Ameren Illinois offers rebates for smart thermostat purchases

Ameren Illinois is offering customers a $100 rebate if they install smart thermostats in their homes and businesses.

After customers purchase a smart thermostat, they can apply online at Ameren Illinois to receive a $100 discount in the mail for a limited time. Rebates are being provided through energy efficiency program funding approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission under the landmark Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA).

Some customers who qualify may even be able to have devices installed for free as part of the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program.

“When the Future Energy Jobs Act was passed, we made a bold commitment to ensure that benefits of energy efficiency would be available to all of our customers, especially those with limited financial means,” Ameren Illinois Chairman and President Richard Mark said. “With today’s announcement, we’re living up to that promise. Putting 300,000 smart thermostats in customer homes and businesses is an ambitious goal, but we’re confident that with the collaboration of our partners we can make that vision a reality.”

Ameren Illinois serves about 1.2 million customers in the state.

Smart thermostats can save customers between 10 and 15 percent on heating and cooling costs, the company said. The devices allow customers to adjust settings via smartphone apps. Also, many smart thermostats can modify the temperature, further reducing energy usage, when customers aren’t home.

“Smart thermostats will empower Ameren Illinois residential and business customers to better manage their energy usage, and give them more control over their monthly bill,” said Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) Chairman Brien Sheahan said. “On behalf of Governor Bruce Rauner and the ICC, we applaud Ameren Illinois for continuing the state’s more than 100-year tradition of leadership on energy issues by embracing new innovation and technology, like smart thermostats, that help our state reach its energy efficiency goals.”

The initiative has the involvement of the leading smart thermostat brands, including Nest and ecobee.

“Smart thermostats will help consumers to stop cooling and heating empty homes,” Rob Kelter, senior attorney for the Environmental Law & Policy Center, said. “With this initiative, Ameren Illinois is stepping up to help its customers save money and reduce pollution at the same time.”

Ameren Illinois customers can learn more at Amerenillionoissavings.com.