The Sentinel: Utilities

Cyber security attacks are rising, Illinois colleges and hospitals have been targets

by Terri Dee
Illinois News Connection

Cybercriminals generally hack utilities for one reason: money. They also are deliberately targeting specific businesses, especially those that are civilian but support military installations.

CHICAGO - A former White House cybersecurity expert is warning of potential cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. And in Illinois, security analysts are heeding his message on the dangers.

Illinois saw at least 10 major cybersecurity attacks last year.

As former acting principal deputy national cyber director, Jake Braun, executive director at the Harris School of Public Policy's Cyber Policy Initiative at the University of Chicago, said that during his time in the Biden White House, he dealt with escalating cyber threats from China and other nation-states - often targeting utilities.

"They are very deliberately targeting specific water utilities, specific energy operators and so on - that are civilian but support military installations," he said, "so that if we go to war, they've kind of seeded the battlefield, so to speak, with malware."

Of the approximately 50,000 water utilities throughout the United States, Braun said only a few hundred support military operations - and many of the rest are unprotected. Braun noted that he is working with the National Rural Water Association to recruit cybersecurity volunteers to help support local water utilities.

Cybercriminals generally hack utilities for one reason: money. Braun said ransom demands in exchange for the thieves releasing their hold on systems is rising. These schemes start primarily in Russia and other Eastern European countries, but nations such as China are also willing to infiltrate and weaken critical infrastructure.

Braun pointed to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to fund improvements to these systems.

"And many water utilities aren't even requesting the funds," he said. "So the funds are there, they're available, and water utilities often don't even know they can request the funds for that. And that is true for many other critical infrastructure."

Braun said some water utilities are in such rural areas that they struggle to find cybersecurity experts. He lauded volunteer programs such as the University of Chicago's Project Franklin to fill the gap.

Among the targets of cybersecurity attacks in Illinois 2024 were the Secretary of State's office, three colleges, and three hospitals.

Other interesting articles:

Guest Commentary |
Our cell phone dilemma

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator

Do you miss the old telephone days? They weren’t that long ago. Back in the old days, all we had were landlines. You may still only have a landline but it’s becoming rare as more people depend solely on cell phones.

When you traveled in the past you had to find a pay phone to make a call. Pay phones were not that easy to locate and they were expensive. Today, pay phones are rare.

Hotel telephone calls were terrible. It cost a fortune to make calls from a hotel room. If you made several, you had a big bill to pay when you checked out.

Long distance calls used to be the pits. We have all had family and friends who lived in other counties or other states. You couldn’t talk to them very much because it could easily add $20 - $30 to your bill. Thirty years ago, that was a lot of extra money for a phone bill.

Today is the golden era of mass communication. We pay a price for our cell phone and we talk on it all month. I realize it depends on the plan you have. Overall, people use their phones and call wherever they want to call and talk as long as they want to talk. For just a very small monthly fee, I can talk to someone in most in any country at any time of the day, most of the time.

We’ve grown very reliant on our cell phones. We have to know where they are every minute of every day. Life becomes a dilemma when we can’t find our cell phones.

I have hundreds if not thousands of treasured family pictures on my cell phone. I contact all my family and friends on my cell phone. I don’t know their phones numbers. I punch in their name and their phone rings. All my work associates are contacted via my cell phone. I stay in touch with them by simply sending them a text or sometimes calling them. I would not know how to contact them if I lost my phone.

I do most of my work each day on my cell phone. I can gain access to my websites and other business support sites to do a lot of the work that pertains to my vocation. I send and respond to emails on my phone. My wife, children and I stay in contact through my cell phone.

The navigation feature tells me how to get to places I haven’t been before. Occasionally, if I get lazy, I pull an app up on my phone and about 40 minutes later I have food at my door. I check my airplane travel on my phone. I make sure my flight is on time and verify my seat assignment. The list goes on and on.

When my cell phone dies or is lost, it becomes a big problem. It becomes a problem not only for me but for other people who count on me to fulfill various work commitments and assignments. Of course, we all doodle on Social Media. Without our cell phones or tablets we would miss out on all the “junk” that we constantly see on Facebook, X, Instagram, and etc. Without your cell phone, you might not know what everybody else is doing. Back in the old days, the only way we knew what everyone else was doing was to listen in on our eight family party lines. If you don’t know what this is just ask an older person.

