Free Energy-Efficiency Products And Bill Assistance From Ameren Illinois

Ameren Illinois offers a variety of programs designed to help customers save money on utility bills while promoting energy efficiency. These programs include free energy-saving products, bill assistance options, and educational initiatives. Residents can access free items such as smart thermostats, LED lightbulbs, and energy-efficient appliances through Ameren's online marketplace and energy efficiency programs. Additionally, the company provides financial assistance for low-income households, budget billing plans, and payment arrangements to help manage utility costs. This article explores the available options in detail, including eligibility requirements, how to access free products, and the types of assistance available for paying utility bills.

Free Energy-Efficiency Products and Services

Ameren Illinois provides free or heavily subsidized energy-saving products through its Energy Efficiency Program (EEP) and online marketplace. These offerings are intended to help customers reduce energy consumption and lower monthly utility bills. The available products include smart thermostats, LED lightbulbs, showerheads, faucet aerators, advanced power strips, and weatherization services.

Free Smart Thermostats

Customers may be eligible for free or low-cost smart thermostats through several Ameren Illinois initiatives. One method of obtaining a free thermostat is through the Instant Savers Assessment, although specific details about this program are available only on the EEP website. Additionally, the company offers free smart thermostats to qualifying households through its income-eligible and nonprofit programs. These thermostats help regulate home temperature more efficiently, reducing energy use and lowering utility costs.

Free LED Lightbulbs and Energy-Efficiency Devices

LED lightbulbs are among the most common free items offered by Ameren Illinois. These bulbs are available at no cost to income-eligible customers through the company's energy efficiency programs. In some cases, the bulbs are distributed through mail-in programs or in-person assessments. In the past, Ameren Illinois customers have received free LED bulbs as part of limited-time promotions. For example, in December 2016, customers were notified through billing inserts that they could receive four free LED bulbs before the end of the month. While this specific offer has expired, similar opportunities may become available periodically.

In addition to LED bulbs, Ameren Illinois offers free energy-efficient devices such as showerheads, faucet aerators, and advanced power strips. These products are designed to reduce water and electricity consumption, helping customers save money while conserving resources.

Free Home Energy Assessments

Ameren Illinois provides free home energy assessments to eligible customers. During these assessments, an Energy Advisor evaluates a home’s energy usage and recommends energy-saving improvements. In some cases, the advisor may install free energy-efficient products on-site, such as smart thermostats, LED bulbs, and air sealing materials. To qualify for a free home energy assessment, customers must meet certain criteria, including residing in a single-family home, being an Ameren Illinois residential customer, and meeting income guidelines.

Free Energy-Saving Products for Multi-Family Properties

Multi-family properties, including apartment buildings and condominiums, can also benefit from Ameren Illinois' energy efficiency programs. These programs provide free energy-saving products to buildings with three or more residential units. Eligible items include LED lightbulbs for individual units and common areas, smart thermostats, showerheads, faucet aerators, and hot water heater pipe insulation. The program is available to multi-family properties regardless of the income level of the owner or occupants.

For properties with over 50% income-eligible residents, additional benefits are available, including free weatherization services. These services can include insulation, air sealing, and other improvements that enhance a building’s energy efficiency. Property owners and managers can schedule an assessment by visiting the Ameren Illinois Savings website or contacting the Multi-Family Energy Advisor directly.

Educational and Outreach Programs

In addition to providing free energy-saving products, Ameren Illinois offers educational initiatives designed to help customers understand energy efficiency and reduce utility costs. These programs include student energy education kits, teacher resources, and informational billing inserts.

Free Student Energy Education Kits

Teachers can request free Student Energy Kits from Ameren Illinois. These kits include energy and water-saving devices that students can take home, as well as presentations, curriculums, posters, and activity guides. The kits are designed to reinforce lessons on energy efficiency and conservation in the classroom. Teachers can request these kits during the spring and fall by contacting Ameren Illinois directly via email.

Billing Inserts and Notifications

Ameren Illinois often includes information about free products and promotions in billing inserts. These inserts notify customers about limited-time offers and other money-saving opportunities. For example, in December 2016, customers received a notice about a free LED bulb promotion. While this particular offer has expired, similar promotions may be included in future billing inserts. Customers are encouraged to review their monthly bills carefully to stay informed about available programs.

