on your bill – by signing up for ComEd’s Central Air Conditioning […]

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]]> Take CUB’s utility bill survey—You could win $100! https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/blog/2022/01/05/take-cubs-utility-bill-survey-you-could-win-100/ Wed, 05 Jan 2022 18:47:56 +0000 https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/?p=33156 2021 was a tough year for utility consumers with millions of dollars in rate hikes and skyrocketing natural gas prices. Please take a second and take our poll: What was your most expensive utility bill throughout last year? These surveys help us better understand what Illinois consumers are going through. Plus, one participant will be randomly selected to win $100.  The deadline to take this poll is midnight Monday, Jan. 31. View the Terms and Conditions here.  Good luck!

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]]> Electric/water/gas issues, clean energy top list of consumer interests https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/blog/2021/02/04/electric-water-gas-issues-clean-energy-top-list-of-consumer-interests/ Thu, 04 Feb 2021 18:51:16 +0000 https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/?p=30759 People on CUB’s email list are most interested in electric, water and natural gas news, with clean energy and telecom topics a close second, according to a survey of supporters of the watchdog group. Throughout the month of January, CUB asked supporters to fill out a survey, “What CUB content do you like?” Participants were entered in a giveaway to win a $100 prize. (Congratulations to Mike from Geneva for taking the top prize!) Here are the categories we listed in the survey, in the order of what received the most votes: Electric, water and natural gas news/issues. Clean energy (efficiency, solar, community solar). Telecom/internet/cable news/issues. Updates from CUB (Feature stories about staff, volunteers). One survey taker asked for more in-depth coverage of bills before the General Assembly: “Thank you for your efforts, it’s greatly appreciated and helps me stay up to date on things of interest in our legislature.” Another wants to see more tips on cutting phone and internet bills: “Those fees keep rising–at this point, for several months in the year they exceed my gas and electric bills.” Another consumer asked CUB to “focus on renters and low-income (issues), COVID-19 and other pandemic concerns:” Thank you to everyone who filled out our survey! This will help us create better e-newsletters for 2021. If you haven’t already, please join CUB’s Action Network to receive breaking news about your utility bills and upcoming virtual events that can help you save money on your bills!

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]]> What companies have the highest power prices in Illinois? https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/blog/2017/09/12/company-highest-power-price-illinois/ Tue, 12 Sep 2017 20:05:45 +0000 https://citizensutilityboard.org/?p=10857 Ivonne Ortiz, CUB’s Environmental Outreach Coordinator, researches the prices offered by Illinois’ alternative electricity suppliers each week, and she has some significant updates for you: Supplier sued. State Attorney General Lisa Madigan has filed a lawsuit against Sperian Energy, seeking to bar the supplier from the Illinois market. The attorney general’s lawsuit alleges the company’s telemarketing calls promised savings—but over the last five years Sperian customers actually paid $12.7 million more than they would have with the utility. Big losses.  A new report released by the Illinois Commerce Commission’s Office of Retail Market Development (ORMD) found that from June 2016-May 2017 customers on alternative supplier rates in the state lost a total of $198 million compared with utility rates. Jason Knowles from ABC 7 Chicago has stories on the Sperian case and ORMD’s report on alternative suppliers.  Please read our special alert on the highest electricity rates in Illinois, and show your support for CUB’s campaign to clean up the electric market. Thanks for your help!

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]]> CUB Giveaway: Celebrate the solar eclipse! https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/blog/2017/08/14/cub-giveaway-celebrate-solar-eclipse/ Mon, 14 Aug 2017 20:11:15 +0000 https://citizensutilityboard.org/?p=10598 Monday, Aug. 21 is a big day—the first time in nearly 40 years we’ll experience a total solar eclipse. That’s right, day will become like night—and Illinois is one of the best places in the country to see it! (WARNING: Make sure you have eye protection!) At CUB, we’ll use ANY occasion to help people save money, so we’re celebrating the eclipse by giving away a smart thermostat! These cool devices can help you…(get ready to groan)…eclipse your utility costs by up to 20 percent. Read our Eclipse Q&A and take a few seconds to enter our Solar Eclipse Giveaway for the chance to win a smart thermostat. We’ll announce the winner after the big event.

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]]> Tell Congress: Reform pay TV https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/blog/2017/08/08/tell-congress-reform-pay-tv/ Tue, 08 Aug 2017 16:15:25 +0000 https://citizensutilityboard.org/?p=10542 In a quick poll CUB released last week, 98 percent of you showed support for a “Pay TV Customer’s Bill of Rights”! This week, we want to share those results with Illinois’ Congressional Delegation, and urge it to push for consumer protections for pay TV customers. Here’s the question we asked: Do you want Congress to pass a “Pay TV Customer’s Bill of Rights,” including the following reforms: Requiring Pay TV companies to offer a basic, low-cost package; Reducing or eliminating excessive charges, such as cable box fees; Requiring a-la-carte Pay TV offers, in which you only pay for the channels you use? Do you support a “Pay TV Customer’s Bill of Rights”? Send a message to Congress!   

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]]> We have a winner in our rate-hike battle survey giveaway! https://www.citizensutilityboard.org/blog/2017/06/15/winner-rate-hike-battle-survey-giveaway/ Thu, 15 Jun 2017 18:20:02 +0000 https://citizensutilityboard.org/?p=10104 Congratulations to Karen of Chicago, who won $100 off her utility bills after answering our recent survey asking people to choose the biggest rate-hike battle facing Illinois. (Nicor Gas’ $208.5 million rate hike was chosen.) Here’s how Karen responded to the news: “It feels great to win the giveaway… I am a member of CUB… and I support CUB because it is the only organization out there that gives ‘We the People’, a voice against billion dollar companies and special interest groups. CUB is a great organization that actually  looks out for Joe Citizen” Congratulations Karen, and thank you for the support!

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