Broad coalition of groups urges Energy Department to finalize water heater efficiency standards
Consumer, climate, and health advocates called on the U.S. Department of Energy to promptly finalize water heater efficiency standards.
Media Releases
Illinois PIRG calls on regulators to reject ComEd’s $5.1 billion profit grab
In a legal brief filed Tuesday, Illinois PIRG called on regulators to reject ComEd’s proposed $5.1 billion in profits over four years. If the Illinois Commerce Commission adopts Illinois PIRG’s recommendations, combined with those made by the Office of the Illinois Attorney General, it would save customers $3.7 billion over those four years.
Release: New consumer guide warns against use of ‘medical credit cards’
Payment method can worsen financial burden on patients already struggling to pay for health care
Updated 2023 mid-hurricane season resource guide: data, resources & interview opportunities
The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1 through November 30. This resource guide can help members of the media cover it more thoroughly and accurately.
Years of Failure: With record-breaking rate hike pending, Peoples Gas pipe-replacement program once again over-budget, behind schedule
As Peoples Gas pulls in record profits and pushes for an unprecedented rate hike, the Chicago gas utility’s pipe-replacement program failed to hit its goals for the 22nd consecutive quarter, according to a report it submitted to state regulators this week.
Chicagoans speak out against record Peoples Gas rate hike
Chicagoans turned out Tuesday evening to speak out in opposition to the proposed Peoples Gas rate hike at a forum hosted by the Illinois Commerce Commission. The proposed record-breaking $402 million increase would raise average residential rates by more than $140 per year, around $12 per month.
Report: Safe Illinois Drivers with Poor Credit Pay $491 Annually in Higher Car Insurance Premiums
Consumer Federation of America released a new report today detailing the impact of auto insurers’ use of consumer credit information on good drivers with only fair or poor credit scores. According to the report, Illinois consumers with clean driving records and poor credit pay an average premium of $915 — a $491 or 116% increase compared to drivers with excellent credit.
2023 Wildfire Season coverage guide: data, resources and interview opportunities
The Public Interest Network (which includes PIRG, Environment America and state groups in often-impacted Western and Southwestern states including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon, Texas and Washington) is sharing information to help contextualize the major environmental, health and consumer concerns posed by the wildfires that will inevitably come this summer.
Illinois takes initial steps to phase out plastic foam foodware
Legislation to phase out the use of single-use plastic polystyrene foam foodware in state facilities passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly last week and is being sent to Gov. Pritzker for his signature.
New analysis: Illinois car insurance rates hiked by more than $500 million halfway through 2023
The five largest car insurance companies have raised Illinois drivers’ rates by more than $500 million halfway through 2023, according to an analysis released Tuesday