CUB tips Archives | Citizens Utility Board

Amid 45% Increase in ComEd’s Power Price, CUB Calls on Utility to Work With Customers to Keep Them Safe, Cool, Connected This Summer

Elizabeth — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 14:48:42 +0000

With Commonwealth Edison customers facing a 45 percent increase in the price of power, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) on Wednesday called on Illinois’ largest electric utility to work with people struggling to afford their bills this summer so they can keep their electricity on and protect themselves from dangerous heat. “This will be a difficult summer for far too many customers, and we urge ComEd to do everything possible to work with people so they stay safe, cool and connected this summer,” CUB Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz said. She called for ComEd to offer consumer-friendly payment plans that give customers a longer time to pay off their debt. ComEd’s summer “price to compare”— the rate customers should compare with alternative supplier offers—is: 10.028 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) from June through September. Note: This rate includes the supply price and a transmission charge. The increase impacts the supply section, which makes up about a half to two-thirds of ComEd bills. ComEd does not profit off supply—they pass those costs onto customers with no markup. A new, non-summer supply rate, which has yet to be announced, will take effect Oct. 1. The price of electricity is expected to be elevated at least through next May. ComEd has estimated the increase will cost customers an average of 10 to 15 percent, or $10.60 more per month, over the next year. The spike is connected to an increase in the price for reserve power, also called “capacity.” CUB argues that capacity costs have skyrocketed largely because of policy problems with the power grid operator for northern Illinois, PJM Interconnection, which runs an auction that determines the price of capacity. CUB has tips to help Illinois consumers get through the expensive summer at CUBHelpCenter.com, including: Use energy efficiency to soften the blow of the price spike.Simple actions can help, such as weatherizing windows and doors and turning off unnecessary lights. Don’t take risks that keep your home too hot–efficiency is about eliminating waste but staying safe and cool this summer. Stay in contact with your utility. Consumers who are struggling should contact their utilities to inquire about payment plans and learn about energy efficiency programs. Consider programs to help ease costs. ComEd’s Peak Time Savings program gives customers the opportunity to earn bill credits by reducing electricity usage during high-demand periods, typically summer afternoons. Also, Illinois’ community solar program offers customers the benefits of solar power without having to install panels on their homes. All offers currently guarantee savings compared to ComEd’s supply price. CUB’s resource, SolarInTheCommunity.com, can help you carefully shop for offers. Beware of rip-offs. Since 2015, Illinois consumers have lost about $1.8 billion to alternative electricity suppliers. These suppliers are impacted by the same market conditions that are causing utility prices to increase, so it’s likely, even in this expensive market, that ComEd is your best bet. One exception: If your community has negotiated a power deal with a supplier, it’s possible the price is lower than ComEd’s supply rate. Confirm the price and find out when the offer expires. While the price spike is bad news, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) is providing some relief. Illinois’ landmark energy law requires a line item on ComEd bills called […]

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Amid 50% Increase in Ameren’s Power Price, CUB Calls on Utility to Work With Customers to Keep Them Safe, Cool, Connected This Summer

