Rockford-area residents hoping to lower utility costs received help deciphering fees, charges, services and small print on utility bills at a public seminar last week.
State Sen. Steve Stadelman, D-Rockford, hosted the event, where Citizens Utility Board personnel met with concerned citizens.
CUB field coordinator Matt Harvey said they reviewed Rockford residents’ electric, gas, and land-line telephone bills to determine if they might be able to save some money.
“We’re looking at if they’re overusing and, if they are, we can give them some tips on energy efficiency and how to use less in their own home,” Harvey explained.
CUB personnel also reviewed the use of alternative suppliers for natural gas or electricity.
“We’re taking a look at what they’re charging them at,” Harvey said, “and how that compares to ComEd’s default rate, which is 7.006 cents.”
He said CUB offers information about how citizens who are paying more than the default rate can get out of those deals or seek better deals in the market.
Stadelman said he had several reasons to ask CUB to conduct the event.
“They’re the watchdog group regarding utilities in the state,” he said, “so not only regarding individual bills but legislation that’s being debated in Springfield and policies that utilities are trying to implement in the state.
“They analyze, and they play a watchdog role, which is really needed. And so we just want to take their services to the people.”
The Citizens Utility Board website offers several tools for reviewing individual utility bills. You also can call CUB at (312) 263-4282.
