The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) will analyze electric, natural gas and phone bills at a free clinic to help River Forest and Oak Park residents save hundreds of dollars a year.

Consumers should bring their bills for a free, one-on-one consultation with a CUB expert, who will search for ways to lower their utility costs. The clinic is:

10 a.m.- 2 p.m., Friday March 7
River Forest Community Center

8020 Madison St.

River Forest, IL 60305
Note: To register, please call Steven Smith at 708-383-8060. Space is limited to 60 people.

At CUB's clinic, consumers will get information on:

* New digital "smart meters" and how they can benefit consumers.

*How to spot unnecessary charges on electric, natural gas and phone bills.

*CUB Energy Saver, www.CUBenergysaver.com, a free online service that has helped consumers cut energy bills by an average of more than $100 a year.

* The low-cost Consumer's Choice local-calling plans, designed by CUB under a legal settlement with AT&T. The plans have been saving consumers an average of about $200 a year.

* The best long-distance plans and how to get a $10 credit negotiated by CUB.

*Line-Backer, a costly—and optional—AT&T service that most people don't need.

*CUB's Cellphone Savings Center, www.CUBCellPhoneSaver.com, which gives tips on how to cut wireless costs.

Attendees should bring their phone, electric and gas bills so a CUB expert can read them.

CUB is Illinois' leading nonprofit utility watchdog organization. Created by the Illinois Legislature, CUB opened its doors in 1984 to represent the interests of residential and small-business utility customers. Since then, CUB has saved consumers more than $10 billion by helping to block rate hikes and secure refunds over the years. For more information, call CUB's Consumer Hotline at 1-800-669-5556 or visit CUB's award-winning website, www.CitizensUtilityBoard.org.