Elizabeth — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 14:43:56 +0000

As Ameren Illinois customers face a 50 percent increase in the price of power, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) on Wednesday called for the utility to work with people struggling to afford their bills this summer so they can keep their electricity on and protect themselves from dangerous heat. “This will be a difficult summer for far too many customers,” CUB Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz said. “In this expensive summer, we urge Ameren to do everything possible to work with customers so they can stay connected and keep their homes safe and cool.” She called for Ameren to offer consumer-friendly payment plans that give customers a longer time to pay off their debt. Ameren’s summer “price to compare”— the rate customers should compare with alternative supplier offers—is: 12.18 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) from June through September. Note: This rate includes the supply price, a transmission charge and a “supply cost adjustment.” The increase impacts the supply section, which makes up about a half to two-thirds of bills. Ameren doesn’t profit off supply—they pass those costs onto customers with no markup. The non-summer supply rate has yet to be finalized, but Ameren estimates the price will decrease to roughly 8 cents to 9 cents per kWh on Oct. 1. Ameren has estimated the increase will cost customers an average of 18 to 22 percent, or about $38 to $46 more per month over the summer. The spike is connected to an increase in the price for reserve power, also called “capacity.” CUB argues that capacity costs have skyrocketed largely because of policy problems with the power grid operator for central and southern Illinois, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, or MISO, which runs an auction that determines the capacity price. CUB has tips to help Illinois consumers get through the expensive summer at CUBHelpCenter.com, including: Use energy efficiency to soften the blow of the price spike. Simple actions can help, such as weatherizing windows and doors and turning off unnecessary lights. Don’t take risks that keep your home too hot. Efficiency is about eliminating waste but staying safe and cool this summer. Stay in contact with your utility. Consumers who are struggling should contact Ameren to inquire about payment plans and learn about energy efficiency programs. Consider programs to help ease costs. Ameren’s Peak Time Rewards program gives customers the opportunity to earn bill credits by reducing electricity usage during high-demand periods, typically summer afternoons. Also, Illinois’ community solar program offers customers the benefits of solar power without having to install panels on their homes. All offers currently guarantee savings compared to Ameren’s supply price. CUB’s resource, SolarInTheCommunity.com, can help you carefully shop for offers. Beware of rip-offs. Since 2015, Illinois consumers have lost about $1.8 billion to alternative electricity suppliers. These suppliers are impacted by the same market conditions that are causing utility prices to increase, so it’s likely, even in this expensive market, that Ameren is your best bet. One exception: If your community has negotiated a power deal with a supplier, it’s possible the price is lower than Ameren’s supply rate. Confirm the price and find out when the […]

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Tips for staying safe, warm and energy-efficient during Illinois winters

Sophia — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 15:29:36 +0000

Illinois winters are notorious for snowfall and below freezing temperatures. Here are some tips to stay warm, safe and energy efficient. Staying safe in low temperatures Check on neighbors and loved ones. If you or someone you know doesn’t have access to heat, Keep Warm Illinois lists warming centers near you. Be careful when doing outdoor tasks like shoveling snow. Wear multiple layers of lightweight clothing rather than one thick garment, as this will help keep you insulated. Make sure to cover your head, wear mittens and take frequent breaks. We know pets can be part of your family, too. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has plenty of cold-weather tips for your pets. Remember: Stay inside if you can, and be wary of the wind chill. Prolonged exposure to cold can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. (Know the signs!) Prepare yourself for wintry weather Maintain an emergency kit with the essentials. This includes practical items such as bottled water, snacks, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, a first aid kit and extra cash. (Have batteries and a portable cellphone charger also.) Experts say that you should be prepared with enough supplies to last three days. Some examples of sufficient supplies include: One gallon of water per person per day. At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Be ready to report any outages to your utility company. Wintry weather can spark power outages. By reporting these failures, utility companies can get to work as quickly as possible to restore your power. The following is a list of resources from the major utility companies operating in Illinois. See power outage maps for Ameren Illinois, ComEd and MidAmerican. ComEd: Visit https://www.comed.com/Outages/ReportAnOutage/Pages/default.aspx for information on the variety of ways to report outages. Sign up for ComEd’s messaging program for outage updates, including estimated restoration times. Ameren: Visit https://www.ameren.com/illinois/outage-center for information on reporting outages and preparing for bad weather. Sign up for Ameren’s outage alert system. MidAmerican: Report outages using https://www.midamericanenergy.com/ecss/Outage The major gas utilities, Ameren, Nicor, North Shore Gas, MidAmerican and Peoples Gas, also have tips on heating safety, including what to do when you smell gas and how to identify carbon monoxide poisoning. Additional winter weather resources: Need to call utility? Here’s a list of utility hotlines. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency has this winter weather preparedness guide. It also has an updated list of county-level Emergency Management Agencies (EMAs). Ready Illinois has winter tips as does the Illinois Department of Public Health. The National Weather Service has detailed information on winter storm alerts. (Illinois-specific info is here.) Follow these guidelines if you experience a power outage: Contact your support network to let people know that you are OK. Also, monitor alerts about the outage. Keep your freezers and refrigerators closed as much as possible. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full). Use perishable food from the refrigerator first. Perishables should have a temperature under 40 degrees Fahrenheit to be safe to eat. (Use a food thermometer to check, and throw […]

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Here’s what you need to know about alternative electricity suppliers

