COLLINSVILLE, Ill.,
March 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Ameren
Illinois' purchasing strategies have kept gas supply prices lower
than last year, but increased energy usage resulting from extreme
cold temperatures may mean higher winter heating bills for Ameren
Illinois customers.
"This has been a particularly brutal winter for our customers,"
said Stan Ogden, vice president,
Customer Service, noting that the Illinois State Climatologic
office reported December through February temperatures were the
fourth coldest on record. "While most customers will see higher
bills simply because they are trying to keep warm, there are steps
they can take to manage their monthly energy bills and spread their
costs over a longer period."
Because Ameren Illinois bought natural gas when prices were low
and stored it for use this winter, natural gas customers are paying
approximately 5 percent less than the same time last year. Ameren
Illinois purchases its natural gas supplies from various producers
and delivers to its customers without mark-up. However,
because of the extreme cold temperatures this heating season, gas
usage is up approximately 20 percent, which more than offsets the
lower supply costs.
To help ease the burden caused by higher energy use, Ogden
encourages Ameren Illinois customers to enroll in Budget Billing, a
plan that allows residential customers to pay the same amount each
month.
"Budget Billing is an easy way to level payments and avoid the
bigger monthly bills," said Ogden. Under the payment plan, customer
bills are calculated using the average monthly bill amount based on
the last 12 months. Customers can enroll in Budget Billing at any
time by calling 800-755-5000 or signing up at AmerenIllinois.com.
There is no additional charge to enroll or participate in this
program.
Other resources include:
- Warm Neighbors Cool Friends (WNCF), a year-round
heating and cooling assistance program to help those who generally
do not qualify for financial assistance from other government or
non-profit programs. Eligible households can receive up to
$350 for this heating season. The
WNCF weatherization program also helps customers reduce energy
usage by installing insulation, air sealing, caulking and replacing
of heating units. More at
www.warmneighborscoolfriends.org.
- Energy Efficiency Programs. Ameren Illinois offers
programs that customers can utilize to help reduce energy usage and
save money. For a limited time, Ameren Illinois will deliver Home
Performance with Energy Star Audits for only $25.00. An energy audit helps customers pinpoint
the specific steps they can take to lower their home heating and
cooling costs. Rebates and incentives are available to help
customers implement changes recommended from the audit. Permanent
improvements in the energy efficiency of the home will result in
ongoing savings. More information is available at
www.actonenergy.com.
"We are concerned about our customers and are committed to do
what we can to help them through this period," said Ogden.
"Customers are encouraged to contact us soon so we can work
together to find solutions to the financial strain this unrelenting
cold weather has put on families."
About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois delivers energy
to 1.2 million electric and 806,000 natural gas customers in
downstate Illinois, and our
mission is to power the quality of life. Our service territory
covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles. For
more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com. Follow us on
Twitter @AmerenIllinois and Facebook.
SOURCE Ameren Illinois