Sophia, Author at Citizens Utility Board

Save energy and money with these winter efficiency tips

Sophia — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 21:05:38 +0000

Energy efficiency tips for getting through Illinois’ rough winters: Get rid of the clutter. Make sure heating vents are open and not blocked by furniture or carpet. Clean dust from vents or along baseboard heaters. Weatherstrip. Weatherstripping can be used to seal air leaks around doors and windows. By keeping warm air in and preventing cold outside air from leaking indoors, weatherstripping can help you save on your heating bills. This is especially true in older homes with leaky windows and doors. Energy.gov’s helpful fact sheet breaks down your weatherstripping options and provides some installation guidance. (Also, if you have storm doors or windows, make sure to install them before the cold arrives. Now is a good time to inspect and repair them, if necessary.) Utilize your blinds. During the day, open your blinds and let sunlight warm and light your home. Once the sun goes down, close your blinds to prevent cold air from getting in. If you still feel cold air coming from your windows, consider the weatherstripping tips above. You also can seal windows with clear plastic wrap and purchasing insulated curtains for additional layers of defense. Be smart about your thermostat. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that consumers can save up to 10% on their energy bills by turning the thermostat down 7-10 degrees for eight hours a day. The Energy Department recommends keeping your thermostat at about 68-70 degrees when you’re home and awake, and lowering it when you’re leaving the house or going to sleep. Don’t ever set it below 55 degrees–that risks freezing your pipes. Consider buying a programmable or smart thermostat. Check the attic. Insulating your attic can be the most cost-effective way to cut heating costs. Look across your attic floor. If the insulation is even with or below the attic floor joists, it’s time to add more. (CUB has some great tips on picking the right insulation in our WatchBlog article: Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audit.) Switch the direction of your fan. In the winter, your fan should rotate clockwise (from your position looking up at it) at the slowest speed. Turning clockwise, the fan’s blades pull cold air up, which then pushes warm air down toward the room’s occupants. Used in combination with a wise temperature setting, this tip can save consumers up to 15 percent on their winter bills. If you’re not sure how to change the direction of your ceiling fan, watch CUB’s quick how-to video. Clean or change your furnace filter monthly, or as recommended. This is an important maintenance step to ensure your furnace is operating properly and efficiently. You should check your filter monthly. (See heating tips from the Department of Energy. Also, before the winter, try to schedule an HVAC inspection with a reputable contractor. Most systems last 10 to 15 years but can last longer and run more efficiently with maintenance. An inspector can check your system to ensure everything is working properly.) Prepare the fireplace. Make sure your fireplace is inspected and cleaned before you use it in the winter. When you’re not using your fireplace, make sure the damper is closed to prevent warm air from […]

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CUB’s money-saving events in April