Elizabeth — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 16:37:57 +0000

During high-priced times, many consumers wonder if they should switch to an alternative supplier. However, when energy prices are up, alternative gas and electricity suppliers are often impacted by the same market conditions, so be careful about getting lured into bad deals. And two recent articles help drive that point home: In early August, Crain’s Chicago Business gave evidence to the long history of customers losing in the electricity market when it reported that the average customer with an alternative supplier paid about $10 more per month for their electricity over the past year than they would have with ComEd. In a market that has treated Illinoisans so poorly–customers have lost more than $1 billion to alternative power suppliers since 2015–that counts as good news. The $10 average monthly loss is an improvement from the $18 a month customers lost the previous year. The Crain’s statistics cover the period before electricity prices skyrocketed on June 1. Is it possible the high prices make it a better environment to shop for an alternative supplier and find savings? Not likely, according to an energy consultant quoted in the Peoria Journal Star. Despite the fact that Ameren’s supply price has jumped a whopping 120 percent, the consultant, Jerod McMorris from Good Energy, said he’s sticking with Ameren for now, because “if there was a better rate out there, our company would have found it.” While many customers want at least the opportunity to shop, there are a lot of pitfalls. A company may offer a low introductory rate that will skyrocket after a short period. (Ask how long a rate lasts, and what the new rate will be.) Also, be wary of add-on fees that can raise the cost of the plan. If a company offers a lower fixed supply price, find out if it can declare “force majeure” and back out of the deal. It’s happened before during high-priced times. With electricity supply, check if your community has negotiated a “municipal aggregation” deal. Municipal aggregation is when community leaders negotiate with an alternative supplier for the purpose of securing a reasonable electricity price. Savings aren’t guaranteed, but your community may have secured a lower supply rate than your utility. (See a list of community power deals the State of Illinois has put together.) Just make sure to find out when the community offer expires, so you can prepare for that day. As the Journal Star reported, Peoria’s deal expired and residents have gone back to the utility, because they can’t find a better deal than Ameren’s sky-high rate. Here are CUB’s recommendations if you do want to research your options with an alternative electric or gas supplier: Know the utility supply rate and how it compares to the offer. On the electricity side, see if your community has negotiated a “municipal aggregation” power deal that’s lower than the utility’s supply rate. Make sure the offer is not an introductory rate that ends in a month or two. And if it is, find out when it ends, and what the new rate will be. Scan the fine print for hidden monthly fees. Also, […]

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Beat the Heat with Summer Safety Tips

Elizabeth — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 21:13:24 +0000

The best energy efficiency is energy efficiency practiced safely. Temperature Safety: Don’t keep your home too hot or too cold to save money– never set the thermostat at a temperature that threatens your health. Efficiency is all about safety and comfort. Set your thermostat from 76 to 78 degrees for a safe and efficient temperature. Turn the AC off when you leave home unless you have pets or people in your care who need to stay cool. If you don’t have a cool place to stay, visit a cooling center or public space for a break. Special centers are available in state facilities across Illinois to help consumers stay safe in the summer or winter. Find warming and cooling centers near you. Many of those are open during business hours and Tollway Oasis locations are open 24 hours a day. Also, don’t be afraid to ask a family member or friend if you need refuge from the heat or cold. Stay Cool Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Sip about four to eight glasses of fluids a day. Avoid too much alcohol or caffeine, which promotes dehydration. Add a fan to your summer defenses. Set your thermostat at a smart temperature, and then use a fan to help circulate the cool air. Run it counter-clockwise, from your position looking up at it. Remember fans cool people not rooms, so turn them off when no one’s around. Need a bit more help to stay cool? Use a spray bottle filled with cool water to apply a refreshing mist on your face. Soak your feet in cool water. Place ice cubes, wrapped in a wet fabric, on your “pulse points,” where the blood vessels are close to the skin: wrists, neck, the insides of your elbows, the tops of your feet and the inside of the ankles. Take a cold shower or bath as well. Close your curtains or blinds to keep the heat of the sun out. Try to keep the rooms you use most (i.e. the TV room) the coolest. Symptoms of Heat Stroke: Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temps and not enough hydration. Heatstroke is more serious and occurs when the body starts to lose its ability to regulate itself. The signs of a heat stroke are: An extremely high body temperature, such as 103 degrees or above Dizziness and nausea Throbbing headache Rapid and strong pulse If you notice these symptoms in another person, the Mayo Clinic says to call 911 or your local emergency number and then move the person out of the heat and try to cool them immediately (sponge the person with cool water; fan the person and spray them with a cool mist; cold shower, etc.). Outlet Safety: If an appliance frequently trips your electric circuit breaker, disconnect it immediately and have the outlet evaluated by a qualified electrician. Older wiring in buildings may not be able to handle the electrical demand of modern appliances and may cause electrical fires if not maintained. Extension Cords: Keep portable appliances on extension […]

