Citizens Utility Board offers tips on saving cash

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Citizens Utilities Board, Communications Director Jim Chilsen, talks about how natural gas market conditions and simple energy efficieny can save consumers a lot of money this winter. Monday, January 16, 2012 | Brian Jackson~Sun-Times

Updated: March 24, 2012 11:32PM

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, according to Jim Chilsen, Citizens Utility Board communications director.

“As a veteran of many Chicago winters I am not accustomed to bringing hopeful news about your heating bills,” Chilsen said Monday.

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 relatively mild winter so far, local families could save 9 percent, or $72, on their gas bills this winter versus last winter, Chilsen said.

And 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.

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

Wintry week

“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.”

Winter is expected to make a raw return Tuesday, after Monday’s brief warmup. Temperatures are expected dip all the way down to 8 degrees.

Snow will start up once again by noon Tuesday, with 1 to 3 inches by nighttime.

And it won’t get too much warmer for the rest of the week. Wednesday will see a high of 25 degrees with a low of 19. Thursday will reach just 22 degrees and dip to 19 degrees at night.