Sophia — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 18:52:10 +0000

Happy April everyone, we’ve officially reached spring! The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer. Below you will find several events that can help you improve energy efficiency at home and protect your bottom line this month. We hope to see you there. 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 2: Home Energy Savings with CUB Consumers need to be well-informed on ways to save and lower their utility costs. During this virtual presentation, CUB will show you how to decode your bills, spot errors, and take advantage of programs designed to save energy and money. This event will take place in collaboration with Chicago Ald. Matt O’Shea. Register here. 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, April 4: Understanding Cable Options and Reducing Robocalls Join CUB for a virtual presentation on your TV options and reducing robocalls. A CUB representative will discuss ways to cut your cable costs and the different choices in the TV market. This event will take place in collaboration with Chicago Ald. Matt O’Shea. Register here. 2:00 – 3:30 p.m., Saturday, April 6: Homes of the Future Metro East: Important Transitions for Cleaner Air in Your Home and Community Join CUB at the Fairview Heights Library (10017 Bunkum Rd., Fairview Heights, IL 62208) to discuss electrification as a cheaper and cleaner way to heat your home. This event is co-hosted by Sierra Club Illinois, Faith in Place, the Poor People’s Campaign, Sierra Club Kaskaskia Group and Indivisible Metro East. Register here. 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 10: Jefferson Park Solar 101 Learn if solar is right for your home, and, if so, how to get the most value out of your solar system at this workshop at the Jefferson Memorial Fieldhouse (4822 N. Long Ave., Chicago, IL 60630). We will discuss how solar panels work with your home and the grid, an overview of state and federal incentives and why now is the best time to go solar. This event is co-sponsored by state Sen. Robert Martwick, state Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, and Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen. Register here. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 16: Home Energy Savings with CUB Join CUB and the Chinese American Service League for a virtual presentation on how to better understand your utility bills and find out about the free programs available to help cut your monthly costs. Tips on making your home more energy efficient will also be provided. Register here. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Thursday, April 18: Avoiding Utility Scams and Saving on Utilities CUB, state Sen. Ram Villivalam and state Rep. Kevin Olickal are hosting a free event to advise residents on their utility bills. Join us to learn how to analyze your bills, avoid bad alternative supplier deals, and take advantage of energy efficiency programs. This event will take place at the Irish American Heritage Center (4626 N. Knox Ave., Chicago, IL 60630). Please register by calling Sen. Villivalam’s office at 1-872-208-5188. 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, April 18: Prospect Heights Utility Bill Clinic CUB is hosting a free in-person event to advise residents on reducing electric, gas, landline and cellphone […]

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CUB’s money-saving events in March

Sophia — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 20:42:45 +0000

Spring is just around the corner (March 19), and we have milder weather and lower gas prices (hopefully) to look forward to. Below you will find several events to help protect your bottom line by practicing energy efficiency, cutting TV costs, avoiding rip-offs and other ways to save that CUB has learned over the years. We hope to see you in March. 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 5: Internet Privacy and Robocall Prevention with CUB Join CUB for a free presentation on how to avoid online and telephone scams and new federal legislation passed to help reduce robocalls. This in-person event will take place at the Frankfort Public Library (21119 S. Pfeiffer Rd., Frankfort, IL 60423). 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 6: Home Energy Savings In this virtual event co-hosted by state Rep. Kimberly du Buclet, CUB will show you how to decode your gas and electric bills, spot errors, and take advantage of programs designed to save energy and money. Register for the virtual event here. 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Thursday, March 7: Utility Bill Clinic with Alderman Matt Martin CUB and Ald. Matt Martin are hosting a free in-person event to advise residents on reducing electric, gas, landline and cellphone bills. Each participant will speak one-on-one with a CUB counselor to review their bills. This event will take place at the 47th Ward Office (4243 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60618). Register here. 12:00 – 1:00 p.m., Thursday, March 14: Home Energy Savings In this presentation at the Lemont Township Senior Center (16300 Alba St., Lemont, IL 60439), CUB will go over consumer protections, the latest Illinois energy policies and how they will impact you, and how to decode your gas and electric bills. 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 19: Home Decarbonization 101 Join CUB for anevent at Sketchbook Brewing Co. (4901 Main St., Skokie, IL 60077). In this presentation, we will discuss ways to start decarbonizing your home. Learn about the benefits of building electrification, appliances such as heat pumps and induction stoves, and new tax credits and rebates available through the Inflation Reduction Act. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Monday, March 25: Hanover Park Utility Bill Clinic CUB is hosting a free in-person event to advise residents on reducing electric, gas, landline and cellphone bills. Each participant will speak one-on-one with a CUB counselor to review their bills. This event will take place at the Hanover Park Branch Library (1266 Irving Park Rd., Hanover Park, IL 60133). Please register by finding the event on the library’s calendar. 10:30 – 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 26: Cable Options and Reducing Robocalls Join CUB at the Logan Square Wintrust Bank (2814 Fullerton Ave., Chicago, IL 60647) for an in-person presentation on your TV options and reducing robocalls. During this event, a CUB representative will discuss ways to cut your cable costs and the different choices in the TV market. 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 26: Home Energy Savings CUB will show you how to decode your gas and electric bills, spot errors, and take advantage of programs designed to save energy and money. This event […]

