Ameren Illinois proposed an ambitious plan to help its residential and business customers further reduce their energy usage, lower their carbon footprint, and save on their monthly energy bills.
The plan submitted to the Illinois Commerce Commission targets 1,122 GWh of electric savings through energy efficiency upgrades from 2026 to 2029, which is expected to save customers over $2 billion over the life of the upgrades.
Electric and gas efficiency programs
Ameren Illinois will invest $145 million per year over the next four years to deliver electric and gas efficiency programs that include residential incentives for major home upgrades, such as heating and cooling systems, air sealing, and insulation.
For business customers, the program will fund advanced technologies, such as smart thermostats, variable speed drives, demand-controlled ventilation, and ductless heat pumps.
Greenhouse gas emissions
Additional investments will equip community-based organizations to deliver energy efficiency services
Additional investments will equip community-based organizations to deliver energy efficiency services, boost job creation, and strengthen economies in downstate Illinois.
Execution of the plan is also expected to lower greenhouse gas emissions in support of Illinois' Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) goals.
energy price volatility and supply shortages
"This plan builds on the success of our industry-pioneering 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.
Lenny Singh adds, "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."
Ameren Illinois' energy efficiency programs
Ameren Illinois' energy efficiency programs have achieved significant milestones
Since 2018, Ameren Illinois' energy efficiency programs have achieved significant milestones, saving customers approximately $881 million on their electric bills. Business customers have saved over $427 million on their energy bills after utilizing program upgrades.
Additionally, the program has saved more than 2.5 million MWh of electricity, which is the equivalent of removing nearly 1.7 million metric tons of CO2, removing 396,000 passenger vehicles from the road for one year, or providing electricity to more than 228,000 homes for one year.
Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Plan
Highlights of the 2026–2029 Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Plan:
- Residential Energy Savings – Ameren Illinois will invest $75 million per year in electric and gas incentives and rebates to spur adoption of energy efficient products, appliances, and equipment, and deliver home assessments to help customers uncover energy efficiency opportunities in the home.
- Business Energy Savings – Businesses will see a swift return on their investment for energy efficiency upgrades, typically covering costs within an average of 1.8 years. After their return on investment, these businesses will benefit from ongoing energy savings.
- Market Development Initiative – Ameren Illinois will invest more than $5 million per year to deliver energy efficiency benefits to underserved customers and communities. Partnerships with local community organizations will build greater community engagement, create energy industry jobs, and deliver cost savings to the customers who need it the most. Since 2018, Ameren Illinois has invested over $201 million to help reduce the energy burden of income-qualified customers.
Investing in energy efficiency
"Energy efficiency directly impacts our businesses in downstate Illinois because every dollar that a business saves on their energy costs can be reinvested into their processes, products, people and communities," said Kristol Simms, Vice President of clean energy transition, economic, community and business development for Ameren Illinois.
Kristol Simms adds, "Businesses can count on Ameren to help them protect their bottom line. Investing in energy efficiency will lead Illinois towards a more sustainable and prosperous future."
Energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions
"The investment made into utility energy efficiency programs today will save energy, reduce energy bills, improve indoor air quality, and create family-sustaining jobs for the future," said Kari Ross, Midwest Energy Affordability Advocate at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council).
Kari Ross adds, "Energy efficiency is the most cost-effective resource to reduce energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen our power grid, and support Illinois’ climate goals for a clean energy economy."