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CUB Earth Month Survey Winner

Elizabeth — Wed, 04 May 2022 15:11:51 +0000

Congratulations to Kevin of Calumet City for winning our Earth Month Survey giveaway! Out of 330 entries, he was randomly selected to receive a pack of 10 LED light bulbs, which could help him cut his electric bills by hundreds of dollars over their lifetime. We asked people how they fight climate change at home. Here’s how Kevin answered: “My house is pesticide-free for the last 15 years. and I only have (native plants). I don’t till the soil. I recycle as much as I can.” Since every month is Earth Month, we’d like to take a moment to share some of the ways CUB supporters just like you are fighting climate change throughout the year. “I use a smart thermostat to regulate inside temps, use LED bulbs, walk versus drive when I can, and bundle errands in the car for fewer trips.” -Sally “I recycle everything I can. I keep the thermostat set low in the winter and high in the summer.” -Alex “I always reuse plastic grocery bags as garbage bags, and I ride my bike or walk whenever possible to reduce my carbon footprint.” -Jeffrey “I turn off unneeded lights, ride my bike for small shopping trips and keep the thermostat at appropriate levels in heating and cooling seasons.” -Les “I buy locally, reuse and repurpose as much as possible, and shop thrift stores for gently used items instead of buying new.” -Pamela “I try to buy locally grown foods.” -Terry “My wife and I are recently retired teachers and thus we are reducing our driving habits. When we do drive to complete errands, we generally go together. We bring our own shopping bags when we grocery shop and reusable containers for the leftovers when we go out to eat. We are also dressing in multiple layers when at home so we can reduce the setting on our house thermostat during the winter days. We are also conscientious of our electricity and water usage. ” -Garrick “I have had Nicor and ComEd come in and make our house energy efficient with free assessments.” -Sally “I compost, recycle and donate so as not to fill landfills. In winter my thermostat is set to 65 in summer to 77. I try to map out my errands so I’m not driving around aimlessly.” -Cheryl “Climate change is a big problem, but we shouldn’t get so overwhelmed we don’t act,” CUB Communications Director Jim Chilsen said. “These tips and tricks–what many people call ‘being frugal’– can be your first steps. You may already do a lot of these things without thinking about them as ‘eco-friendly.’ It’s all about being mindful of your role in the planet, and passing it on to future generations.” As we’ve said before, the future of our planet is in our hands. For more tips, visit CUB’s Clean Energy page, read our Year-Round Energy Saving Tips factsheet, and sign up to volunteer.

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For Earth Month (and every month): Fight Climate Change at Home