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Natural Gas dethroned in poll for “Worst Bill”

Sophia — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 17:26:43 +0000

We received more than 100 responses to our “Worst Bill” poll, and for the first time in three years, gas isn’t on top. Cable takes the cake for the most dreaded bill with 38 votes. Here’s what some consumers had to say about their cable bills: “Our Comcast cable bill is ridiculous! It goes up 3-4 dollars nearly every month! And there is nothing we can do about it except cancel…We do not know what to do” – James F. “Monthly bill went up $22.00 with no increased benefit. There are many channels we do NOT USE …just want simple internet and TV.” – Geraldine H. “My Comcast cable bill, which includes internet and phone, is my biggest monthly bill. I feel that Comcast has many of us over a barrel.” – Joyce W. (CUB note: Check out CUB’s Guide to Cutting Your TV Costs for more tips on saving on your cable bill.) In second place was gas with 27 votes, just edging out power bills. Here’s what Colleen K. said about her gas bill, “It’s very rare for me to see a gas bill under $50, including in the summer. I live in an 1,100-square-foot condo. I have an efficient HVAC system. I set my thermostat at 68 or 69 degrees in the winter.” Electric bills came in third with 20 total votes. Molly N. wrote, “Last month: $456. This is 3x what it was the month and year before.” If you’re concerned about your energy bills, please visit CUB’s Clean Energy page for efficiency tips. Internet, water and telecom bills round out the poll with 5, 13 and 12 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. And a special congratulations to Michelle of Poplar Grove for winning four super-efficient LED bulbs. She was randomly selected to win the prize out of people who took the poll.

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Joint Release: AARP IL, CUB call for legislation to prohibit utilities from charging customers millions for self-serving PR campaigns, rate-hike legal fees

Sophia — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 16:54:38 +0000

Illinois utilities would be prohibited from charging customers potentially tens of millions of dollars for self-serving purposes to increase their political power and advance their agenda, including goodwill advertising, political-issue campaigns and bankrolling high-priced legal teams working to win rate hikes against consumers, under legislation supported by the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and AARP Illinois. (See the full version of the release here.) The “Utility Affordability Act” (Senate Bill 2885/House Bill 5061), sponsored by State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (Western Springs) and State Representative Theresa Mah (Chicago), is the latest reform measure in the country designed to bar utilities from burdening customers with such spending that should instead be covered by the companies’ shareholders. Three other states have passed similar reform legislation over the past year—including Connecticut, Colorado and Maine. CUB estimates the Illinois legislation could, for the average year, save ratepayers across Illinois more than $50 million, based on documents the utilities filed with their most recent rate cases. “Ratepayers need a break and this bill would give them one,” said State Representative Mah. “I am proud to sponsor a bill that will hold utilities accountable and result in lower rates.” “This is part of Illinois’ continued effort to protect rate-paying customers from egregious utility rates,” said State Senator Glowiak Hilton. “We must protect people’s wallets and prevent utility customers from footing the bill for these charges.” Current Illinois law allows utilities to recover certain expenses from their customers that consumer advocates have long argued should be paid for by shareholders. Under the Utility Affordability Act, investor-owned electric, gas and water utilities in Illinois would be prohibited from charging customers for the following expenses: Utility dues for memberships in trade associations that push the companies’ agenda. Work devoted to political issues campaigns, such as referendums. Goodwill advertising that enhances the utility image and benefits shareholders. Charitable donations made by utilities on behalf of ratepayers. Insurance protection for shareholders. Lawyer and expert witness costs when utilities push for rate hikes before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Typically, such legal expenses take up the largest chunk of these recoverable costs. In addition, the legislation would require the ICC to hold at least one local public hearing on utility rate-hike requests. It would also prohibit utilities from using rate-payer money to fund the newly created Intervenor Compensation Fund (ICF), which is a pot of money devoted to helping nonprofit groups challenge rate hikes. Supporters say the Utility Affordability Act does not prevent utilities from spending money on these items–it only prohibits the companies from charging customers for them. Holding utilities more accountable for their spending and helping to reduce utility bills is vital, as Illinois consumers have faced a barrage of $3 billion in rate-hike requests over the past year—including two new water requests in 2024 ($152 million for Illinois American Water and $19.2 million for Aqua Illinois). “The Utility Affordability Act will stop electric, gas and water utilities from charging us for a long list of expenses they rack up trying to raise our rates and further increase their political power,” said CUB Director of Governmental Affairs Bryan McDaniel. “Shareholders should […]

