Citizens Utility Board offers tips on saving cash

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Jim Chilsen, Citizens Utilities Board communications director, talks about how natural gas market conditions and simple energy efficieny can save consumers a lot of money this winter. | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times

Updated: January 16, 2012 8:05PM

You missed that white Christmas but it may mean some green on your upcoming energy bills.

The mild start to winter, record natural gas inventory and a few easy changes around the house — like keeping blinds drawn at night and turning the thermostat to 67 degrees during the day and 62 degrees at night — could save local families around $149 this winter, said Jim Chilsen, Citizens Utility Board communications director, on Monday.

“As a veteran of many Chicago winters I am not accustomed to bringing hopeful news about your heating bills,” Chilsen said. This year, though, Chicago-area customers are in a unique spot to save a bit of dough.

The federal government estimates that because of lower natural gas prices and the mild winter, local families could save 9 percent, or $72, on their gas bills this winter versus last winter, Chilsen said. He believes most consumers could wring another $77 in savings by employing several of hundreds of energy efficiency tips available at www.CUBEnergySaver.com, a two-year-old CUB website that allows consumers to connect to their Commonwealth Edison bills and track savings.

“It’s built for every budget,” Chilsen said, adding that most of the tips consumers can do for no cost at home.

CUB is also giving away a month of free heat up to $150 for those joining CUBEnergySaver.com this month.

Chilsen noted if consumers took these steps, the total savings could reach as much as $485 million, which could blunt the effects of the approximately $60 million in rate hikes the Illinois legislature approved last week for local gas companies. Peoples Gas customers should start seeing a $4 delivery rate increase on their bills in the next few week.

Increased at-home energy efficiency is the most reliable way to keep utility bills down and fight the rate hike, Chilsen said.

“CUB’s glad it’s been a mild beginning to the winter,” he said. “But you know what they say about Chicago weather — if you don’t like it just blink.”