Citizens Utility Board

People like clean energy because they like saving money! U.S. Consumers exceeded expectations and claimed $8.4 BILLION in Inflation Reduction Act tax breaks tied to boosting the energy efficiency of their homes in 2023, according to federal data. https://buff.ly/3YNwBOv

CUB worked with Sierra Club Illinois and Third Act Illinois on a recent Clean Heat Workshop in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. Here, Zoe from CUB makes the point: "We have the technology to move beyond gas!" Want to learn about cheaper, cleaner ways to heat and power your home? Order our free Better Heat Guide: https://buff.ly/46RaNnh

In 2023, families across the nation saved $8.4 billion by taking advantage of the Inflation Reduction Act's consumer tax credits on home energy technologies.

Ten Ways the Inflation Reduction Act is Delivering Results in Illinois - Prairie Rivers Network August 15, 2024 | Blog Post Two years ago, on August 16, 2022, President Biden signed into law the largest investment in climate action and clean energy in American history...

To help protect consumers' interests, the solar industry’s main trade group is releasing new industry standards for solar installers. The new standards aim to provide more transparency, safety and quality.

Read more about it here in pv magazine

Solar trade group sets standards for ethical solar practices The Solar Energy Industries Association seeks public comment on two standards that are designed to ensure transparent, ethical solar sales practices and to raise the bar for safety and durability o…

5 of 9 major gas utilities in IL are charging supply prices that are higher than they were a year earlier, by a range of 16% to a whopping 153%. For other utilities the price was down by a range of 7% to 76% Read our report on August gas volatility: https://buff.ly/3YNUfdM

Tomorrow night, join CUB at Aurora Public Library, Illinois to learn about your energy choices and ways to save money on your utility bills.

This event is:
6:00 PM-7:00 PM, Thursday, August 15
Aurora Public Library District—Eola Road Branch
555 S. Eola Rd.
Aurora, IL 60504

See more details and save your spot here: https://buff.ly/3SOjTeS

Homeowners with unsuitable roofs or renters can still save on their electric bills and support renewable energy through Illinois Solar for All: Community Solar.

Learn more at buff.ly/3YO4Vt7.

A woman stood up at a public forum on Illinois American Water's $30-a-month rate-hike request and said "Three words: Stop corporate greed." Read our WatchBlog article and take action against RIDICULOUS private water rate hikes: https://buff.ly/4dIzLrk

Join CUB and Kane County 6:30 pm Wednesday, Aug. 14, for a free, live, hour-long Zoom presentation on the basics of geothermal heat pump systems and how they can save you money. Please register here for this Zoom event. https://buff.ly/3YCUIzv

Join CUB, Sierra Club Illinois and Third Act Illinois for our Clean Heat Workshop tomorrow night in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood-- we hope to see you there!

This event is:
6:30 - 7:30 PM, Tuesday, August 13
Chicago Public Library-Lincoln Belmont Branch
1659 W Melrose St
Chicago, IL 60657

RSVP here: http://bit.ly/cleanheatlakeview

CUB will be at the Tinley Park Public Library 6:30 – 7:30 pm, Monday, Aug. 12 for a free presentation focused on the benefits of electric vehicles (EVs). A CUB specialist will walk you through the consumer group’s free EV Buyer’s Handbook. You can attend in person or view a recording later. Get more details and register here: https://buff.ly/3T5dEDB

So what exactly is "building decarbonization"? Here's our latest CUB explainer video covering what all you need to know about this clean energy concept in one minute: https://buff.ly/4fyATiR

For more information, check out--
CUB's Electrification page: https://buff.ly/4dxfWD9
CUB's Better Heat guide: https://buff.ly/3AfDHRP

What is building decarbonization? A CUB Explainer What is "building decarbonization"? We break down the clean energy concept in this CUB explainer video. Important Links: -CUB Homepage: www.CitizensUtilityBo...

Major IL gas utilities like Peoples Gas, Nicor & Ameren could hit customers with up to $573/month in higher charges in years to come, according to a 2024 study. Read about the report: https://buff.ly/3WQjjPU Sign CUB's petition against reckless spending https://buff.ly/4dybGTE

New research finds the extreme heat sparked by climate change is increasing our air conditioning costs significantly and forcing struggling families to skip using AC and risk their health.

“We’re seeing more and more high heat days and the impact of climate change,” said Heather Higginbottom, head of research, policy and insights for corporate responsibility at JPMorgan Chase. “That’s another expense that families and households have to manage.”

