Citizens Utility Board
Recent News About Citizens Utility Board
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ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERAL: Attorney General Raoul Announces Protections for Consumers When Utility Shut-off Moratorium Ends
Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced that his office, along with consumer groups and the Illinois Commerce Commission, has entered into an agreement with the major utility companies to enact important consumer protections once the Illinois Commerce Commission's (ICC) shut-off and late fee moratorium has lifted. -
ISEIF administers utility-funded grant program to educate consumers about smart grid technology
The Illinois Science and Energy Innovation Foundation (ISEIF) announced last week names of organizations that will be receiving approximately $5 million in grants to promote smart grid technology across the state. -
Critic calls CUB an appendage of power structure; State lawmaker says it's the job of legislators to protect citizens
While the Citizens Utility Board may be prohibited by law from backing candidates for public office, there's no law barring CUB leaders from backing politicians. -
Renewable energy movement in Illinois is ramping up; Some lawmakers resist and challenge
An ongoing state budget impasse is the biggest thing on the minds of state lawmakers these days, but an approaching debate over renewable energy could emerge as another high stakes policy battle. -
Renewable energy advocates continue push for Clean Jobs Bill; Big provider wants low-emission nuclear in discussion
The Illinois Citizens Utility Board says the Clean Jobs Bill will save utility customers at least $1 billion by 2030, and would translates into a minimum savings of $8 to $9 a month for each customer. Those claims, however, are vigorously disputed by various policy analysts. -
Are we wasting money on the Citizens Utility Board?
You can't judge a book by its cover, or a proposed law by its title. -
State grants to CUB under Quinn are examples of 'mis-prioritization' of spending, lawmaker says
A tax exempt organization that lobbies and litigates against utility companies was awarded $1.5 million in state grants that was used to pay the salaries of existing staff members as well as rent and utilities. Citizens Utility Board received the economic development grants from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity through a budget controlled by former Gov. Pat Quinn. -
Groups seek higher renewable energy standards; Analyst says costs will go up, jobs down
The next year could bring significant changes to the renewable energy industry in Illinois, as the legislature will likely consider a state measure to change the renewable portfolio standard as well as a federal mandate to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, released by the Obama administration last week. -
How much will the Illinois Clean Jobs Bill cost?
When are we going to learn that the green in green energy represents the money that crony capitalists roll in when we buy into their boondoggles? -
CUB critics say the utility rate watchdog is more focused on politics than advocating for consumers
CHICAGO - While the Illinois Citizens Utility Board caught some development and policy experts off guard with its support of the potentially pricey Clean Jobs Bill earlier this year, Dan Proft of the Illinois Opportunity Project contends that he wasn’t surprised. “Sometimes they’ll tilt at windmills, figuratively and literally, if it means sticking it to ComEd,” he said. -
Illinois CUB fails to provide accurate info on Clean Jobs Bill, economic development consultant says
SPRINGFIELD - In recent months, the Illinois Citizens Utility Board (CUB) surprised economic development and policy experts like Mark Glennon by staunchly supporting the Illinois Clean Jobs Bill. Illinois Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) and Rep. Elaine Nekritz (D-Northbrook) introduced the bill in February, with the intent to increase energy efficiency and use of renewable resources, reduce carbon pollution and create jobs. The Clean Jobs Bill has stalled for now, but proponents have signaled it -
Supreme Court urges legislature to reexamine tax on nursing home beds; Says just because a tax is permissible doesn’t mean its wise
Although it ruled in the state’s favor in a case challenging a tax imposed on nursing homes, the Illinois Supreme Court on Friday asked the legislature it take another look at the so-called “bed tax” and decide whether it’s really necessary to charge certain operators, like those that don’t participate in the Medicaid system or government-funded programs. -
Madigan blasts ICC for approving Ameren rate hikes
Madigan SPRINGFIELD-Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan lashed out at state regulators for approving a $162 million rate increase for most Ameren Corp. utility customers in the state. -
SBC to begin $12 million payout: customers get $25, lawyers, $1.9 million
Christmas may be a little sweeter for SBC customers. As a result of a $12 million class action settlement reached two months ago, claim forms entitling them to a $25 refund are being mailed in December statements. -
CUB back in court with Ameritech
On Friday, Oct. 15, the Citizens Utility Board will be back in court in Madison County on a motion for Accounting of Settlement. -
Q & A: Martin Cohen of the Citizens Utility Board
The Citizens Utility Board got cut out of a $12.4 million settlement with Ameritech. But its executive director Marty Cohen isn't bitter.