Often, the cell phone becomes a hassle. Multiple text messages from unknown people, politicians, scammers and others can become wearisome. We delete, block, unsubscribe and we still receive them. However, we can turn our phones off. We should definitely do this more than we do.

Please consider turning it off during your Thanksgiving dinner. Also, why not consider turning it off when you are having a dinner with your spouse or friend or family. Give it a break. We’ve all seen couples sitting in restaurants with each one of them starring at a cell phone. Give it a rest! Talk to people and make some personal connection with a real person.

We can all “live” life for an hour or two without looking at our phones in order to have some real conversations with real people. However, you’ll be comforted knowing it’s in your pocket or purse for your full attention at any given time.

Glen Mollett is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.

There are too few female workers as Illinois energy industry grows

by Terri Dee
Illinois News Connection

CHICAGO - Rising demands for clean energy efficiency are producing a wealth of work opportunities in Illinois. These in-demand jobs are also promoting a healthier environment. According to the Energy.gov report, Energy Facts: Impact of the Investing in America Agenda on Illinois, The Inflation Reduction Act will contribute to job increases by producing $18 billion of investment in clean power generation and storage by 2030. E2 is a nationwide network of business leaders that focuses on environmental and economic policy.

Michaela Preskill, state director of advocacy for E2, said Illinois' "robust and growing" clean energy jobs are driving economic growth.

"Clean energy jobs grew by over 4% last year, and that's eight times faster than the state's overall economy," she said.

Workers manufacturing Energy Star appliances are using advanced materials for the construction and servicing of homes and commercial buildings. These efforts result in cost-effective lighting and HVAC systems, Preskill noted, which saves consumers and homeowners money. The report also claims the Inflation Reduction Act means commercial building owners can receive up to $5 per square foot in tax credits to support energy efficiency improvements.

Clean energy industry watchers predict an 8% growth of employees in Illinois in 2025. Preskill said there is no indication the trend will slow down, but diversity is an issue. The site 'Save-on-energy-dot-com,' says women represent only 22% of workers in the energy sector and 32% in the renewable energy sector. She admits the field is traditionally male, but is optimistic for change.

"It's about 70% male, 30% female in Illinois. We are seeing that more and more females enter year after year. And I think it will slowly become more inclusive. But we got some work to do for sure," she explained.

The International Energy Agency site reports female employees in the energy sector earn nearly 20% less than male workers.

Debunking 6 common misconceptions about heat pumps

Photo provided

BRANDPOINT - Heating and cooling often make up the bulk of utility bills - and the right HVAC system can make a world of difference in both energy bills and home comfort. Recently, heat pumps have become a trending topic in the news for their ability to address both of these needs by providing sustainable home comfort while simultaneously lowering utility bills. But can they really do both?

To answer that question, it's important to first understand how a heat pump works. When the thermostat temperature is raised and heat is needed, the system pulls heat energy from the ambient air outside the home to heat the home. When air conditioning is desired, it does the opposite, removing heat from inside the home and expelling it to make the home cooler.

Because heat energy is moved around rather than being produced directly, heat pumps can provide more sustainable - and more efficient fuel source alternatives. In addition, recent advancements have made heat pumps far more efficient and more reliable than ever before - even in colder climates. As a result, both federal and local agencies are offering money-saving incentives to help more homeowners switch to heat pumps making it an ideal time to invest in a new heat pump.

But even with these benefits, there are still a lot of myths about how heat pumps work. We're debunking some of the top heat pump misconceptions.

Myth 1: Heat pumps won't work in cold climates

Fact: Today's heat pumps can provide efficient heating in colder climates than ever before

In the past, some older heat pumps could struggle to heat a space efficiently when outdoor temperatures were especially cold. However, today's heat pumps are engineered to function as the primary heating source in almost all geographic regions, even when temperatures drop below freezing.

The key to providing sufficient heat capacity in especially cold climates is the compressor - the part of a heat pump that moves heat through the system. In the past, heat pumps typically relied on single-speed compressors that functioned like an on/off switch, making it harder for the system to cope with extreme swings in temperature. Today's more advanced heat pumps leverage variable-speed compressor technology to make incremental adjustments that keep pace with changing temperature more efficiently and more accurately. In addition, many heat pumps rated for cold-climate use now feature vapor injection technology, which further boosts cold-weather heating performance.

