Aurora Lions learn tips for saving on utilities
An electricity salesman at your door? Be careful about people who say they're from the "electric company" and offer to lower your bill.
That was among five tips to avoid electricity scams provided by Amy English, Citizens Utility Board community-service liaison. She keynoted the Aurora Noon Lions Club biweekly luncheon meeting June 17 at Luigi's Pizza in Aurora.
"Don't give out your account number or electric bill unless you're sure you want to sign up for an offer," English said. "A dishonest sales rep can use your account number to sign you up for an alternative supplier without permission."
Other tips were:
• Find out what the company is charging and how that compares with the utility's price. Ask whether the supplier rate is a fixed rate and for how long, or a variable rate that changes monthly.
• Ask if the rate is an introductory rate, how long it lasts and what the new rate will be. CUB has received complaints about a low rate disappearing after a few months to be replaced by a high bill.
• Ask if the plan charges fees. CUB has seen monthly rates as high as $9 monthly, about $100 in costs annually regardless of using any power.
• Ask if the company charges an exit fee if you want to leave a plan before the contract is up.
In its "Electric Competition" newsletter, CUB lists "good choices" in Illinois' electricity market. They are:
• ComEd's hourly pricing programs: Charges a market rate that changes hourly, encouraging customers to put off heavy appliance use until times of day when power prices are low.
• ComEd's Peak Time Savings program: Consumers who sign up are credited on their electric bill when they reduce power use during designated periods when electricity is most in demand. A smart meter is required to participate.
• Energy efficiency programs are the best way to save money. Utilities offer a menu of cost-effective programs. Visit www.citizensutilityboard.org/energyefficiency/.
CUB offers utility-bill clinics, guest speakers and energy-efficiency seminars. For details, call (312) 263-4282.