PEORIA, Ill. — Downstate Illinois utility Ameren Illinois is reminding its electric and natural gas business customers looking to reduce their energy expenses that the project deadline is approaching for participation in the 2011-12 ActOnEnergy® efficiency incentives program. Energy efficiency projects must be completed by May 31 to qualify for ActOnEnergy cash incentives.

“We often hear business people say they must delay energy efficiency projects because it isn’t in the budget,” said Cheryl Miller, ActOnEnergy business program manager. “Frequently, they fail to realize that by delaying energy efficiency projects, they are postponing their energy savings. The savings lost by postponing the project for just one year may be greater than the cost of the energy efficiency project, especially when the ActOnEnergy financial incentives are factored in to the equation.”

Miller said the effectiveness of the ActOnEnergy incentive program is demonstrated by the energy savings achieved during the 2010-11 program year. More than 1,200 companies completed nearly 1,900 projects which reduced annual electricity usage by about 164 million kilowatt-hours. This is the equivalent of the electricity used by 16,400 single family homes in a year.

“Our 2011-12 program year ActOnEnergy business program is better than ever. For the first time, all natural gas business customers are eligible for ActOnEnergy incentives,” Miller said. “Previously, incentives for natural gas projects were limited to small businesses.”

ActOnEnergy offers business customers — including private schools and nonprofits — energy efficiency incentives for HVAC systems, refrigeration, motor systems, and lighting. Incentives also are available for retro-commissioning, multifamily buildings, commercial kitchen equipment, and hotel and motel guest room energy management systems.

One of the newest programs is designed for grain and livestock farmers, providing incentives for such high-efficiency equipment as circulation fans, water heaters, and exhaust fans.

Complete business program information is available at ActOnEnergy.com, by calling 866-800-0747, or by sending an email to ActOnEnergyBusiness@ameren.com.

ActOnEnergy also offers incentives and rebates to residential customers. For more information on residential programs, visit ActOnEnergy.com, call 866-838-6918, or send an email to ActOnEnergyResidential@ameren.com.

Publication date: 03/19/2012