Myth 2: Heat pumps don't really save money

Fact: 90% of homeowners can reduce their utility bills with a heat pump

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that almost all homeowners can expect to see cost savings by switching to an energy-efficient electric heat pump. Today's heat pump offerings are wide-ranging and can meet the unique needs of almost any home, comfort level, or budget. Innovations in energy efficiency mean less electricity is used to cut costs in most homes. For example, the newly launched YORK® HH8 Side-Discharge Heat Pump can precisely match a home's changing comfort needs while reducing homeowners' energy bills by up to 50% compared to less efficient HVAC systems.

Myth 3: Heat pumps are noisy

Fact: Many heat pumps are as quiet as a dishwasher

No one wants to hear excessive noise coming from their HVAC system. Premium heat pumps combine insulated cabinets and low-sound fan designs to deliver whisper-quiet performance when operating in both heating and AC modes.

Myth 4: Temperatures will be inconsistent

Fact: Heat pumps seamlessly move between heating and cooling for consistent comfort

We all want to feel comfortable in our homes. Variable-speed heat pumps automatically move between heating and cooling modes throughout operation to maintain precise temperature and humidity levels. These seamless adjustments provide unmatched home comfort while helping to maximize energy efficiency, especially when compared to single-phase heat pumps that simply turn on and off and provide inconsistent inside temperatures.

Myth 5: Heat pumps require a lot of space

Fact: New compact designs are 30% smaller than traditional equipment

Innovative, new heat pump designs like the YORK® HH8 Side-Discharge Heat Pump offer top-tier efficiency and variable-speed performance in a compact size. The side-discharge design allows the heat pump to be stacked, placed under raised decks, or installed in zero-lot-line neighborhoods.

Myth 6: Installing a new heat pump is expensive

Fact: A wide range of rebates and incentives are available now

A historic number of savings programs are available to help offset the cost of installing a high-efficiency home heat pump. Through a combination of immediate discounts, tax rebates, and utility and manufacturers' offers, some qualifying homeowners can offset 100% of the cost of installing a heat pump. Additionally, some manufacturers offer simplified financing options with fixed monthly payments to make the investment more manageable.

Water-saving tips for homeowners and apartment dwellers

Photo provided

BPT - Water conservation is a topic oftentimes disregarded. If not prioritized by contractors and tenants equally, the ramifications can be costly. As the U.S. population grows so does the need for water, and according to UNICEF, half of the world's population could be living in areas facing water scarcity by as early as 2025.

Whether you're a self-made developer, working contractor, or simply interested in getting into the business, the suggestions below can help counsel and ensure multifamily units are suitable for adequate living.

Water-saving tips

The average American family spends more than $1,000 per year on water costs. That translates to about an $83 monthly water bill, according to the EPA. Fortunately, there are simple tweaks one can implement to help cut down on consumption and reduce that monthly spend.

Install a new showerhead

The average family could save 2,700 gallons per year by installing WaterSense® labeled showerheads. These types of showerheads can also help alleviate water heater demands and save on energy consumption. Luckily, many of Peerless Faucet's bath fixtures are proudly WaterSense labeled which denotes the fixtures use at least 20% less water than the industry standard without compromising performance. A great option is the brand's 5-Function Showerhead with POWERush technology. This showerhead uses larger water drops in a unique wave pattern for a more drenching sensation. With this technology, contractors can promise tenants a rejuvenating experience without increasing overall water usage.

Monitor for potential leaks

Whenever faucets drip, it could be more than just water going down the drain. Faucet leaks waste environmental resources and cost tenants money, which in turn could be requested as a credit from property management. Experts estimate that even a small drip, once every 10 - 15 seconds, can waste almost 15 gallons a month, or nearly half a gallon in a day. You can easily check for leaks by observing the plumbing. It's important to keep eyes peeled and physically feel exposed pipes to check for any running water. Condensation around pipes can also be a sign of leakage. For toilets, a simple dye test can even verify if the flapper is sealing properly and help prevent silent leaks.

For contractors specifically, ensure all fixtures are installed properly - from the back-of-the-wall pipes to the product itself, each step should be followed with care to avoid future leaks. Most brands will provide an install guide within the packaging, but if that gets lost or misplaced, the brand's website can also be a handy resource to find these materials.

Change your bathroom habits

Daily routines that are often overlooked can also have a significant impact on your water bill. For example, many may not realize that each time one leaves the water running while they brush their teeth, four gallons of water goes down the drain. Simply turning off the water while brushing is a simple way to save. Other easy solutions for conserving water are turning off the shower while lathering or the kitchen faucet while scrubbing dishes.

