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CUB Statement on Nicor Gas’ Proposed $309 Million Rate Hike

Nicor Gas’ campaign for a state-record rate hike of about $308.6 million–which is closer to $325 million when including taxes–is unjustified, and CUB will fight it. Illinois’ largest gas utility has now asked for five brutal rate hikes in less than a decade, causing hardship for customers by increasing gas…...

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Happy New Year! Check out CUB’s January events

CUB’s Outreach team travels across the state of Illinois to staff free events offering 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. We hope to see you at one soon! 10:00…...

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CUB’s monthly report on gas market volatility: January 2025

Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Here’s what CUB uncovered in our review of prices in January. Compared with last month, six of 9 major utilities are charging prices that are higher: Ameren (about 0.2 percent higher); Liberty Utilities…...

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Save energy and money with these winter efficiency tips

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…...

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CUB Statement on Ameren Illinois’ Amended Grid Plan, Rate Hike

The following is a statement by CUB Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz on the Thursday, Dec. 19 Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) ruling granting Ameren Illinois a $309 million rate hike. (PDF version of statement.)  While we are concerned how any rate hike will impact consumers, it’s a step in the right direction…...

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CUB Statement on ComEd’s Amended Grid Plan, Rate Hike

The following is a statement by CUB Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz on the Thursday, Dec. 19  Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) ruling approving a Commonwealth Edison grid plan, and a $606 million multi-year rate hike. (PDF version of the statement.) We are concerned how any rate hike will impact consumers, but it’s…...

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In memoriam: CUB Board Treasurer Kris Thomsen

CUB is sad to report that L. Kristofer Thomsen, a longtime member of the CUB Board of Directors and its current treasurer, has passed away. Kris, a retired English teacher at Thornridge High School in Dolton, had been dealing with health issues in recent years. He died on Friday at the…...

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CUB Statement on Consumer Victory: FERC Rejects PJM’s Anti-Consumer Transmission Proposal

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has rejected an anti-consumer proposal by PJM Interconnection and a group of transmission owners that would have given transmission owners more control over power grid planning. CUB is grateful to Earthjustice, who acted as our legal counsel, and our partners in this case: Delaware…...

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Consumers for a Better Grid: 2024 Year In Review

Well, we’ve made it to the end of 2024. As we take a breath to gather ourselves for the coming year, it’s good to reflect on all we’ve accomplished in the past year and chart a course for all that remains to be done. CUB, through its Consumers for a…...

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Statement from CUB, AARP Illinois: Illinois Commerce Commission OKs $110 Million Illinois American Water Rate Hike

The following are statements from the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and AARP Illinois regarding the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approving a $110 million rate hike for Illinois American Water on Thursday, Dec. 5. (Read a pdf of the statements here.)  “While we are relieved Illinois American Water did not get…...

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