ICC approves Ameren grid improvement acceleration
Ameren Illinois, a subsidiary of Ameren Corp., recently received approval for its proposal for the acceleration of grid improvements and a smart meter deployment program from the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), an order that will facilitate the installation of new meters on all customers’ premises by 2019.
Ameren introduced its infrastructure improvement initiatives in 2012 following the passage of the ground-breaking Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act (EIMA) that permitted companies to recover expenses incurred for improvements made to the electric distribution system.
“We’re grateful to have earned the Commission’s continued confidence in our long-term plan to build a stronger energy grid,” Craig Nelson, senior vice president of regulatory affairs and financial services for Ameren Illinois, said. “Today’s decision ensures that all of our customers will have access to technology to help them manage their energy use and save money on their utility bills.”
Ameren’s smart metering program will enable customers to monitor their energy usage and gain increased control over their pricing and cost-savings opportunities.
“The state is supportive of the smart grid initiative because we’re not only making critical enhancements to an aging energy infrastructure and creating thousands of new jobs, we’re also enabling our customers to take control of their energy costs,” Nelson said.