Ameren Illinois customers will pay less for electric service delivery beginning in January under a plan approved this week by the Illinois Commerce Commission, according to the utility.
The $14 million decrease in delivery service rates over current charges is the fourth such decrease since 2011. For the typical residential customer using 10,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity, it will mean savings of about $1.37 on the monthly bill.
Ameren Illinois said it plans to continue to make investments in electric system improvements in 2017. Projects will include the installation of storm-resilient utility poles along with technology and upgraded distribution equipment designed to detect and reduce the frequency of power outages. To date, the utility says the enhancements have resulted in an overall 17 percent increase in reliability and saved customers an estimated $47 million a year. The utility has also been installing advanced meters, two-way devices that provide customers with enhanced energy use data and access to tools and programs to help use less energy.
The commission’s decision on rates follows a review of Ameren Illinois’ expenditures on capital projects completed through this year.
“Since the innovative smart grid plan went into effect, it’s evident the program is surpassing expectations – customers are saving energy and money and our investments in the system are resulting in an enhanced and more reliable electric grid,” said Craig Nelson, senior vice president of regulatory affairs and financial services for Ameren Illinois.
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and 816,000 natural gas customers in Illinois.
