Company will expand efficiency programs to provide over $300 million of incentives and create sustainable economic opportunity in Downstate communities
COLLINSVILLE, IL (March 4, 2025) – Today, 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.
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. 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.
"This plan builds on the success of our industry-leading 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. "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."
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.
Highlights of the 2026 – 2029 Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Plan:
“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. "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."
“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). “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.”
About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and more than 800,000 natural gas customers in Illinois. Our mission is to power the quality of life. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com, find us on X @AmerenIllinois or Facebook.