PEORIA, Ill., Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ameren Illinois Utilities (AmerenCIPS, AmerenCILCO, AmerenIP) business customers can now receive a special financial incentive to replace inefficient lighting with qualified new high-efficiency, money-saving lighting.
Now through Jan. 31, 2010, Ameren Illinois Utilities (AIU) business customers are eligible for a special additional 10 percent incentive payment when they upgrade older T12 fluorescent lamps to high-efficiency T8 or T5 fluorescent lamps. This 10 percent incentive is in addition to regular AIU Act On Energy® incentives.
T12 fluorescent lighting is being phased out and will not be manufactured after 2011. The Act On Energy incentive effort allows business customers to more easily replace this obsolete T12 lighting and begin reaping energy savings.
Also eligible for the 10 percent incentive are the installation of controls that automatically turn lights off when they are not needed and the replacement of high bay lighting fixtures.
"Our business customers can realize significant savings when they participate in our program," said Cheryl Miller, AIU energy efficiency advisor. "For example, replacing a standard T12 fluorescent light fixture with a high-efficiency T8 fluorescent fixture can reduce electricity consumption by 33 percent.
"Never has energy efficiency been more important. Businesses that take advantage of our programs not only realize savings that can make them more competitive, but enjoy the benefits of improved lighting. This is a win-win, benefiting both the customer and the business."
During the 2009-2010 program year, Act On Energy has $7 million in incentives available to business customers. Act On Energy incentives are designed to help business customers reduce energy consumption, decrease energy costs, improve worker comfort and productivity and reduce carbon footprints.
A key aspect of the award-winning Act On Energy initiative is the incentives for AIU business customers. Act On Energy offers incentives for lighting, refrigeration, motor systems, HVAC systems, small business HVAC and retro commissioning.
There also is the Small Business Online Store, small business commercial kitchens program, grocery/convenience store incentives and custom incentives. Complete business program information is available at ActOnEnergy.com, by calling 1-866-800-0747 or by sending an e-mail to ActOnEnergyBusiness@ameren.com.
In addition, to the business programs, Act On Energy offers incentives and rebates to residential customers. There are cash rebates for ENERGY STAR qualified air conditioning units, dehumidifiers, ceiling fans and ceiling fan light kits. Discounted compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs are available both online and in retail outlets. Home Energy Performance Program provides incentives for energy efficiency home upgrades. Visit ActOnEnergy.com or call 1-866-838-6918 to get started. There are discounts on heating, cooling and ventilation equipment.
For more information on residential programs, visit ActOnEnergy.com, call 1-866-838-6918 or send an e-mail to: ActOnEnergyResidential@ameren.com.
Recently, the Act On Energy program was honored by the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA), which awarded AIU with the "Inspiring Efficiency Innovation Award" for two programs. MEEA (www.mwalliance.org) is a collaborative network advancing energy efficiency in the Midwest to support sustainable economic development and environmental preservation.
The Ameren Illinois Utilities (AmerenCIPS, AmerenCILCO, AmerenIP) have been providing safe, reliable energy delivery service for more than a century. The Ameren Illinois Utilities deliver energy to 1.2 million electric and 840,000 natural gas customers in more than 1,200 communities within a 43,700-square-mile service territory.
SOURCE: Ameren Illinois Utilities
Web site: http://www.ameren.com/