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ST. LOUIS (Feb. 11, 2025) - From ice, snow, high winds and below average temperatures, winter has been brutal for much of the Midwest. All of these factors can impact the comfort of Ameren’s customers in their homes and ultimately their energy bill. Fortunately, Ameren offers simple tips alongside multiple energy efficiency and demand response programs across Illinois and Missouri so that customers can save money and energy.

"Reminding our customers that they can make simple, low-cost improvements to their home during the winter is important to us," said Babette Washington, senior manager of energy efficiency programs for Ameren Illinois. "We want them to be comfortable and we want them to save money on their energy bill."

1. Unplug unused electronics because even if they are turned off, they are still drawing power, wasting energy and hiking up your power costs. Try an advanced power strip, available in the marketplace.
2. Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning, so heat doesn’t escape up the chimney.
3. Check the vents: make sure the dampers on your heating vents are open and not blocked by furniture or drapes, so the heat can flow freely throughout your home when the cold weather kicks in. While you’re at it, vacuum any dust or pet hair from the registers and air returns that may have collected throughout the spring and summer to ensure your furnace runs efficiently.
4. Roll out the rugs: Instead of cranking up the heat when your bare floors are chilly in the winter, lay down an area rug. Rugs trap heat more efficiently than hardwood floors, giving the heating system in your home a rest — which means you get lower energy bills, a beautiful home, and warm feet!
5. Make the switch to LED light bulbs. LED light bulbs use up to 80% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
6. Take advantage of Ameren’s home energy assessments. A Home Energy Assessment looks for ways to reduce your energy usage and costs. In Illinois and Missouri, you may be eligible to receive energy-saving upgrades at little to no cost, such as improved insulation, heating equipment and ventilation. In Missouri, Pay As You Save (PAYS®) helps lower your energy bill by making affordable energy efficiency upgrades around your home.

"We highly encourage our customers to take advantage of our energy efficiency programs year-round and watch for instant discounts on smart thermostats through our online marketplaces," said Shelly Harmon, manager of energy efficiency for Ameren Missouri.

Ameren customers can find instant savings at AmerenMissouriMarketplace.com or AmerenIllinoisEEMarketplace.com. For more information on the other energy efficiency programs that customers can qualify for please visit Ameren.com/EnergyEfficiency.

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.