By Amanda Vinicky, Illinois Public Radio
Springfield, IL – It seems counter-intuitive but The Citizen's Utility Board, or CUB, is supposed to serve as a voice for consumers against powerful cable, phone and electric companies. But for the past 7 years, CUB has received a large chunk of cash from one of its traditional foes.
Unless it finds another source of money, the Citizen's Utility Board's 2007 budget will see a 40-percent drop.
For the past seven years, CUB has received 1 million-dollars annually from a clean energy foundation created and funded by Commonwealth Edison. The foundation was required to make the payments by state law.
CUB Director David Kolata says his group has depended on the money to fund consumer advocacy work. Kolata says CUB will have to cut back on those activities unless it finds another source of funding.
But Kolata says he hopes it doesn't come to that. He says CUB has had limited success receiving alternative funding from other groups. And CUB's trying to diversify its accounts.
Kolata also points out that the bulk of CUB's budget comes from donations and membership dues. He says the group will continue to speak on behalf of consumers no matter what.