In recognition of the significant energy efficiency efforts made by Decatur businesses, Ameren Illinois today presented the Act On Energy® Most Progressive City Award to the city of Decatur.
“Between June 1, 2008 and May 31, 2010, Decatur businesses completed 52 Act On Energy projects that received $453,500 in incentive payments,” said George Justice, Ameren Illinois Division III manager, who presented the award to Greg Crowe, Decatur’s assistant city manager of economic development.
“These projects are now saving Decatur businesses 11.1 million kilowatt-hours of electricity every year. That is enough electricity to meet the demands of more than 1,100 single family homes.
“Through these projects, power plant emissions and carbon footprints are reduced, resources are conserved and businesses become more competitive, all of which benefit employees, consumers and the community at large,” Justice said.
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), which administers the energy efficiency programs for Ameren Illinois public sector customers, provided details on the funding it has given out through its State Energy Office and Illinois Energy Now rebate program. The state's program provides incentives to local municipalities, public schools, park, police and fire districts. The Decatur region received over $40,000 in Energy Efficiency Portfolio funds, with eight public schools being able to make significant upgrades.
“The Illinois Energy Now energy efficiency program allows the state of Illinois to work with local communities like Decatur to meet our statewide obligation to reduce the demand for electricity, conserve tax dollars, stimulate the economy and create green jobs,” said DCEO Director Warren Ribley.
Since Act On Energy was launched in 2008, the amount of annual incentive dollars available to business customers has grown from $3 million to $10.5 million. The program is funded through a small charge (Rider EDR for all electricity customers and Rider GER for residential and small business natural gas customers) on customer bills. These charges are mandated by state law.
Act On Energy offers business customers – including private schools and nonprofits – energy efficiency incentives for lighting, refrigeration, motor systems and HVAC systems. Incentives also are available for retro commissioning, multi-family buildings, commercial kitchen equipment and hotel and motel guest room energy management systems.
There is a program for grain and livestock farmers, providing incentives for lighting upgrades, livestock waterers and such high-efficiency equipment as circulation fans, water heaters and exhaust fans.
Act On Energy also offers the Small Business Online Store, small business commercial kitchens program, grocery/convenience store incentives and custom incentives.
“Our business customers can realize significant savings when they participate in our program,” said Cheryl Miller, Act On Energy business program manager. “For example, replacing a standard T-12 fluorescent light fixture with a high-efficiency T-8 fluorescent fixture can reduce electricity consumption by 33 percent.
“Our energy efficiency professionals are ready to help our customers take advantage of the Act On Energy incentives so they can spend less on energy by using less.”
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.
Act On Energy offers incentives and rebates to residential customers. For more information on residential programs, visit ActOnEnergy.com, call 1-866-838-6918 or send an e-mail to: ActOnEnergyResidential@ameren.com.
Ameren Illinois has been providing energy delivery service for more than a century. We deliver energy to 1.2 million electric and 813,000 natural gas customers in downstate Illinois, and our mission is to meet their energy needs in a safe, reliable, efficient and environmentally responsible manner. Our service area covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com.
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Contacts: Leigh Morris, 1-214-535-5228, lmorris@ameren.com; Victoria Busch, 1-618-346-1286, vbusch@ameren.com; Neal Johnson, 1-309-677-5284, njohnson@ameren.com