Both contractors and tenants should prioritize water conservation best practices. Water is universal, and an element shared by all, so making sure it's preserved and filtered adequately can ensure a better quality of life and monthly savings.

Cut costs, not your connection: How to get home internet for less

Photo: Andrea Piacquadio/PEXELS

StatePoint - If you’re struggling with access to reliable and affordable wireless home internet, you’re not alone. In fact, more than 20% of Americans living in rural areas and nearly 30% of Americans living in Tribal lands lack internet access, compared to only 1.5% of those living in urban areas. To make matters worse, the average American shells out about $75 each month for internet service, with over a third saying that cost is one of the biggest hurdles in getting their hands on home internet.

As internet usage increases, the United States faces even more of a nationwide digital divide, but federal government agencies are stepping in to help bridge the gap. In December 2021, the FCC launched a $14 billion initiative to provide people across the United States with affordable internet access through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Eligible participants can receive up to a $30 discount per month on fixed or wireless internet access, or up to $75 per month on Tribal lands.

So far, the program has provided discounted internet service to more than 20 million households across the country. Here’s how it works:

• Find out if you qualify through your household income and participation in government assisted programs by visiting fcc.gov/acp.

• If you qualify, apply for discounted service by visiting getinternet.gov/apply. If you’re unable to apply online, print the application or call (877) 384-2575 to have one mailed to your home address.

• Once approved, select an internet provider. Metro by T-Mobile is one provider helping bring awareness to the program. In fact, a recent study found that half of eligible households are unaware of the program’s existence or didn’t know anything about it. Metro is out to change that, offering 5G home internet for just $20 a month with Autopay for qualifying ACP households. It’s easy to sign up with no contracts, credit checks or hidden fees. New customers can visit their nearest Metro store to purchase the internet gateway and a Metro phone line to add home internet to their account. Visit metrobyt-mobile.com/acp to learn more about how Metro is helping to bridge the digital divide.

If you’re not eligible for ACP, there are other ways to save a few dollars when shopping around for home internet.

• Take Advantage of Free Trials: Some internet providers offer free trials or money-back guarantees to test out their internet in your home for a certain timeframe.

• Bundle Services: Check what other services you can bundle to save, like your phone plan, cable television and more.

• Autopay Discounts: Wireless companies often offer discounts for those accounts that sign up for autopay billing.

• Internet Connection Type: The type of internet you purchase matters. Fiber and traditional broadband connected through a cable in the wall tends to be more expensive than 5G wireless internet services that use a wireless connection.

Staying plugged into our increasingly digital world on your terms and budget is totally achievable! Get savvy with your shopping and cash in on initiatives and perks to keep your wallet happy while staying connected.

Helpful hints to lower your power bill this winter

To save money on your heating bill remember to close your fireplace damper if you’re not going to be using it and consider investing in a glass screen that lets heat radiate but prevents warm air from getting vented out the chimney

Photo: Pavel Danilyuk/PEXELS

NAPSI — Now is the time for New York residents to make sure their homes are as energy efficient as possible when storms and cold temperatures hit and in the rare event of a power outage.

Here are some simple steps you can take to help keep monthly power bills down:

Short-term actions

Schedule an annual maintenance appointment for your furnace, boiler, or heat pump. They should be checked, cleaned, and repaired annually. This will:

•Improve efficiency
•Find small problems before they become big problems
•Extend the life of your furnace

Bleed radiators. Letting out air that gets trapped in your heating system will heat your home more effectively and reduce energy bills. If you hear pipes banging or gurgling, it’s a sign your system needs to be bled.

Service chimneys. Also, close your fireplace damper if you’re not going to be using it and consider investing in a glass screen that lets heat radiate but prevents warm air from getting vented out the chimney.

Weatherstrip doors and windows. A removable door draft stopper can make a big difference.

Make sure air vents aren’t blocked. If furniture or curtains block your vents, the furnace works harder than it should to warm the house, driving fuel costs up. If you really like the position of furniture covering a vent, consider a low-cost vent extender.

Conserve & Manage Energy Use

Keep the thermostat between 68 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit while you’re awake, and lower when you’re asleep or away.

