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Ameren Illinois has proposed a bold plan aimed at helping both residential and business customers significantly reduce their energy consumption, lower their carbon footprint, and cut down on their monthly energy costs. The plan, which was submitted to the Illinois Commerce Commission, sets a goal of achieving 1,122 GWh in electric savings through energy efficiency upgrades from 2026 to 2029. These upgrades are expected to save customers over $2 billion over the course of their implementation. To support this initiative, Ameren Illinois will allocate $145 million annually for the next four years, funding electric and gas efficiency programs that include residential incentives for major home improvements like heating and cooling systems, air sealing, and insulation. For businesses, the program will fund cutting-edge technologies such as smart thermostats, variable-speed drives, demand-controlled ventilation, and ductless heat pumps. Additional funding will be directed toward community-based organizations to expand energy efficiency services, create jobs, and strengthen local economies in downstate Illinois. This plan also aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with the goals of Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). “This plan builds on the success of our industry-leading energy efficiency programs and ensures that our customers have the opportunity to benefit from the programs that they are paying for,” said Lenny Singh, chairman and president, Ameren Illinois. “Using energy wisely is the surest way to lower monthly energy bills. At the same time, it is a proven line of defense against energy price volatility and supply shortages, and a key tool in the fight against climate change.” Since 2018, Ameren Illinois’ energy efficiency programs have made substantial progress, helping customers save approximately $881 million on electric bills. Business customers have saved more than $427 million by utilizing program upgrades. Additionally, the program has saved over 2.5 million MWh of electricity, which is equivalent to removing nearly 1.7 million metric tons of CO2, taking 396,000 passenger vehicles off the road for a year, or powering more than 228,000 homes for a year. Key highlights of the 2026–2029 Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Plan include: Residential Energy Savings – Ameren Illinois plans to invest $75 million annually in electric and gas incentives and rebates to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient products, appliances, and equipment. The program will also offer home assessments to help customers identify potential energy-saving opportunities. Business Energy Savings – Businesses participating in the program will see a quick return on their investment, typically recovering costs in about 1.8 years. Afterward, these businesses will continue to benefit from ongoing energy savings. Market Development Initiative – Ameren Illinois will dedicate over $5 million annually to provide energy efficiency benefits to underserved communities. Through partnerships with local organizations, this initiative will increase community engagement, create energy industry jobs, and deliver significant savings to those who need it most. Since 2018, Ameren Illinois has invested over $201 million to reduce the energy burden on income-qualified customers. |
