Energy Savings Made Easy Through The Act On Energy Small Business Online Store

PEORIA, Ill., Jan. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ameren Illinois Utilities (AmerenCIPS, AmerenCILCO, AmerenIP) small business electric customers now can save 50 percent off the already discounted prices plus free shipping on products ordered through the Act On Energy® Small Business Online Store (ActOnEnergy.com).

In addition, the Act On Energy Small Business Online Store will send small businesses electric customers three compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs free of charge.

"We are making energy savings as easy as possible for our small business electric customers through these special, limited time incentives," said Cheryl Miller, AIU energy efficiency advisor. "For example, we are offering our small business customers LED (light-emitting diode) exit signs for just $6.88 each that will save $60 a year in electricity costs."

"Never has energy efficiency been more important. Businesses that take advantage of our programs not only realize savings that can make them more competitive, but enjoy the benefits of improved lighting. This is a win-win, benefiting both the customer and the business."

Now through March 31, the Act On Energy Small Business Online Store is providing small business electric customers with these special incentives:

• Three free CFL bulbs.
• Additional CFLs for as little as 50 cents each. Businesses that replace 10 CFLs for as little as $5 can save about $170 annually in electricity costs.
• LED exit signs for $6.88. Since most businesses have at least two exit signs, electricity savings can total $120 a year.
• Motion sensors that automatically turn lights off in unoccupied rooms for just $10 each.
• Products will be shipped free of charge.
• To qualify for these incentives, small businesses must be on electric Rate DS-2.

In addition, now through Jan. 31, all Ameren Illinois Utilities business electric customers are eligible for a special additional 10 percent incentive payment when they upgrade older T12 fluorescent lamps to high-efficiency T8 or T5 fluorescent lamps. This 10 percent incentive is in addition to regular AIU Act On Energy incentives.

T12 fluorescent lighting is being phased out and will not be manufactured after 2011. The Act On Energy incentive effort allows business customers to more easily replace obsolete T12 lighting and begin reaping energy savings.

During the 2009-2010 program year, Act On Energy has $7 million in incentives available to business customers. Act On Energy incentives are designed to help business customers reduce energy consumption, decrease energy costs, improve worker comfort and productivity and reduce carbon footprints.

A key aspect of the award-winning Act On Energy initiative is the incentives for AIU business customers. Act On Energy offers incentives for lighting, refrigeration, motor systems, HVAC systems, small business HVAC and retro commissioning.

Other incentive initiatives are the small business commercial kitchens program, grocery/convenience store incentives and custom incentives. Complete business program information is available at ActOnEnergy.com, by calling 1-866-800-0747 or by sending an e-mail to [email protected].

In addition, to the business programs, Act On Energy offers incentives and rebates to residential customers. There are cash rebates for ENERGY STAR qualified air conditioning units, dehumidifiers, ceiling fans and ceiling fan light kits. Discounted compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs are available both online and in retail outlets. Home Energy Performance Program provides incentives for energy efficiency home upgrades. Visit ActOnEnergy.com or call 1-866-838-6918 to get started. There are discounts on heating, cooling and ventilation equipment.

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

The Act On Energy program has been honored by the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA), which awarded AIU with the "Inspiring Efficiency Innovation Award" for two programs. MEEA (www.mwalliance.org) is a collaborative network advancing energy efficiency in the Midwest to support sustainable economic development and environmental preservation.

The Ameren Illinois Utilities (AmerenCIPS, AmerenCILCO, AmerenIP) have been providing safe, reliable energy delivery service for more than a century. The Ameren Illinois Utilities deliver energy to 1.2 million electric and 840,000 natural gas customers in more than 1,200 communities within a 43,700-square-mile service territory.

SOURCE Ameren Illinois Utilities