DECATUR, IL (October 7, 2024) – A Decatur neighborhood will benefit from a unique tree-planting initiative that will beautify the neighborhood and provide shade to help lower energy costs for years to come.
The Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program has partnered with the City of Decatur and Trees Forever on an innovative tree planting initiative. The initiative aims to provide shade that will reduce the need for air conditioning, and thus reduce energy costs, for customers living in underserved neighborhoods.
The initiative's second tree planting took place in Decatur's neighborhood United on October 5, 2024. More than 100 volunteers gathered to plant 100 deciduous trees in the easement areas next to customers’ yards. Through the partnership, the City of Decatur will handle maintenance of the trees.
“In our mission to make energy efficiency available to all customers, the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program is proud to support this innovative initiative for our Decatur customers,” says Nick Lovier, Manager, Energy Efficiency. “As these trees grow, they will beautify the neighborhood and provide shade that will help customers save on energy costs year after year.”
Because cool air settles near the ground, air temperatures directly under trees can be as much as 25°F cooler than air temperatures above nearby blacktop, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The trees planted in Decatur could reduce a customer’s home temperature by an estimated 10 to 15 degrees and reduce a home’s energy usage by as much as 25%.
Beyond reducing energy costs, trees offer benefits ranging from beautification, health and wellness, improved air quality, increased property values and wildlife habitat.
"Rising temperatures provide the opportunity for investment in communities that lack canopy coverage to offset the impacts heat has," says Tim Dickison, Program Supervisor, Energy Efficiency "As these trees grow, so will the positive impacts on the communities and for the customers where the trees are installed."
Ameren Illinois also believes in planting trees in the right place. Aovid planting trees directly beneath power lines, near poles, or too close to electrical equipment. Whether you are planning to do it yourself or hire a professional, smart digging means calling 811 before each job.
For more information on the Right Tree, Right place program, visit Right Tree, Right Place.
For more information on the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program, visit AmerenIllinoisSavings.com.
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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.
Media contact:
Karly Combest
217-778-3726
kcombest@ameren.com