Ameren Illinois Reminds Customers: 'You Have Power to Choose Your Electric Supplier'

PEORIA, Ill., July 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to electricity supply, Ameren Illinois reminds customers they have choices that could help them save money.

Ameren Illinois is an energy delivery company responsible for delivering energy to homes and businesses reliably, safely and efficiently. Customers have the option of receiving electricity from Ameren Illinois or from an alternative retail electricity supplier certified by Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).

Detailed information about electricity supply choices is available at IllinoisPowerSwitch.com. Also, residential customers may call 1-800-755-5000 and business customers may call 1-800-232-2477.

"Selecting an electricity supplier is similar to purchasing an automobile insurance policy. You begin by shopping various companies and getting quotes that are based on your individual and family needs. You compare the quotes and make your decision based on what is best for you," said Stan Ogden, vice president of Ameren Illinois Customer Service and Public Relations.

"Before you begin the process of selecting an electricity supplier, familiarize yourself with your utility bill. Understand your current cost of electricity and your usage patterns so you can be a smart shopper."

Ameren Illinois customers can visit IllinoisPowerSwitch.com or contact Customer Service by phone for the names and phone numbers of alternative retail electricity suppliers. In addition, some suppliers or their agents may directly contact customers, such as by telephone or direct mail.

Additional information about electricity choice and certified suppliers in the Ameren Illinois service territory is available at the ICC website: PlugInIllinois.org.

Customers who do not choose an alternative energy supplier will continue to receive their electricity from Ameren Illinois. Electricity supplied by Ameren Illinois is procured by the Illinois Power Agency through a competitive procurement process approved by the ICC. Ameren Illinois does not profit from the electric supply portion of the utility bill.

Customers also may want to consider the Power Smart Pricing option that is designed to help residential customers save money by making smart choices about how and when they use electricity. To learn more about this hourly pricing program, visit PowerSmartPricing.org or call 1-800-655-6028.

"Ameren Illinois customers receive the same level of safe, reliable service regardless of who supplies the electricity. We maintain the electrical distribution system and restore service that has been disrupted by storms and other causes," Ogden said.

Customers interested in reducing their electricity and natural gas usage are encouraged to take advantage of the ActOnEnergy® program that was created to help customers reduce utility bills.

ActOnEnergy offers incentives, rebates and advice to residential customers. For more information on residential programs, visit ActOnEnergy.com, call 1-866-838-6918 or send an e-mail to: [email protected].

Information for business customers is available at ActOnEnergy.com, by calling 1-866-800-0747 or by sending an e-mail to [email protected].

Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and 813,000 natural gas customers in downstate Illinois, and our mission is to meet their energy needs in a safe, reliable, efficient and environmentally responsible manner. Our service area covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com.

Summary

• Ameren Illinois customers can choose a supplier of electricity.
• Complete choice information is available at IllinoisPowerSwitch.com. In addition, residential customers may call 1-800-755-5000 and business customers may call 1-800-232-2477 for electricity supply information.
• Ameren Illinois is an energy delivery company responsible for bringing energy to homes and businesses reliably, safely and efficiently. Ameren Illinois does not profit from the electricity supply portion of the utility bill.
• Ameren Illinois customers receive the same level of safe, reliable service regardless of who supplies the electricity.

SOURCE Ameren Illinois