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Capitol Report: CUB’s 2024 legislative agenda to lower utility bills

Sophia — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 15:43:14 +0000

Each year CUB works at the State Capitol on a broad range of issues related to our core mission of saving consumers money on their utility bills. “It’s not easy fighting for consumer interests against the big utilities in Springfield, but I know you’ve got my back,” said Bryan McDaniel, CUB’s Director of Governmental Affairs. “We’re on the lookout to oppose legislation that would advance the utilities’ agenda and increase our costs. And we’re also working to support proposed pieces of legislation that are common-sense, pro-consumer solutions. This year, we’ll need help from CUB supporters to build awareness among Illinois legislators. Be prepared to take action in the weeks to come. ” CUB’s priorities for the 2024 Illinois General Assembly session include the following. (At the end, we also update you on the “Right of First Refusal” legislation we oppose.) Utility Affordability Act Bill Number: Senate Bill 2885/House Bill 5061 Sponsor: Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton and Rep. Theresa Mah What it does: Current Illinois law allows utilities to recover certain expenses from their customers that consumer advocates have long argued should be paid for by shareholders. Under the Utility Affordability Act, investor-owned electric, gas and water utilities in Illinois would be prohibited from charging customers for the following expenses: Utility dues for memberships in trade associations that push the companies’ agenda. Work devoted to political issues campaigns, such as referendums. Goodwill advertising that enhances the utility image and benefits shareholders. Charitable donations made by utilities on behalf of ratepayers. Insurance protection for shareholders. Lawyer and expert witness costs when utilities push for rate hikes before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Typically, such legal expenses take up the largest chunk of these recoverable costs. CUB estimates the Illinois legislation could, for the average year, save ratepayers across Illinois more than $50 million, based on documents the utilities filed with their most recent rate cases. What you can do: Send a message to your legislators in favor of the Utility Affordability Act. More on this bill: The Utility Affordability Act is the latest reform measure in the country designed to bar utilities from burdening customers with potentially tens of millions of dollars in expenses for self-serving purposes to increase their political power and advance their agendas. Such self-serving spending should instead be covered by the companies’ shareholders. Three other states have passed similar reform legislation over the past year: Connecticut, Colorado and Maine. Read: The joint news release by CUB and AARP Illinois. The Capitol News Illinois article about the legislation. The Chicago Sun-Times editorial about the legislation: “The Legislature has a chance to inject some common sense into utility bills. It should do so.” Lawmakers across the U.S. seek to curb utility spending on politics, ads and more extras Water Affordability & Accountability Bill Number: House Bill 5157 Sponsor: Rep. Nabeela Syed What it does: This bill would lower water utility bills by: requiring water utility shareholders to pay the majority of costs when the utility buys a water or wastewater system, creating a referendum prior to privatization of water or sewer systems, removing the QIP surcharge that speeds rate increases for utility customers. […]

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CUB Statement on Illinois American’s $152 Million Rate-hike Request