Assistance with Utility Bill Payments

For customers who need help paying their Ameren Illinois utility bills, the company offers several assistance programs and payment options. These programs are designed to help customers manage their energy costs and avoid service disconnection due to nonpayment.

Income-Eligible Assistance Programs

Low-income customers may qualify for financial assistance through programs such as the Illinois Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Payment in Lieu of Property Tax (PIPP) program. These programs help eligible customers with bill payments, deposits, and late fees. For example, the Income Eligible Status program allows qualifying customers to have their deposits and late payment charges removed. This can provide significant relief for households struggling to pay their utility bills.

Budget Billing

Ameren Illinois offers a budget billing plan to help customers pay their utility bills more consistently. This plan allows customers to pay a fixed monthly amount based on their average energy usage over a 12-month period. This can help customers avoid large, unexpected bills and better manage their monthly expenses.

Payment Agreements

Customers who are experiencing financial difficulties may be eligible for a payment agreement. This option allows customers to spread their past-due balance over a fixed monthly payment plan. To begin a payment agreement, customers may need to make an initial down payment. The required percentage of the down payment varies depending on the time of year the agreement is started. For example, if the agreement is initiated between December 1 and March 31, customers must pay 10% of the past-due balance as a down payment. If the agreement is started between April 1 and November 30, the down payment is 25%.

Payment agreements can be reinstated if a customer misses a payment, provided their service has not been disconnected due to nonpayment. This can provide a second chance for customers who are temporarily unable to meet their payment obligations.

Community and Nonprofit Assistance

Ameren Illinois partners with various community organizations to provide additional support for customers in need. For example, the Church of the Brethren in Canton offers a Community Assistance Program that can help customers pay their utility bills. Similarly, Love INC in Canton may provide assistance to eligible residents. These programs are designed to help customers who may not qualify for government assistance but still need support with their utility payments.

Warm Neighbors Cool Friends Program

The Warm Neighbors Cool Friends program is another option for customers who need assistance with their Ameren Illinois bills. This program provides financial assistance to middle-income residents who earn too much to qualify for LIHEAP but still require help with utility costs. Eligible customers can receive grants of up to $500 as well as weatherization assistance. The program is intended to help customers reduce their energy bills and improve home efficiency.

Recycling and Appliance Replacement Incentives

In addition to providing free energy-saving products, Ameren Illinois offers incentives for customers who replace outdated appliances with more energy-efficient models. These programs include rebates for energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment and a refrigerator recycling program.

Refrigerator Recycling Program

Ameren Illinois provides a recycling program for old refrigerators and freezers. Customers who participate in this program can have their old appliances picked up and recycled in an environmentally responsible manner. In exchange, customers receive a $50 payment. To qualify for the program, the refrigerator or freezer must meet specific requirements, including being between 10 and 27 cubic feet in interior volume, being empty and defrosted at the time of pick-up, and being owned by the customer at the address associated with their Ameren Illinois account.

To schedule a pick-up, customers can visit the Ameren Illinois website or contact the recycling program directly by phone. This program helps customers dispose of outdated appliances while also reducing energy consumption by replacing inefficient models with newer, more efficient units.

Heating and Cooling Discounts

Ameren Illinois provides rebates for customers who replace their heating and cooling equipment with more energy-efficient models. These rebates are available to customers who purchase and install eligible equipment through registered HVAC Program Allies. To qualify for the rebates, the equipment must be installed by a registered contractor, and all paperwork must be submitted within 30 days of installation.

In addition to standard rebates, customers may also be eligible for Early Retirement incentives if their current heating or cooling equipment is still in working condition. These incentives provide additional savings for customers who replace their equipment before it reaches the end of its expected lifespan.

Conclusion

Ameren Illinois offers a wide range of programs designed to help customers save money on utility bills while promoting energy efficiency. These programs include free or subsidized energy-saving products such as smart thermostats, LED lightbulbs, and showerheads, as well as assistance with bill payments for low-income customers. Additionally, the company provides educational initiatives, recycling programs, and appliance replacement incentives to further support customers in reducing their energy consumption and utility costs. By taking advantage of these programs, customers can improve their home efficiency, lower their monthly bills, and contribute to environmental conservation efforts.

Sources

1. Ameren Illinois Online Marketplace
2. Ameren Energy Efficiency Programs