COLLINSVILLE – Ameren Illinois residential customers who use natural gas to heat their homes and power their appliances can expect stable supply prices this winter.
In the last five years, Ameren Illinois’ natural gas supply prices have declined 30%, driven in part by Ameren’s purchasing and price hedging strategies. The company buys natural gas in the summer when prices are lower, stores it in underground reservoirs, and delivers it for customers to use in the winter months.
“Natural gas is a great value and a reliable resource to meet the needs of our residential and business customers,” said Brad Kloeppel, Senior Director, Gas Operations and Technical Services, Ameren Illinois. “When customers have the option, they overwhelmingly choose natural gas as their fuel source because it is affordable and dependable.”
Stable winter gas supply prices arrive at the time customers are experiencing lower electricity prices. Following a summer cooling season in which supply and demand imbalances led to a spike in the price of electricity, supply prices decreased by around 30 percent on Oct. 1 for customers who choose to take their supply from Ameren Illinois.
Ameren Illinois customers can further reduce their heating bills by implementing energy-saving strategies.
“With just a few simple actions, residential customers can use less energy and still be comfortable,” said Pat Justis, Director of Energy Efficiency for Ameren Illinois. He encourages customers to:
- Keep your thermostat at 68 degrees or lower this winter. Install a Google Nest thermostat, which can reduce your heating bill in the winter by 10 – 12%.
- Set the temperature of your water heater to 120 degrees for safety and energy savings. Lowering the setting of your water heater thermostat can save up to 22% in energy costs.
- Replace your furnace filter every three months to save up to 15% and help your furnace run efficiently. A dirty filter also allows dander, mold and dust to circulate throughout your home.
- Use weather stripping and caulk to reduce air leaks. Pay special attention to walls, ceilings, windows, and vents in your basement. Air leaks in the basement are less noticeable but cost you money.
To help customers save this winter, Ameren Illinois is offering a $0 Google Nest smart thermostat bundle that includes a free smart plug. A smart thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature of the home according to the family’s schedule – lowering the temperature when family members are sleeping or away from home and raising the temperature only when needed. To order your Google Nest thermostat visit AmerenIllinoisEEMarketplace.com/Nest-Thermostat/.
For more information on Ameren Illinois’ energy efficiency programs and more tools and strategies for saving energy and money, visit AmerenIllinoisSavings.com.
Customers are also reminded that enrollment in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) began October 1. Identify your LIHEAP agency and determine funding eligibility by visiting HelpIllinoisFamilies or calling 833-711-0374 while funds are available.
In addition to LIHEAP, customers may qualify for an additional $150 bill credit from Ameren Illinois. The company has facilitated 181,000 connections to energy assistance, helping customers receive help through multiple programs. Recently, more than 5,000 customers who attended an Ameren Community Development Workshop received $300 in bill assistance. In total, Ameren Illinois has provided more than $72 million in energy assistance directly to customers.
For more information about energy assistance programs offered through Ameren Illinois, visit www.AmerenIllinois.com/PathToSavings.
