In a 3-2 vote,  the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Thursday voted to restore “net neutrality” internet consumer protections. “The action we take here is good for consumers, public safety, national security and network investment,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said ahead of the vote.  Rosenworcel added that the COVID pandemic showed the absolute necessity of a broadband connection for school, work and health care. “It became clear that no matter who you are or where you live, you need broadband to have a fair shot at digital-age success,” she said. “It went from nice to ..read more

On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is expected to vote to restore “net neutrality” internet consumer protections.  As you know, the FCC passed similar protections in 2015 under then-Chairman Tom Wheeler. But the commission, under a new leadership, Chairman Ajit Pai, killed those protections in 2017. The 435 pages of proposed rules would treat broadband as an essential telecommunications service under Title II of the federal Communications Act. It would prohibit internet companies like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon from blocking or throttling internet traffi ..read more

We wish you a Happy Earth Day. It’s the perfect day to share this story about a victory in helping people secure clean and affordable energy in Illinois: Becky and Mike just wanted to install solar panels, but a local ordinance banning panels on front- or street-facing roofs threatened to block 20 percent of their project, and an estimated $10,000 in potential savings. The Sugar Grove couple didn’t give up–they got to work. They paid $765 to file a petition to change the local zoning code, and spent about eight months researching solar law, attending public meetings and sparking other solar su ..read more

By Eric DeBellis CUB General Counsel As usual, we’re busy juggling a heavy caseload before the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) concerning the state’s biggest utilities: ComEd, Ameren, Peoples Gas, Illinois American and Aqua Illinois. Here’s a summary of where we’re at:  Electric Cases Background: Back in December, the ICC slashed the ComEd and Ameren Illinois rate-hike requests by 65 percent and 87 percent, respectively. The ICC also rejected the companies’ grid plans, for failing to prove that they would be cost-effective and affordable, as required by the 2021 Climate and Equitable J ..read more

We have important updates about your cable and internet bills–some good news, some hopeful news and some bad news (along with a call to action). The good news: FCC cracks down on “junk fees” In March, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) stood up for consumers and cracked down on deceptive “junk fees.” Those are unadvertised charges like the “Broadcast TV Fee” and “Regional Sports Fee” that cable companies use to jack up our bills while hiding the real cost of the service. The FCC order requires companies to “clearly and prominently” give customers the total price of their service upfro ..read more

NOTE: The following is a news release from the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC), of which CUB is a member. CHICAGO – At an April 3 subject matter hearing in Chicago City Council Chambers, experts made it clear the Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance (CABO) will reduce energy bills, make new Chicago homes healthier, and create thousands of new, high-paying jobs that don’t require a 4-year college degree.  (Read CUB’s Q&A on CABO, and send a message in favor of the proposed ordinance.) Dr. Juanita Mora, a pediatric allergist in Chicago, referenced a peer-reviewed study that fou ..read more

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 ta ..read more

By: Kate Shonk Sustainable Communities Liason Applications are open for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  In recent years, community action agencies say they’ve seen a spike in demand for assistance, so it’s recommended income-eligible households apply as soon as possible before funds are exhausted. The program application period officially ends August 15th.   Watch this tutorial video from CEDA: How to Apply for Gas and Electric Bill Assistance. Here are the steps to take if you want to apply for funding: Determine if you meet the income-eligibility guide ..read more

April gas prices are generally down, with some reminders of the expensive volatility of the market, including a 59 percent increase in one utility’s price from last year, according to CUB’s review of Illinois’ gas market.  Gas utilities file supply prices–called the Purchased Gas Adjustment (PGA)–each month with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Here’s what we uncovered in our review of April prices:  Compared with last month, seven of 9 major utilities are charging prices that are lower, ranging from 5 percent (Consumers Gas) to 64 percent (Mt. Carmel). The two remaining utili ..read more

Former customers of alternative electric and gas supplier Realgy, LLC, have called CUB with questions about a check they were mailed. An accompanying message explains that the check is related to a settlement the staff of the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) and CUB reached with the supplier. The check is legitimate.  This Q&A gives details on the settlement.  Why did I receive a check? You are a former customer of Realgy, and this is a refund you are entitled to receive under a legal settlement that was recently approved by the ICC, the state body that enforces sales and marke ..read more