Fighting more than $300 million in Rockford-area rate hikes, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate its 25th anniversary in that city than to alert residents of the latest energy-efficiency tips as well as efficiency incentives of up to $1,500.

CUB’s summer energy series, “Beyond CFLs,” will educate Rockford consumers about money-saving opportunities, including the benefits of a home energy audit, how to get an efficiency tax credit of up to $1,500, and how to get paid for having ComEd junk an old refrigerator. CUB also will spread the word on new state legislation that would actually allow consumers to buy new energy-efficient appliances with no up-front cost and pay it off on their own utility bills.

The event, co-sponsored by Rep. Charles Jefferson, is:
7 p.m., Tuesday, July 14
Rockford Public Library—Main Branch
215 N. Wyman St.
Rockford

“CUB has saved consumers more than $10 billion over our 25 years, so it’s part of our mission to show people how they can take a few simple steps to lower their own energy costs—and in the process help lower energy prices overall,” CUB Outreach Director Sarah Moskowitz said. “Energy efficiency is a great uncaptured resource.”

Attendees will hear about the latest clean-energy developments in Illinois and changes in the electric and natural gas industries that could have a dramatic impact on consumers’ bills. For example, the Illinois General Assembly’s “on-bill financing” legislation would make it easier for consumers to buy the latest in energy-efficient appliances.

Although it’s not a party in the traditional sense, there will be prizes. CUB will serve refreshments, and each participant will receive a free Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) bulb, which can cut electric bills by up to $50 over its lifetime. CUB also will raffle off a “smart” power strip that can cut energy bills by hundreds of dollars a year.

It’s all part of the money-saving mission for CUB, which is appealing a $273 million ComEd rate hike and trying to block Nicor Gas’ attempts to increase the $69 million rate hike it got this year. CUB and other consumer advocates helped cut Nicor’s increase in half.

CUB is Illinois’ leading nonprofit utility watchdog organization. Created by the Illinois Legislature, CUB opened its doors in 1984 to represent the interests of residential and small-business utility customers. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, CUB has saved consumers more than $10 billion by helping to block rate hikes and secure consumer refunds.