A recommendation pending before state regulators would shave a record-setting rate hike proposal now looming over 2.3 million Nicor Gas customers by more than $100 million, or about one-third, but consumer advocates say there is more fat to trim from the prosperous utility’s bid for a bloated increase in heating…...
CUB’s money-saving events in October
CUB’s Outreach team travels across the state to staff free events giving consumers energy efficiency tips for their home, educating them on how clean energy can cut their utility bills and helping people protect themselves from scams and rip-offs. Now in the winter heating season, CUB can help you learn…...
New ComEd Electricity Price Still Elevated, But CUB Warns Consumers to Beware of Bad Alternative Supplier Deals
After an expensive summer, Commonwealth Edison’s new supply price has dropped slightly but is still about 47 percent higher than last year, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) said Wednesday. Even though ComEd’s price is elevated, the watchdog urged consumers to review the “Supply” section of their bills to confirm they…...
CUB Alerts Ameren Illinois Customers: Utility’s Price for Electricity has Dropped 31 Percent as of October 1st
After a hot, expensive summer, Ameren Illinois’ new price for electricity has dropped by more than 30 percent as of Oct. 1, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) said in a consumer alert Wednesday. The watchdog urged consumers to review the “Electric Supply” section of their bills to confirm they are…...
Amid electricity price spike, CUB joins advocates to urge passage of the Clean & Reliable Grid Affordability (CRGA) Act in Fall Veto Session
Amid an electricity price spike sparked by unprecedented power demand, CUB joined other advocates to urge the Illinois General Assembly to pass the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability (CRGA) Act (SB25) in the October veto session. The legislation would implement a number of reforms to help reduce power prices and…...
A step-by-step guide to applying for LIHEAP
Far too many people are struggling to afford their utility bills, so it’s important to know the process for applying for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). According to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the LIHEAP application period is October 1, 2025, to August 15,…...
CUB Q&A: The Low-Income Discount Rate (LIDR) program for private water customers
In late 2024, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved a low-income discount rate (LIDR) for eligible customers of Illinois’ private water companies, Aqua Illinois and Illinois American Water. The program was launched in July of 2025. Who qualifies for the LIDR? To be considered for the low-income discount rate program… Aqua…...
Fight for LIHEAP and Energy Star
It’s frustrating that Washington is killing helpful solar and energy efficiency tax credits at the end of the year–but we still have a chance to save two energy programs that have been threatened: The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Energy Star. Washington decides budget appropriations for the next fiscal year,…...