Elizabeth — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 22:08:25 +0000

You can reduce your carbon footprint with a few simple tips to help you save money, save the planet, and save your peace of mind. Utility-Based Programs Check with your utility about any energy efficiency programs available to residents. Free at-home energy assessments are offered by ComEd and Ameren. They offer free efficiency upgrades (LED bulbs, low-flow showerheads, programmable thermostats) and will install them on the spot. “Demand response” programs reward you for using less energy during peak energy usage hours and thus help you save money while saving the planet. For example, ComEd’s Peak Time Savings and Ameren’s Peak Time Rewards programs both offer credits on your power bill for reducing energy consumption when the demand is high. Also, learn more about ComEd’s Hourly Pricing and Ameren’s Power Smart Pricing programs. They charge you an hourly, and often lower, rate for power during off-peak times. Those programs have been saving customers an average of 10-15 percent on the supply portion of bills. Check on community solar deals available in your area for ways to enjoy the benefits of solar energy without installing your own solar panels. Solar for All is Illinois’ solar program for lower-income participants. This could be a perfect fit for renters and apartment dwellers. (Visit the Solar for All website to see if you qualify.) DIY Energy Efficiency You can also increase energy efficiency with a few simple home maintenance tips. Clean your air conditioning unit and filters to make sure they are running efficiently, and if you have central air, schedule your yearly check up with the HVAC technician. Be smart about the AC–put it at the right temperature during the summer, and turn it off when you’re not at home to cut energy costs. Keep the cold air in by locating and sealing drafts in windows, doors, and floors. Many Illinois utilities offer rebates for sealing and insulation. Energy Star has a great guide for getting started, and don’t forget to check the attic and crawl spaces. For your ceiling fans, this is a good time of year to change direction. Run it counterclockwise, from your position looking up at it, to push cool air down. Using a fan and bumping up your thermostat a few degrees will save your comfort and money. In the cooler evenings, consider opening a window to cool off the house, before you close it up the next morning. CUB Supporters’ Tips We get some of our best tips from you. For Earth Month, we’re asking CUB supporters to fill out a survey on how to fight climate change at home for the chance to win a bundle of LED light bulbs, and potentially save hundreds of dollars. Here are a few favorite tips we’ve received so far: “I do several basic things: adjusting my thermostat, lowering the setting on my hot water tank (CUB note: Setting it at 120 degrees, or the “warm” setting, is recommended) turning off lights when not needed, recycling, using my own bags when grocery shopping. I also combine errands, so driving is kept to a minimum.” -Thomas “We subscribe to a community solar power […]

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Worst cold snap in two years—tips on staying safe, warm and energy-efficient in Illinois winters

Celeste — Sat, 06 Feb 2021 15:26:25 +0000

In recent weeks, Illinois has been hit with snow and dangerously cold temperatures—the worse conditions since the polar vortex of January 2019. Here are some tips to stay warm, safe and energy efficient. Staying safe in low temperatures Check on neighbors and loved ones. If you or someone you know doesn’t have access to heat, Keep Warm Illinois lists warming centers near you. Be careful when doing outdoor tasks like shoveling snow. Wear multiple layers of lightweight clothing rather than one thick garment, as this will help keep you insulated. Make sure to cover your head, wear mittens and take frequent breaks. We know pets can be part of your family, too. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has plenty of cold-weather tips for your pets. Remember: Stay inside if you can, and be wary of the wind chill. Prolonged exposure to cold can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. (Know the signs!) Prepare yourself for wintry weather Be ready to report any outages to your utility company. Wintry weather can spark power outages. By reporting these failures, utility companies can get to work as quickly as possible to restore your power. The following is a list of resources from the major utility companies operating in Illinois. ComEd: Visit https://www.comed.com/Outages/ReportAnOutage/Pages/default.aspx for information on the variety of ways to report outages. Sign up for ComEd’s messaging program for outage updates, including estimated restoration times. Ameren: Visit https://www.ameren.com/illinois/outage-center for information on reporting outages and preparing for bad weather. Sign up for Ameren’s outage alert system. MidAmerican: Report outages using https://www.midamericanenergy.com/ecss/Outage The major gas utilities, Ameren, Nicor and Peoples Gas, also have tips on heating safety, including what to do when you smell gas and how to identify carbon monoxide poisoning. Know the numbers for your local and state emergency management agencies. When bad weather strikes, remember that you are not alone. The State of Illinois has a number of emergency resources available to people in need. A severe-weather preparedness guide. An updated list of county-level Emergency Management Agencies (EMAs). For more information, read our five steps to prepare for bad winter weather. Home tips and energy efficiency Practicing energy efficiency is the safest and most reliable way to stay warm during the winter. Here’s what we recommend at CUB: Keep your home at a steady, safe temperature (about 68-70 degrees). Blasting the heat can be bad for your furnace and your heating bills, but going too low is dangerous to your health. Don’t overwork your heating system. Clean your radiators, air returns, vents and make sure your furniture isn’t blocking any sources of heat. Close blinds as an extra layer of protection against icy night winds. But open them during the day so sunlight can help heat and light your home. Circulate the heat with the help of a ceiling fan. (In the winter, run the fan clockwise.) Make sure to turn the fan off when you leave. Cold weather is a great way to discover drafts in your home. Sealing your windows and doors with weather strips will help prevent cold drafts from coming through. If you’re not […]

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Five steps to prepare for bad winter weather