Sophia — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 16:55:59 +0000

Citizens Utility Board (CUB) Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz released a statement today about Illinois American Water’s $152 million rate-hike request before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC): Illinois American’s $152 million rate-hike request is severe and greedy—the company is pushing for an excessive profit rate for its shareholders—and CUB will do everything it can to reduce it. We often hear complaints from Illinois American customers about painfully high bills, fueled by the utility’s aggressive strategy of buying up municipal systems across Illinois, along with winning legislative approval to add a “Qualifying Infrastructure Plant” surcharge to bills. While water customers struggle, Illinois American’s parent company has pulled in about $1.6 billion in profits over the last two years. This punishing rate hike will be a hardship to consumers who depend on the utility for a vital service–and that’s why we’re challenging the company’s money-grab. Background: On Feb. 8, 2024, Illinois American Water filed a request to increase rates by $152.4 million, or about 39.5 percent, with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). In the rate-hike request, the utility proposes increasing its Return on Equity (ROE), or profit-rate for shareholders, from 9.78 percent to 10.75 percent. Illinois American says the rate hike would increase residential monthly water service bills by about $24 per month, while the average residential wastewater bill would increase by about $5 per month. Rates would depend on a customer’s service area. Since 2016, Illinois American has successfully pushed for two other rate hikes before the ICC: an $85 million increase in 2022, and a $35 million increase in 2016. American Water, Illinois American’s parent company, has made $1.59 billion in profits over the last two years—including $820 million in 2022 and $773 million through the first nine months of 2023. The rate case, Docket # 24-0097, will take approximately 11 months to complete. Customers can sign a petition against the rate hike at CUBActionCenter.com, or can file a public comment against the increase directly with the ICC. Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest investor-owned water utility in Illinois. It provides water and wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million customers.

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CUB’s money-saving events in February

Sophia — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 15:38:34 +0000

February may be the shortest month of the year–even in a leap year–but there’s still plenty of time to improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your utility bills. Below are the free events CUB is offering throughout the state this month. We hope to see you at an event in the near future. 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 1: Home Decarbonization 101 with CUB Join CUB at the Batavia Public Library (10 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia, IL 60510) for a presentation on decarbonizing your home. CUB will dive into ways renters and homeowners can access energy efficiency and cost-saving programs. During this presentation, you will receive information on building Decarbonization, the benefits of building electrification, new tax credits and rebates for home energy and free programs designed to save you energy and money. 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., Monday, Feb. 5: Home Energy Savings In this presentation at the Elmhurst Public Library (125 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, IL 60126), CUB will go over consumer protections, the latest Illinois energy policies and how they will impact you, and how to decode your gas and electric bills. 2:00 – 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 6: Solar Power Hour Residents throughout Cook, Kane, Kendall, DuPage, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties have an opportunity to participate in Solar Switch Chicagoland, a group buy program combining volume purchasing with community education to make solar more accessible and affordable. Regardless of where you live in the counties, you can participate in any of the free informational Solar Power Hours. In this presentation, you’ll learn about the basics of solar, its financial implications for a household, and how the solar group buy program works. Register for the online webinar here. 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 8: Our Future Home: Clean and Affordable Heat and Cooking Join CUB and Sierra Club Illinois, the 48th Ward and the Edgewater Environmental Committee to learn more about our clean heat campaign. We will discuss how making the switch to electric appliances can reduce your carbon footprint, lower energy costs and protect your health. This hybrid event will take place at 6018 N. Kenmore Ave., Chicago, IL 60660 and via Zoom. Register for the online presentation here. 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 13: Home Energy Savings (This event has been rescheduled to March 6, 2024.) CUB will show you how to decode your gas and electric bills, spot errors, and take advantage of programs designed to save energy and money. 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 15: Our Future Home: Clean and Affordable Heat and Cooking Join CUB and Sierra Club Illinois to learn more about our clean heat campaign. We will discuss how making the switch to electric appliances can reduce your carbon footprint, lower energy costs and protect your health. This event will take place at Jefferson Memorial Park (4822 N. Long Ave., Chicago, IL 60630). Register here. 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 20: Navigating Solar Join CUB at Sketchbook Brewing Co. (4901 Main St., Skokie, IL 60077) for a presentation on solar and the benefits of clean energy. Listen to a CUB expert explain different solar programs […]

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Kick off 2024 with CUB’s money-saving events in January

