Ameren Utility Company
Contents
- 1 Ameren Utility Company
- 2 Ameren Basic Generation Service (BGS)
- 3 Ameren Renewable Energy
- 4 Ameren Net Metering
- 5 Ameren Qualifying Facilities
- 6 Illinois Community Solar
- 7 Shopping for Energy Suppliers
- 8 Who is my Current Electric Supplier?
- 9 Do I Notify my Old Energy Provider of a Switch?
- 10 Who do I Notify if Power Goes Out?
- 11 Illinois Utilities
- 12 Clean Energy
- 13 Electricity Rates
Ameren is one of two major utility companies that provide power delivery services in the state of Illinois. Before energy deregulation, the utility companies had a monopoly over the generation (supply) and delivery services in their respective service areas. If the customer was unhappy with the high rates, there was little they could do to change. Thanks to energy choice, the responsibilities of Ameren became unbundled, allowing outside energy suppliers to offer competing supply services to Illinoisans. The main responsibility of Ameren is to maintain the power lines and deliver the electricity to homes and businesses. If you experience a power outage, then you will need to contact Ameren.
- Ameren Utility Customer Contact: 1-800-755-5000
Ameren Basic Generation Service (BGS)
The utility company is required to act as the default supplier to customers that do not switch over to a third-party energy supplier. The supply rate Ameren charges are known as the basic generation service (BGS) rate. The BGS changes twice per year and is not considered to be very competitive. The BGS is also referred to as the price to compare. Customers can use this rate while shopping for competing energy suppliers. If an energy supplier is offering a rate lower than the BGS rate, then the customer will be saving money by switching to the new energy provider.
Ameren Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is making its way through the market place opening up more doors to customers to choose something other than power generation through oil and coal. Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are considered to be a cleaner alternative than conventional methods. Ameren is doing its part to make renewable energy more accessible to customers within its service area.
Ameren Net Metering
If you move to Illinois and reside in the Ameren utility service area then you may qualify for net metering. Net metering allows a customer to use qualified renewable sources for power generation against the energy that is supplied by Ameren or an alternate electric supplier. The power generated by the customer can then offset the charges on the utility bill. Any surplus of power generated can be carried forward to future electric bills. Switching energy suppliers will cause these future energy credits to expire.
Ameren Qualifying Facilities
Energy suppliers who set up Distributed Generation with Ameren Illinois can apply to become a Qualifying Facility (QF). A Qualifying Facility will receive compensation for generating output based on Midwest wholesale electric market prices. QF’s are considered small-scale generators and are exempt from many federal and state regulatory requirements. The goal is to increase the supply of renewable energy sources that can be added to the power grid.
Illinois Community Solar
Do you wish to generate more power from solar but don’t want the hassle of installing heavy equipment on your property? Community Solar is a program that allows residents living in the Ameren service area to enjoy the benefits of solar without having the actual solar panels installed on the property. By enrolling in this program, you can have a portion of your power generated by clean energy from a Qualifying Facility QF. The utility works directly with QF’s to connect the power generated to the power grid while ensuring the enrolling customer receives credit on the electric bill for the portion of power that is generated.
Shopping for Energy Suppliers
Living in a deregulated electricity market has many benefits. Besides the savings that come by switching to an alternate electric supplier, a customer can also choose from a variety of rate plans. Most people don’t want to have to worry about any surprises that show up on the electric bill. If you’re one of these people, you may want to consider locking in a long-term fixed rate. Energy plans can extend out to 48 months. Energy suppliers that provide service in Illinois have to be licensed by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC). Below are a few things to keep in mind while shopping for a new plan.
Who is my Current Electric Supplier?
You can find out who your current energy provider is by looking at your electric bill or by calling the utility company. The current electric supplier will be listed on the section of the electric bill showing your supply charges. If you don’t see the name of another provider you are most likely on the utilities’ basic generation service (BGS) rate.
Do I Notify my Old Energy Provider of a Switch?
If you decide to change electric suppliers then you will not have to notify your old energy provider. The old energy provider will automatically be notified by the utility company. It will also be impossible to receive two separate electric bills by two energy providers for the same billing period. The new energy provider will notify the utility, who will then oversee the switch.
Who do I Notify if Power Goes Out?
If you experience a power outage after signing up with a new energy provider, then you will have to contact Ameren Illinois. Ameren will still be responsible for fixing any issues that deal with the power lines. Ameren also acts as the supplier of last resort to make sure your lights stay on.