State Rep. McAsey, Citizens Utility Board to Host Clinics on Phone Bill Savings

Own a cell phone? You're likely part of the group of Illinois residents that the Citizens Utility Board says is collectively wasting $1 billion each year.

CUB and State Rep. Emily McAsey are hoping to change that. The pair are partnering to host free clinics at the 's Lockport branch (121 E. 8th St.) and Jan. 18 at the Levy Senior Center that will show residents how to save big by making just a few simple changes to their phone bills. Both workshops begin at 6 p.m.

“Most people are paying too much for phone service, but CUB can help you deflate your bloated bill,” CUB Executive Director David Kolata said in a release. “We’ve been showing consumers how to save hundreds of dollars a year, and that’s good news in tough economic times.”

Attendees, according to a McAsey release, should bring their current landline and cell phone bill to the event. A specialist from CUB will then conduct a one-on-one phone bill analysis to help residents cut unnecessary and often costly and confusing features from their phone service.  

“During these difficult economic times, it is important to identify new ways to save money,” McAsey said.  “The Citizens Utility Board experts can help local residents choose the phone service that best suits their financial and calling needs, and avoid paying for services and features that drive up their phone bill.”

The CUB Cellphone Saver an online tool that automatically analyzes individual wireless bills, a CUB release says. Created by a Texas-based company called Validas, the tool has been showing consumers how to cut their wireless bills by an average of more than $300 a year.

CUB will also host a third clinic on Jan. 25 at 's Crest Hill branch (1298 Theodore St.) at 6 p.m. 

Registration is required. To sign up, call McAsey's office at 815-372-0085.