Sophia — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 15:34:16 +0000

Happy New Year! This month, we have a jam-packed schedule of on-line and in-person events across the state to help you save money in 2024. We hope to see you at an event in the near future. 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 10: Utility Savings with CUB Join CUB and the Vernon Area Library for a free online webinar on energy savings. Learn about consumer protections, the latest Illinois policies and how they will impact you and how to decode your gas and electric bills. Register here. 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 11: Utility Bill Clinic with State Rep. Matt Hanson CUB and state Rep. Hanson are hosting a free in-person event to advise residents on reducing electric, gas, landline and cellphone bills. Each participant will speak one-on-one with a CUB counselor to review their bills. This event will take place at Village Hall (100 Parker Mills, Oswego, IL 60543). Please call Rep. Hanson’s office at (630) 425-3965 to register. 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 16: Our Future Home: Clean and Affordable Heat and Cooking Join CUB and Sierra Club Illinois to learn more about our clean heat campaign. We will discuss how making the switch to electric appliances can reduce your carbon footprint, lower energy costs and protect your health. This event will take place at Jefferson Memorial Park (4822 N. Long Ave., Chicago, IL 60630). Register here. 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 18: Energy Savings with CUB In this presentation at the White Oak Library District: Lockport Branch (121 E. 8th St., Lockport, IL 60441), CUB will go over consumer protections, the latest Illinois energy policies and how they will impact you, and how to decode your gas and electric bills. 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 23: Cutting the Cord with Cable CUB and the Edgewater Senior Learning Club are partnering to provide a free event focused on ways you can save money on your TV entertainment costs. We’ll cover the different options in the TV market, including streaming services available. This event will take place at the Edgewater Creekside Lodge (2554 Edgewater Dr., Elgin, IL 60124). 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 23: The CUB Electric Vehicle (EV) Buyer’s Handbook Join CUB, Winnetka-Northfield Public Library, Wilmette Public Library and Glenview Public Library for a free online webinar focused on electric vehicles. During this presentation, a CUB specialist will walk through the CUB EV Buyer’s Handbook and provide tips and tricks designed to ensure you’re a better EV shopper. Register for this virtual event here. 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 24: Clean Energy Incentives Join CUB and the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County to learn about the clean energy and efficiency incentives and benefits available through Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and the federal Inflation Reduction Act. Register for the virtual event here. 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 24: Home Energy Savings CUB will show you how to decode your gas and electric bills, spot errors and take advantage of programs designed to save energy and money. This event will take place at the Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library […]

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CUB’s money-saving events in December

Sophia — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 22:04:55 +0000

This is a roundup of free events taking place throughout the rest of 2023. This year, CUB’s Outreach Team staffed more than 300 events across the state. As consumer advocates, we’ll never give up—and that’s why we’ll continue putting on events dedicated to saving you money and keeping you up-to-date on the fight for lower utility bills, clean energy and consumer protections. We’re looking forward to holding hundreds of more events in 2024, but here’s what we’ve got planned in December. 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 5: Understanding Cable Options and Reducing Robocalls CUB and Chicago Ald. Matt O’Shea are teaming up to provide a free virtual presentation on your TV options and reducing robocalls. During this event, a CUB representative will discuss ways to cut your cable costs and the different choices in the TV market. Register for the Zoom meeting here. 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 5: Preparing for Solar: First Steps, Incentives, and Benefits In this virtual presentation, you’ll learn about the incentives and benefits available for clean energy and energy efficiency, through Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) and the federal Inflation Reduction Act. Register for the Zoom meeting here. This event is in partnership with Elevate Energy. 6:00 – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 7: Home Energy Savings In this virtual presentation, CUB will show you how to decode your bills, spot errors, and take advantage of programs designed to save energy and money. Register for the Zoom meeting here. This event is in partnership with Chicago Ald. Matt O’Shea. 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 13: Utility Bill Clinic with State Senator Cristina Castro CUB and state Sen. Castro are hosting a free in-person event to advise residents on reducing electric, gas, landline and cellphone bills. Each participant will speak one-on-one with a CUB counselor to review their bills. Both English and Spanish services will be offered. This event will take place in the Meadows Room of the Gail Borden Public Library District (270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, IL 60120).

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