The study calls for better consumer protections as temps continue to break records yearly and more people face possible disconnection. Read more from .

Extreme heat is prompting higher home cooling costs. It is also putting some individuals at risk Summer heat recently brought a new hottest day on record. Experts say adapting to new higher temperatures won't be easy.

CUB’s Outreach team is busy staffing free events to help Illinois consumers learn how to cut their energy bills, avoid energy rip-offs, & combat high cable bills and annoying robocalls. Read CUB's WatchBlog to see the events planned for August: https://buff.ly/3SwYiHl

CUB in today's Chicago Tribune urges Illinois to pass "reasonable reforms to lower water bills and rein in Big Water." For years now, Illinois American & Aqua--the 2 biggest private water cos. in the state--have been "riding the wave of all-too-friendly state policy and laughing all the way to the bank."

Sarah Moskowitz: Private water customers in Illinois are crying for help. Will the General Assembly listen? Customers of Illinois American and Aqua water utilities are fed up with how high their bills are now.

New report from NRDC and Grid Strategies indicates that many coal plants in power-grid operator MISO's footprint are crowding out cheaper, cleaner resources, and that hit customers with $1.1B in excess costs between 2021-2023. https://buff.ly/3ywHWrt

Good news for Illinois' economy and for the work to secure clean, affordable energy for Illinois consumers.

NEW: ICJC Lauds $430 Million Award Illinois Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

IL will receive $430 million to tackle climate pollution, improve air quality, & advance environmental justice across the state via the Inflation Reduction Act. Our statement: https://bit.ly/3LBxkLa

Compared with August 2023, four of 9 major gas utilities are charging prices that are lower, ranging from 7 percent (North Shore Gas) to a mind boggling 310 percent (Liberty Utilities). Ameren Gas and Peoples Gas, are charging prices that are 14 percent and 20 percent higher, respectively, while Nicor Gas’ price is up 11 percent from a year ago.

Read CUB's August gas blog:

CUB reports on August Gas prices | Citizens Utility Board August gas prices are generally down, with some reminders of the expensive volatility of the market, including a 310 percent increase in one utility’s price from last year, according to CUB’s review...

Tonight, join Citizens Utility Board and Niles-Maine District Library for a free utility bill clinic. Each participant will go over their bills one-on-one with CUB staff.

This event is:
5:30-7:30 PM, Wednesday, July 31
Niles-Maine District Library
6960 West Oakton Street
Niles, IL 60714

Register here: https://buff.ly/4diCUyh

Tomorrow morning, visit CUB's table at Senior Fair 2024 with Senator John Curran and State Representative Nicole La Ha on Wednesday, July 31st, at the CORE Fitness Center, 16050 W. 127th Street in Lemont. The event will run from 9 a.m. to noon, offering a variety of resources and services specifically designed for seniors. Hope to see you there!

Tonight, CUB was at an Illinois Commerce Commission public forum on Aqua Illinois' $19 million rate-hike request. The rate hike would increase water/wastewater bills by an average of nearly $30 a month. CUB’s Jim Chilsen said that he had never seen a utility rate high request that high in his 24 years of consumer advocacy. It’s unjust and unreasonable, especially in light of the company’s poor service-quality record. About 80 people showed up, overwhelmingly frustrated and against the increase. Laura toted a protest sign and orange-tinted jars of water: “My community is great, but the water is not.” Susan brought her neighbor’s filthy water filter, and urged state regulators to reject Aqua’s rate hike. And Stephanie held up a jar of water and asked Aqua’s president: “Would YOU drink this?” Big thanks to State Rep. Nabeela Syed for urging state regulators to listen to the concerns of residents and say no to Aqua. Thanks also to Alvaro from AARP Illinois, who said his organization was shocked at the size of the proposed Aqua increase. AARP requested the forums, and there’s another one about Aqua’s hike scheduled for 7-9 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 1, Olivet Nazarene University, Wisner Auditorium, One University Ave., Bourbonnais. We hope to see you there! 

REMINDER: Join the conversation 6:30-8:30 pm, Monday, July 29, Cafeteria & Company, 208 W Main St, Urbana RSVP here: https://buff.ly/46nB38p

Learn how we're working for legislation for a clean, affordable and reliable power grid. Join the conversation 6:30-8:30 pm, Monday, July 29, Cafeteria & Company, 208 W Main St, Urbana RSVP: https://buff.ly/46nB38p Happy to be working w/ Faith in Place , Prairie Rivers Network and Sierra Club Prairie Group, Illinois Chapter on this event, and on securing clean, affordable energy for Illinois!