Celeste — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 14:44:09 +0000

Living in a state like Illinois, we are all-too-aware of rapidly changing weather, but are you prepared for bad weather? These five tips can help you plan out your strategy for weathering the storm. 1. Weatherize your home or apartment. Equipping your home with the latest weatherization improvements can help avoid significant fallout due to inclement weather. Though broad in scope, weatherization includes tasks such as: Cleaning, tuning or repairing heating and cooling systems. Installing duct and pipe insulation. Assessing fire hazards and installing appropriate alarm systems. Sealing drafts around windows and doors through the use of weather strips, and installing efficient lighting and appliances. Illinois consumers have access to additional weatherization resources through their electric and natural gas companies (i.e. ComEd, Ameren, Nicor, Peoples Gas). For more information, visit your local utility company’s website, and CUB’s Clean Energy page. 2. Be prepared to report any outages to your utility company. Bad weather can spark power outages. By reporting these failures, utility companies can get to work as quickly as possible to restore your power. The following is a list of resources from the major utility companies operating in Illinois. ComEd: Visit https://www.comed.com/Outages/ReportAnOutage/Pages/default.aspx for information on the variety of ways to report outages. Ameren: Visit https://www.ameren.com/illinois/outage-center for information about reporting outages and preparing for bad weather. MidAmerican: Report outages using https://www.midamericanenergy.com/ecss/Outage The major gas utilities, Ameren, Nicor and Peoples Gas, also have tips on heating safety, including what to do when you smell gas and how to identify carbon monoxide poisoning. 3. Sign up for your utility’s outage alert system. Ameren and ComEd offer a messaging service that sends you texts about outage information in your area, such as estimated restoration times. This will keep you up to date in an emergency situation. Sign up for ComEd’s messaging program. Sign up for Ameren’s messaging program. 4. Know the numbers for your local and state emergency management agencies. When bad weather strikes, remember that you are not alone. The State of Illinois has a number of emergency resources available to people in need. A severe-weather preparedness guide. An updated list of county-level Emergency Management Agencies (EMAs). 5. Maintain an emergency kit with the essentials. This includes practical items such as bottled water, snacks, a battery-powered radio, flashlights, and a first aid kit. Though we never hope to have need for such supplies, it never hurts to be fully prepared! Experts say that you should be prepared with enough supplies to last three days. Some examples of sufficient supplies include: One gallon of water per person per day. At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.

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CUB webinars to share tips on robocalls, cable, electric, solar in IL

Brieanna — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 16:36:55 +0000

In honor of Financial Literacy Month and Earth Month, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) is holding a series of free webinars in April to share money-saving tips about robocalls, pay TV service, electric bills and new solar energy programs in Illinois. The webinars are part of the watchdog’s continuing efforts to serve utility customers through the COVID-19 public health emergency. Visit CUBHelpCenter.com to sign up for the webinars, or click the “Register” links below. “We want to offer helpful, free services consumers can use from the safety of their own homes,” CUB Executive Director David Kolata said. “These free webinars, offered by CUB experts, will give consumers practical information on how they can cut their costs and make their energy cleaner and more affordable. Our goal is to help consumers reduce stress over their expenses during this public health and financial crisis.” CUB has gained expertise through 36 years of consumer advocacy it offers at no cost to Illinois consumers. The watchdog has helped save state residents $20 billion by challenging rate hikes, securing refunds, and providing tips to thousands of people who call CUB’s Consumer Hotline (1-800-669-5556) or attend free events it holds across the state each year. The webinars are: 10 a.m. Thursday, April 16: Reduce Robocalls and Cut Your Cable Bill (Watch this webinar). Description: CUB gets two common complaints from consumers: Their phones are barraged by robocalls, and their TV bills are too high. Learn about new protections against these nuisance calls, and see our strategies to reduce your TV costs. 10 a.m. Thursday, April 23: Special Earth Week Topic: Illinois’ New Solar Programs Watch this webinar. Description: Thanks to strong energy policy like the Future Energy Jobs Act, it’s a good time to go solar in Illinois. Find out if your home is right for solar panels, and learn about Illinois’ new Community Solar program that allows you to enjoy the benefits of solar without having to install panels on your home. 10 a.m. Thursday, April 30: Home Energy Savings for Ameren and ComEd Customers (Register Here). Description: Learn about a whole menu of programs that can help consumers across the state of Illinois cut their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint.

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