Add insulation to walls and pipes. This is a very inexpensive way to reduce your energy bill. Focus on your attic because heat rises, and this will keep heat in your living spaces. Also pay attention to electrical outlets, anywhere utilities enter the house, pipes (to prevent freezing and bursting), and appliances such as water heaters.

Adjust ceiling fans. Run fans clockwise in winter to push rising warm air down, potentially enabling you to lower the thermostat. In the summer, run fans counterclockwise to create windchill.

Unplug unused electronics. Also, consider switching to LED light bulbs, which are more energy efficient. Putting lights on a timer is both easy and cost-efficient.

Put rugs on hardwood floors. This provides a layer of insulation and can warm up a room — both literally and figuratively.

Open the curtains during the day and close them at night. Letting the sun in — even the weaker sunlight of winter — can help naturally warm a room, while drawing shades and drapes at night helps keep heat in and prevents drafts.

Thinking long-term

Get a professional energy audit. The auditor will ask about your bills and check your home to make sure it’s properly sealed.

If you’re income eligible, this audit could be free — along with additional discounted or no-cost services such as insulation and air sealing upgrades, new appliances and heating or cooling systems and more. Find out more at https://www.nationalgridus.com/NY-Home/Bill-Help/Energy-Savings-Programs.

Consider zoned heating. Target heating and cooling to where it’s needed.

Switch to a smart thermostat. A programmable thermostat lets you fine tune when your furnace runs, letting you pre-set it at a lower temperature while you sleep or are away and have it turn up just before you come home.

Just in case

Big storms happen, as do power outages.

National Grid is working to reduce power outages, which involves everything from the simple (trimming trees around lines) to the complex (installing smart meters and technology that automatically locates and isolates outages and restores service as quickly as possible). To make sure you and your family are prepared if the power does go out, do the following:

Keep a gallon of water per person per day in an easily accessible, air-tight container

Have three days of non-perishable food on hand (including for your pets)

Put together a first aid kit

Make sure batteries work in flashlights, lanterns, radios etc.

Keep matches, candles, flashlights, etc., where you can find them easily

Fully charge phones

Have extra medication at the ready

Fill your bathtub with water (for toilet flushing)

Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings, keep doors closed as much as possible

Gas up the car

If you have a generator, make sure it’s at least 20 feet away from the outside wall of your home. Never operate it in an enclosed space, employ GFI protection, and use the proper cord.

To learn more about the services and advice National Grid offers customers related to safety, reliability, affordability, and storm and power outage preparation, visit www.nationalgridus.com.

Over 8,000 homes still without power after high winds rip through Champaign County

URBANA - A severe storm that left more than a 500 mile stretch of damage across several Midwest states caused a large number of power outages throughout the mid-section of the Ameren Illinois service territory this afternoon, according to a statement released by Ameren Illinois.

"This was a significant, slow moving weather cell that pounded our electric infrastructure over the course of several hours," said Lenny Singh, Chairman and President of Ameren Illinois. "Crews have been mobilized throughout the service territory and we are calling in reinforcements from Illinois and nearby states. We're in the assessment phase now and will focus on getting the system repaired and power restored as quickly as possible while exercising high standards of safety."

Ameren Illinois activated its Incident Management Team (IMT) at 1:00 pm Thursday, June 29, 2023, to support restoration activities. It will be staffed around-the-clock to coordinate service restoration, logistical support and communications.

Over 8,000 homes in Urbana, Tolono, and St. Joseph remain without electrical service as of 2 a.m., more than 12 hours after the storm ripped through east central Illinois. According to Ameren's outage data, 7,184 homes in Urbana were still without power. Only 165 homes in Tolono do not have electricity. Meanwhile, in St. Joseph, 47.66% of the residents in the community east of Urbana still needed electrical service restored. No estimate was available when the more than 1000 customers could expect power.

"Customer safety is of utmost importance, particularly when severe weather occurs. We urge our customers to take precautions to protect themselves and their families, including staying away from downed power lines and immediately reporting any downed lines to Ameren Illinois," Singh said.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

A branch from a large tree at a condo unit near the corner Broadway and Vermont was peeled away from the trunk after winds close to 80 mph raced through the area after noon on Thursday. Widespread damage has been reported including overturned semis, flattened crops, and fallen trees.

Customers and media can receive timely updates on outage restoration by following the Ameren Illinois news feed on Facebook or at twitter.com/AmerenIllinois. Outages by county can be tracked at AmerenIllinois.com/outage.

