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With students across the state resuming classes, Ameren Illinois has a few tips on setting up and managing energy service this back-to-school season.   

It’s easy and convenient for college students to connect service online. All the student needs is a social security number, driver’s license, connect date and service address. To connect service, follow these simple steps:

1. Log onto www.amerenillinois.com and select Start, Stop, Move under the Customer Service Center tab.
2. Create a unique user ID and password, if you have not done so previously.
3. Once you’re logged on, choose Residential and fill out the corresponding form.

Disconnecting and transferring service is just as easy for students who are graduating early or planning to move during the middle of the year. Instead of choosing Connect, simply select Stop or Move depending on the situation.

Students should plan to connect service early, so the power will be on by the time they move in. For students living with roommates, only one person needs to open the account, and that person is responsible for ensuring full payment is submitted monthly.

In addition to starting service, Ameren recommends discussing strategies for monitoring and managing usage.

“The college lifestyle isn’t always conducive to energy efficiency,” noted Shirley Stennis, director, Customer Service, Ameren Illinois. “Whether it’s televisions on in five separate rooms or constant use of the oven for a few hours each night, that electric bill can add up quickly.”

The following tips can help keep usage under control:

• Stay attentive – turn off any electronics such as lights or game consoles that were inadvertently left on.
• Monitor television usage and set to sleep mode each night.
• Remove computers, phones and chargers from the wall outlet once fully charged.
• Only run a full dishwasher.

Back-to-school is still a great time to discuss energy efficiency even if the kids are younger. New school schedules may include a quieter house. Here are a few ideas to keep in mind:

• Increase the thermostat a few degrees, especially when no one is in the house.
• Try using smaller appliances such as microwaves, toasters and crock pots for smaller meals, instead of larger appliances like ovens and stovetops.
• Avoid opening and closing the refrigerator numerous times per day.

Back to school is always an exciting time. This year, Ameren Illinois is also helping to make it an efficient time. For more information, visit www.amerenillinois.com or call (800) 755-5000 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

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.