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Summer Temps Can Make Cooling Down More Costly
Ameren Illinois offers options for managing cooling expenses

Ameren Illinois is offering options for customers to manage their energy use during the hottest months of the summer, when high temperatures can have a significant effect on energy bills.

High heat and humidity means air conditioners must work much harder, which leads to increased energy usage - and higher bills.

Temperatures were above normal across the state in June, averaging 74.9 degrees, three degrees above the long-term average. That was also 12.9 degrees higher than the average temperature in May.

“This has been a particularly hot summer for our customers,” said Shirley Stennis, director, Customer Service. “While it's common for customers to see increased usage and higher bills in the summer months, there are steps they can take to manage their monthly energy bills and spread their costs over a longer period.” 

To help ease the burden, Stennis encourages Ameren Illinois customers to enroll in Budget Billing, a plan that allows residential customers to pay the same amount each month.

“Budget Billing is an easy way to level payments and avoid the bigger monthly bills,” said Stennis. Under the payment plan, customer bills are calculated using the average monthly bill amount based on the last 12 months. Annual true-up periods may apply.

Customers can enroll in Budget Billing at any time by calling 800-755-5000 or signing up at AmerenIllinois.com. There is no additional charge to enroll or participate in this program.

Many Ameren Illinois customers are taking advantage of Budget Billing and our other tools and programs to manage their energy usage and control costs. They include:

Online Account Management:  Allows customers to monitor energy, build an energy savings plan, and track savings. Create an online account at www.amerenillinois.com/startnow

Payment Assistance:  Some customers may qualify for payment assistance. Visit www.amerenillinois.com or call 800-755-5000.

Energy Efficiency:  Incentives and rebates are available to help residential customers implement energy saving measures.  For more information on residential programs, visit AmerenIllinois.com/programs or call 1-866-838-6918.

About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and 816,000 natural gas customers throughout central and southern Illinois. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles and our mission is to power the quality of life.  For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com. Follow us on Twitter @AmerenIllinois and Facebook.

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For further information: Stacey Stockton-Shangraw, sstockton-shangraw@ameren.com; Brian Bretsch, bbretsch@ameren.com; Marcelyn Love, mlove@ameren.com