Safety Reminders

Customer Reminders

Call Ameren Illinois at 1-800-755-5000 as soon as possible to report a downed line, natural gas odor, or an outage.

Stay away from downed power lines because these lines may still be energized. During an outage, individuals are asked to stay indoors after sunset because downed lines may not be visible. Stay away from brush, shrubs and fallen trees that may be hiding these lines.

If your electric service is interrupted, unplug or protect sensitive computer and electronic equipment with a high-quality surge protector.

Customers seeking more information on their outage:

Customers will receive notification on the restoration status of individual outages. Those who are signed up for alerts will receive alert updates through their preferred channels. All others will receive a phone call.

Customers can report and check the status of their restoration at Ameren.com or download the free Ameren Mobile app where you can report or check your outage right from the palm of your hand.

In addition, safety and real-time outage information is available on the outage map at AmerenIllinois.com/outagemap.

5 ways to lower your heating and energy bill this fall

Photo: Brandpoint

BPT -- Cooler weather is on the way. As temperatures begin dropping this next month, rising energy costs for electricity and natural gas are something to be concerned about.

Fortunately, there are a number of simple, proactive steps you can take that will save on energy and expenses for your home — while also increasing comfort — today and well into the future. On top of that, you will also be helping to increase the value of your home with these effective energy-saving measures.

Consider these 5 steps to help your home become more energy-efficient.

1. Give your furnace or boiler a checkup

Get in the habit of having your furnace or boiler professionally tuned up and cleaned at least once a year, ideally just before the weather starts turning colder. Just as you perform regular maintenance on your vehicle, make sure your entire HVAC system is in top condition — and replace your furnace filter at least every 90 days — to help your HVAC system run more efficiently. This will reduce your utility bills over time, while keeping you and your family warmer.

2. Go tankless

Looking for a great way to cut down on energy usage and also ensure more consistent access to hot water? Upgrading to a tankless water heater will save on energy and expenses compared to a traditional water heater. For example, Noritz EZ Series high-efficiency, condensing tankless water heaters are engineered to replace larger, conventional storage tank-type units, cutting both installation time and costs substantially. The wall-hung technology also has zero footprint in your home, which is a great space saver for smaller homes or if you just need more areas for storage. Tankless water heaters efficiently provide continuous hot water — meaning no more cold showers — along with big energy savings. In addition, tankless water heaters like the Noritz EZ Series also result in reduced carbon emissions and have a longer life expectancy than traditional models. Tankless water heaters use top-mounted water connections, avoiding the need for additional and costly plumbing. Even better, you can often find money-saving rebate programs from your local gas utility for your new tankless water heater that will help cut the installed cost even more.

3. Insulate your attic

You’re probably aware that heat rises — so if your attic is not properly insulated, you may be losing a lot of heated air through your roof every winter. Lack of good attic insulation can also lead to damage from ice buildup, which is costly to repair. If you own an older home, it's a good idea to have your attic inspected for insulation before winter sets in. And while older homes are the least likely to have properly insulated attics, even if you have a newer home it’s worth having a professional check to see if your attic is under-insulated. This can make a big difference when it comes to heating costs.

4. Make your thermostat programmable

If it’s been a while since you upgraded your thermostat, you may be surprised at what new programmable thermostats can do to help keep your home comfortable while also saving on utility bills. The latest models provide much better fine tuning when setting your thermostat, allowing better control of the energy you’re using to heat (or cool) your home. You can make sure you're not overheating your house when you're asleep or not at home. Traveling or on vacation? New smart thermostats allow you to adjust your home's thermostat controls remotely, using your phone or another electronic device.

5. Check for leaks

Every year, homeowners lose a lot of heated (or cooled) air through leaks around areas like windows, doors and chimneys. Inspecting your home for leaks can alert you to spots where you may need to improve caulking, flashing or weather-stripping for a fairly low-cost fix. For a longer-term solution, you may want to consider replacing older, less energy-efficient windows and doors with new ones. For help finding leaks, call your utility company. Many provide energy audits to help customers locate trouble spots in their homes.

By taking a few of these proactive steps, you can help your family stay cozy and comfortable all winter, while also helping to save energy and protect your budget.

Visit EZSeries.Noritz.com to learn more about how you can save energy, space and expenses on heating water for your home.

