Ameren offers customers five ways to save energy – and dollars
ST. LOUIS (Feb. 13, 2024) – Valentine’s Day offers everyone an opportunity to celebrate in a variety of ways. This year, Ameren is offering you and those you love five creative ideas to save money and energy.
“Valentine’s Day and energy efficiency are a natural match,” said Babette Washington, senior manager of energy efficiency operations at Ameren Illinois. “You can leverage energy-saving strategies to create the perfect Valentine’s Day atmosphere that sparks relaxation and deeper connection with loved ones.”
Fall in love with these cost-saving tips that set the perfect mood:
Choose an energy-efficient dinner: The cold weather months are a great time for comfort food – so break out the crock pot, which uses much less energy than the stovetop.
Eat by candlelight: If you’re looking to set a romantic mood or plan a fun dinner for the kids, consider dining by candlelight. Turning off traditional lights during peak evening hours can add up to cost savings over time.
Let leftovers cool down: If you’ve cooked a special meal and have leftovers to spare, be sure to let them cool to room temperature before transferring to the fridge. Hot food will cause the refrigerator to work overtime to cool, using more energy.
Turn off electronics or devices: Headed out for the evening? Be sure to turn off and unplug your electronics, which can still drain energy even when not in use. Staying in for the night? Unplug and enjoy some tech-free time, like playing a board game or reading a book together.
Turn down the thermostat: Cuddle under a blanket or fire up the fireplace. Even electric fireplaces can generate enough heat to warm the room you’re in while using less energy.
“According to the Farmer’s Almanac, Valentine’s Day falls right after the midpoint of
winter, so we still have some cooler days ahead,” said Tony Lozano, director of energy efficiency and demand response at Ameren Missouri. “It’s important to continue being cognizant of energy usage until we’re able to switch off the heat and enjoy the milder days of spring. That means you can use these tips all season long.”
Customers can find several ways to save throughout the year at AmerenIllinoisEEMarketplace.com and AmerenMissouriMarketplace.com, which offer sales on smart thermostats, advanced power strips, LED bulbs and more. Both states are currently offering zero- or low-cost smart thermostat options.
Customers who own or purchase a qualifying smart thermostat can also earn a $50 sign-up bonus and receive $25 annually for enrolling in Ameren’s Peak Time Savings Program in Illinois and Missouri.
In addition, Ameren is committed to helping customers save and stay warm during the winter months, especially during challenging times. Qualifying income-eligible homeowners and renters are eligible to receive assistance in the form of weatherization improvements to their homes, such as caulking, weather stripping and more through local agencies and contractors. For more information, visit Ameren.com/Assistance.
About Ameren Corporation
St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric generation, transmission and distribution services, as well as natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops, owns and operates rate-regulated regional electric transmission projects in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. For more information, visit Ameren.com, or follow us at @AmerenCorp, Facebook.com/AmerenCorp, or LinkedIn.com/company/Ameren.
Ameren Communications
314.554.2182 (Missouri media)
217.778.3726 (Illinois media)