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COLLINSVILLE, IL (December 7, 2023) – You can add some holiday jingle to your pocket this holiday season by following some simple energy efficiency tips. Making the season bright can amount to more costs on your utility bill. Energy efficiency might not be top-of-mind during this busy season for many customers. With all the hustle and bustle customers can take a few moments to incorporate some simple tips into their daily routines to help lower their costs during the holiday season.  

• Replace incandescent holiday lights with LED lights. Using Energy Star certified holiday lights cut down on energy costs.
• Unplug unused electronics or holiday lights. Even if they are turned off, they are still drawing power, wasting energy and adding to your bill. Setting timers instead of leaving lights on the entire evening can also lower your usage.
• Turn down your Smart Thermostat in advance of hosting holiday guests. Body heat will make your indoor temperatures rise, creating natural heat and saving on energy costs.
• Check your furnace filter. Your furnace has likely accumulated a lot of dust from being dormant in the summer, so replace your filter before you start heating your home this winter.
• Let the sunshine in. Take advantage of the heat from the sun by opening window shades and curtains on the south side of your house, so those warm rays can heat up your home. At night, close the curtains to keep the heat inside.

For customers who don't have a smart thermostat there is a special offer available right now that they can take advantage of. Ameren Illinois and Google have joined forces to give Ameren Illinois heating customers another helpful way to save energy. Customers can receive a Google Nest Thermostat, at no cost with tax and shipping included, thanks to a special promotion that runs through Dec. 31.

"Simple changes to your habits can have an impact on your energy bill," says Pat Justis, director of energy efficiency, Ameren Illinois. "Smart thermostats can help customers save money on their heating costs and allow them to put those savings toward other expenses this holiday season.”  

OFFER DETAILS: Now through December 31, customers can visit AmerenIllinoisSavings.com/SaveNow to get their $0 Google Nest Thermostat ($129 retail value). Current Ameren Illinois electric or gas residential delivery service customers who heat their homes with natural gas or electricity delivered by Ameren Illinois are eligible for the offer. Homes heated by propane are also eligible. Orders must be placed by the customer whose name is associated with the Ameren Illinois account. Please check your most recent Ameren Illinois bill to confirm who is listed as the account holder. Each qualifying residential customer account is limited to one smart thermostat.  

Ameren Illinois' Energy Efficiency Program strives to help customers find ways to improve comfort, manage usage and reduce costs. In 2022, the program gave more than $65 million in incentives to help customers make their homes and workplaces more energy efficient. For more information on the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program, including ways to save, visit AmerenIllinoisSavings.com. 

About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and more than 800,000 natural gas customers throughout central and southern Illinois. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles. Our mission is to power the quality of life. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com. Follow us on Twitter @AmerenIllinois and Facebook.