As winter approaches, AmerenUE is encouraging customers to use energy wisely and to take advantage of their Budget Billing plan to eliminate billing surprises by spreading energy costs evenly over several months.
The Budget Billing plan allows residential customers to pay the same amount each month. By enrolling now, customers can begin leveling out their monthly payments. The plan allows customers to pay an average monthly bill amount based on the last 12 months of usage. Eligible customers may enroll in the program or drop out at any time. There is no cost to enroll in Budget Billing.
The payment level is periodically reviewed and adjusted as necessary. After 12 months of enrollment, the account is reviewed to calculate the difference between the amount of energy used during the year and the amount paid under Budget Billing. If the amount paid exceeds the actual cost of providing the energy, the customer receives a credit. If the amount billed is less than the actual cost of providing the energy, the customer is billed for the difference.
Budget Billing helps eliminate those seasonal variations in utility bills with regular and predictable payments. In addition, many customers save time and money by combining Budget Billing with one of UE’s payment options—direct payment online, electronic check, or credit or debit card payments. Customers may enroll in Budget Billing and get information about payment options by visiting Ameren’s Web site (www.ameren.com) or by calling UE at 1-800-552-7583.
To save money through more efficient use of energy, customers can visit www.ameren.com/EnergyEfficiency. A good place to begin saving is by using caulk and weather stripping to block drafts. Furnaces and flues should be inspected and cleaned annually by a heating system professional. Another way to save money is by setting the water heater temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit or on “low.” Using this setting can reduce annual energy costs by 3 to 5 percent. Hot water usage can be reduced by using cold or warm water in the washing machine, a step that saves money and can extend the life of clothing.
With 1.2 million customers, AmerenUE is Missouri’s largest electric company and third largest provider of natural gas. Ameren, through its operating companies, serves 2.4 million electric and 1 million natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area of Illinois and Missouri.
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CONTACT: Susan Gallagher, 314.554.2175, of AmerenUE