Ameren Illinois has announced its natural gas customers will pay about $2.30 more per month for natural gas service beginning in February.
The increase will help fund its natural gas modernization program that has already replaced more than 200 miles of mechanically coupled steel pipeline,100 miles of vintage steel pipes and more than 70 natural gas regulator stations. The company notes along with implementation of new technology to monitor and adjust pipeline pressurization, those projects have delivered increased safety and reliability, supported downstate growth, and created hundreds of jobs in central and southern Illinois.
Ameren Illinois says its natural gas bills remain lower than the national average. The cost of natural gas is up just slightly from last year from 99-cents to $1.03 per therm. The company says their natural gas bills remain lower than the national average.
Ameren has also announced they have provided $9-million in bill payment assistance to customers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic including flexible repayment plans to retire past due balances, grants and financial assistance to qualifying low income customers and a moratorium on service disconnections until March 31st, 2021.
Bill relief assistance:
- Flexible repayment plans to retire a past due balance.
- Grants for customers who meet income qualification guidelines. Visit WarmNeighborsCoolFriends.org for a list of partner agencies, AmerenIllinois.com/Recovery, or call Ameren Illinois at 800-755-5000.
- Financial Assistance from the Illinois Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Visit HelpIllinois Families.com or call 877-411-9276 for qualifications and guidelines.
- Moratorium on service disconnections until March 31, 2021.
Tips for reducing energy costs:
- Periodically replace the air filters for heating systems, clean air vents regularly and make sure drapes or furniture do not block any of the vents or returns.
- Open window shades in the fall and winter to allow the sunlight to help heat rooms.
- Change to energy-efficient LEDs for lighting.
- Use adequate insulation in the attic, ceilings, walls, floors and crawlspaces. Seal air leaks with caulk and use weather stripping around exterior doors and windows.
- Install a smart thermostat to save all year round. With the help of a smart thermostat, customers can save up to 15 percent on their home energy bills.
Eligible Ameren Illinois customers can take advantage of a $100 rebate on the cost of these devices.
To learn more about Ameren Illinois’ electric and gas modernization programs, visit AmerenIllinois.com/reliability, Facebook.com/AmerenIllinois, and Twitter AmerenIllinois.
