Community Corner

Citizens Utility Board Says ComEd Customers Pay 'Hidden Tax'

CUB fights ComEd rate increase while helping consumers cut electricity bills.

 The Citizens Utility Board released a report, June 14, that says ComEd customers in Illinois could be overpaying on their power bills by $189 million a year.

The CUB report, Making Every Kilowatt Count, referred to household inefficiencies as a “hidden tax” on consumers, but one that is easy to correct.

According to the report, making every kilowatt count can have a major impact on power bills and potentially can offset ComEd’s recent rate increase. CUB, Illinois' leading utility watchdog, is appealing the $155.7 million rate increase that the Illinois Commerce Commission granted ComEd on May 24.

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CUB points out that ComEd bills are bloated with “empty kilowatt hours” – electricity consumers are paying for, but that they really don’t need. Some examples of empty kilowatt hours are inefficient light bulbs, under-loaded dishwashers, overloaded refrigerators, and computers and coffee pots left plugged in when not in use.

Cub Energy Saver, a free online service that helps consumers reduce their utility bills, pinpoints the top five ways to cut electricity costs and the savings for consumers:

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* Replace home lights with compact fluorescent light bulbs ($54 a year).

* Use blinds during the summer days ($19 a year).

* Wash larger loads of dishes ($35 a year);

* Turn off coffee maker after brewing ($29 a year).

* Use smart strips for plugs ($26 a year).

The report states that customers can save an average of $104 per person, per year by putting into effect the tips from Cub Energy Saver. ComEd customers who join the free service by June 30 will be entered into a drawing to win a free summer of electricity. One in every 20 new Cub Energy Saver members will win the prize.

 


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