Ameren Illinois customers will see smaller bills in 2021

Collinsville - Residents who rely on Ameren for their electricity will find their bills a little smaller in 2021. Under the plan approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), the typical Ameren Illinois residential customer will save approximately $12 per year on the delivery portion of their electric bill beginning next month.

"Under performance-based ratemaking, Ameren Illinois is constructing a smarter electric infrastructure, reducing the number and duration of outages and keeping customer rates stable," said Richard Mark, Chairman and President, Ameren Illinois. "As the electric grid continues to evolve, we must continue to make strategic investments to strengthen our system. Having a transparent and fair cost-recovery mechanism in place is allowing us to do just that while providing real and tangible benefits to our customers and the communities we serve."

Thanks to an approximately $48.7 million overall reduction in revenue, the rate reduction will be the third consecutive rate decrease for Ameren Illinois customers and the seventh overall rate decrease since the Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act (EIMA) – or Smart Grid Bill – went into effect in 2011. The company says Ameren customers will pay 2.4% less each month for energy next year than they did 10 years ago. The company says their residential rates are 21 percent lower than the national average.

Typical Ameren Illinois customer will save money

"Today's residential energy customer wants affordable, reliable energy. They also want to know that we're looking to the future and working on providing them with cleaner energy options," said Mark. "In the last few years, we have developed and tested systems needed to produce and store renewable energy. Our customer satisfaction results show that these efforts, along with our daily work modernizing the energy grid, do matter."

Since the company began implementing its modernization action plan, 1.2 million smart meters have been installed, power poles and wires have been strengthened, and more delivery infrastructure is being placed underground. These improvements, along with new outage detection technology, have resulted in a 20% improvement in system reliability.

Village sewer rate increase goes into effect in St. Joseph

At the beginning of this month a scheduled sewer rate increase went into effect for the Village of St. Joseph. The new rates will be reflected on residents' upcoming November billing.

The schedule rate increase, approved in April 2019 by the St. Joseph Board of Trustees and put on hold due COVID-19 pandemic, will pay for upgrades as the aging plant nears its maximum operating capacity according to a release from the village.

The 15-year plan created last year is a detailed road map to ensure costs, operating expenses and plant capital maintenance needs are met to keep pace with the community's growth. The plan included incrementally increasing rates, which will be determined annually by the board, on a yearly basis rather of one or more large jump in monthly fees.

While the increase will impact low volume users minimally, heavy users will see likely see a noticeable change on their statements.

The new rate, starting on October 1, is $17.50, up from $15.00, for the first two units. Each additional unit used will be billed at at $1.75 more then the previous amount of $5.25 at $7.00 each.

Ameren announces lower utility rate for St. Joseph

St. Joseph residents can knock a few dollars off their power bill for the next 12 months.

Recently Ameren Illinois announced lower residential electric rates to the tune of 4.6 cents per kilowatt hour (kwh) starting with this month's meter readings. With the transmission fees, the rate is estimated to be about 4.7 cent per kwh.

According to a press release from the village's electric aggregation consultant Simec, the low bidder for supplying electrical services to residents, the new rate is approximately three-tenths of one cent less than their rate of 5.031 cents.

The average consumer in St. Joseph would save roughly $36 a year switching to Ameren.

Customers that choose to opt out of the aggregation program offered by the village are subject to a lockout period of 12-months with Constellation, the default provider for village. Regulations require consumers who opt out to remain a total of 12 months with Ameren or a supplier of their choice if they do not switch to a new provider within the first two months of the initial change in service.

Once a customer opts out they will be returned automatically to Ameren or to the specified retail electric supplier.

One thing to keep in mind, Ameren, who cites decreased costs in delivering electrical service at this time, may raise their rates at any time if they file with the ICC and demonstrate that their operational expenses have changed. The sole benefit of municipal aggregation is it does offer some measure of price stability since the rates are locked in for a specific period of time.

While Constellation negotiated rate with St. Joseph is among the lowest in the state, Ameren's new rate is appreciably lower in many communities. Quincy's provider bills 5.09/kwh. Effingham residents pay 6.285 with their aggregator. Godfrey’s current municipal electrical aggregation contract with Homefield Energy is at 5.496 until December 2020.

According to the release issued by Simec, residents currently with Constellation can opt out at any time and at no cost. To opt out, they will need to contact Constellation’s customer care center toll free number at (844) 312-9122 and will need only their account number. Customer account numbers can be found at the top of their bill.