Program has Approved Incentives of $3.5 Million since June 2008 PEORIA, Ill., Feb. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Business customers throughout the Ameren Illinois Utilities service territory still have time to receive a share of $500,000 in incentive money by improving the electric energy efficiency of their facilities or operations by May 31. In addition, these businesses also are eligible for a special, one-time bonus payment of up to 10 percent of the total project cost when they meet the May 31 deadline. "Businesses throughout our Illinois service territory recognize the value of our electric energy efficiency program that provides incentives for the installation of energy-efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems, refrigeration and motor systems," said Cheryl A. Miller, ActOnEnergy(TM) business program manager for the Ameren Illinois Utilities. "In addition, some business customers are able to take advantage of our custom business program, which provides incentives for such projects as variable-frequency drives on process fans and pumps, compressed air system improvements, improvements to reduce energy use in manufacturing processes and other initiatives," Miller said. Since unveiling the ActOnEnergy(TM) electric energy efficiency program last June, the Ameren Illinois Utilities have approved $3.5 million in incentive payments to business customers throughout their 43,700 square mile service territory. Details of new programs for business and residential customers as well as energy savings tips are on the ActOnEnergy(TM) Web site (http://www.actonenergy.com/). Miller explained that all Ameren Illinois Utilities electric distribution business customers who choose to participate in the ActOnEnergy(TM) program may realize the following benefits: -- Energy efficiency modifications to buildings and operating systems can reduce energy use, which will lower energy bills. -- Typically, energy efficiency projects boost employee comfort and help improve productivity. -- Reductions in energy use have an environmental impact by reducing a business' carbon footprint and helping decrease the need for new or expanded electric generating plants. Complete information, including application forms, is available at http://www.actonenergy.com/ in the "For My Business" section. Publicly funded customers such as governmental bodies and public schools must participate through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) energy efficiency programs. Details of this program are available at the http://www.illinoisenergy.org/ Web site. Miller said businesses that provide electric energy efficiency products and services now have the opportunity to become an Ameren Illinois Utilities Program Ally. These include architects, engineers, general contractors, electrical contractors, mechanical contractors, vendors, suppliers and manufacturers. "Program Allies pass along the cash back incentives to our business customers who participate in the electric energy efficiency incentive programs," Miller said. "Complete enrollment information is available on the ActOnEnergy(TM) Web site (http://www.actonenergy.com/). "This is an opportunity for Program Allies to build their business while helping their customers save money by cutting energy consumption." Miller said details of the second year ActOnEnergy(TM) programs will be announced in June. The Ameren Illinois Utilities 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 more than 840,000 natural gas customers in about 1,000 communities, while helping customers spend less by using less and communities grow through economic development initiatives. DATASOURCE: Ameren Illinois Utilities CONTACT: Leigh Morris, +1-217-535-5228, or Neal Johnson, +1-309-677-5284, or Victoria Busch, +1-618-346-1286, all of Ameren Illinois Utilities Web site: http://www.ameren.com/ http://www.illinoisenergy.org/ http://www.actonenergy.com/

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