Pre-approval is required for all projects. If you have ordered, purchased, or installed equipment prior to receiving pre-approval from the Ameren Illinois Utilities, you will not be eligible for incentive dollars.
Programs Offered return to top
Q: What incentive programs are offered by Act On Energy®?
A: Click here to view or print a downloadable PDF of the incentive programs. Each incentive program has its own application form, eligibility critera and incentive calculations.
Standard programs
Q: What is the difference between “Standard Incentive Programs” and other programs?
A: The Standard Incentive Programs offer pre-established financial incentives for the most common energy efficiency measures. If your project is listed in the Standard Incentive Program guidelines, you must use the Standard Incentive Program application form.
Multi-family residential program
Q: I own a retirement home – is it eligible for Act On Energy incentives?
A: The multi-family residential program is separate from the business program. You can find more information about the multi-family business program by clicking on Multi-family Properties under the Business Section of ActOnEnergy.com.
Program Year Explanation return to top
Program years – one vs. two
Q: What is a “Program Year”?
A: The Act On Energy program year starts on June 1 and ends on May 31. Program Year One (PY1) ended on May 31, 2009 – we are currently in PY2. The completion date of your project will determine which program year your project will be associated with.
May I apply for more incentive money?
Q: If I received Act On Energy incentive money in PY1 (6-23-08 through 5-31-09) may I apply for more incentive money in PY2 (6-1-09 through 5-31-10)?
A: You are welcome to apply for incentive money again in the new program year. There are incentive limits within each program year, but those limits are reset each program year.
Incentive funding availability
Q: How much incentive money will be available to Ameren Illinois Utilities’ customers over the next three years?
A: The Ameren Illinois Utilities will award approximately $21 million for energy efficient incentives during the initial three-year period of the Act On Energy Business Program. In Program Year One, more than $3 million was distributed, $7 million will be distributed in Program Year Two, and $11 million in Program Year Three.
Eligibility return to top
Eligibility - business
Q: How can I confirm that my business is eligible for the Act On Energy Business Program incentives?
A: Reference this downloadable PDF for a listing of Act On Energy business incentive programs and eligibility requirements by program type. In general, for the electric incentives, you must be a non-residential electric customer of the Ameren Illinois Utilities on Delivery Service Tariff Rate DS-2, DS-3, DS-4 or DS-5. For small business electric programs you must be an electric Rate DS-2 customer; for gas programs, you must be a GDS-2 delivery service customer. If you are unable to locate this information, call our toll-free number (1-866-800-0747) and ask to verify eligibility. Customers who use Alternate Retail Electric Suppliers (ARES) are eligible for Act On Energy incentives if one of the Ameren Illinois Utilities is their energy delivery company and there is a Rider EDR charge on their bill.
Eligibility - Project
Q: How can I confirm that my project is eligible for Act On Energy incentive funds?
A: Each program has its own application form, with a list of eligibility criteria specific for that program.
Eligibility - Ameren Illinois Utilities' Rate Payer
Q: I pay my electric utility bill to a municipality (or co-op). Am I eligible for Act On Energy programs?
A: If you don’t pay your electric bill to one of the Ameren Illinois Utilities (AmerenCIPS, AmerenIP, or AmerenCILCO), you are not eligible for Act On Energy incentives. If you are uncertain about your eligibility, call our toll-free number (1-866-800-0747) with your account number handy and we can check to see if you qualify.
Eligibiliy – ARES (Alternative Retail Electric Supplier)
Q: I purchase my electricity from an ARES but Ameren provides the delivery service – am I eligible?
A: ARES customers are still eligible for Act On Energy programs if one of the Ameren Illinois Utilities (AmerenCIPS, AmerenCILCO or AmerenIP) delivers their energy. If you have a Rider EDR charge on your Ameren Illinois Utility bill, you are eligible for Act On Energy incentives.
Eligibility - Gas Customers
Q: I pay my gas utility bill to one of the Ameren Illinois Utilities. Am I eligible for Act On Energy electric incentive funds?
A: If you are a natural gas customer of one of the Ameren Illinois Utilities, but you are not an electric customer, you are not eligible for the electric Act On Energy Business Programs (and vice versa for the gas incentive programs). One exception is the Small Business HVAC AC tune-up program – Ameren gas customers are eligible for these incentives.
Pre-approval eligibility - when project has started
Q: "Projects must be pre-approved prior to purchase or installation" - at what point is my project no longer eligible?
A: If you have ordered, purchased, or installed equipment prior to receiving pre-approval from the Ameren Illinois Utilities, then no Act On Energy incentive will be provided.
Eligibility - government-funded facilities
Q: I manage a public school; are we eligible for Act On Energy incentives?
A: You are eligible for energy efficiency incentives through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) programs. Applications are available on the DCEO Web site at www.IllinoisEnergy.org, or you can call 1-217-785-2863 for more information.
Eligibility - church and/or school
Q: Is my church or school eligible for Act On Energy business program incentives?
A: Any privately owned (non-government-funded) organization, including churches and privately owned schools, are eligible for Act On Energy business program incentives.
Eligibility - gas to electric
Q: I am retrofitting a heat pump from gas to electric - does that qualify for electric incentives?
A: No. Only projects that reduce existing electric energy use are eligible for the Act On Energy incentives. Fuel switching, of any type, does not qualify for the Act On Energy Business Program.
Eligibility - new construction
Q: Are there any incentives for new construction?
A: The Act On Energy Business Program will launch a New Construction Program in the spring of 2010. Until that program is launched, you may apply for incentives for new construction projects under the Custom Program.
Eligibility – T5 lamps
Q: Are T5 lamps eligible for incentives? They are not listed on the Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) Web site.
A: Yes, as a general rule, all T5 lighting is eligible for incentives, but we suggest you call us at 1-866-800-0747 for confirmation.
Eligibility – geothermal projects
Q: Are geothermal projects eligible for incentive funds?
A: Possibly – call us toll-free at 1-866-800-0747 to find out if your project is eligible.
Application return to top
Application - confirmation of receipt
Q: How do I know you received my application for pre-approval?
A: We send an e-mail message within 24 hours of receipt. You can also call the toll-free number (1-866-800-0747) to confirm that your paperwork was received and inquire about your application status.
Pre-approval and application - signatures needed
Q: Can my contractor sign these forms for me?
A: No, these forms have to be signed by the business owner (or an official company representative).
Application completed by
Q: Who should fill out the incentive application forms?
A: Either a contractor or business owner (or their representative) may fill out and submit the application for incentives, but a signature of the Ameren Illinois Utility customer is always required. (The online lighting application will walk you through the steps of obtaining the required signatures). If a contractor is to be paid the incentive instead of the customer, the customer must also sign a Payment Release Authorization form.
Approval return to top
Pre-approval - is it necessary?
Q: Do I have to submit a pre-approval form to receive an Act On Energy incentive?
A: Yes. All applications for incentives require pre-approval (obtained by submitting a pre-approval form).
Pre-approval amounts fixed
Q: What if my project changes after I receive pre-approval (e.g., I added a fixture, or the cost of each fixture changed)?
A: The maximum incentive paid will be listed in your pre-approval letter. If the scope of your project is reduced, the incentive will be reduced accordingly. If there are major changes to your project, please contact us immediately.
Landlord consent for pre-approvals
Q: Do I need to get consent from my landlord before I submit my application for pre-approval?
A: Yes, the landlord needs to be aware of the project and agree to the work to be done. A completed Landlord Consent Form (Appendix B of the application) must be submitted with your application.
Timing return to top
Timeline
Q: What is the general timeline for the incentive process?
A: The general timeline is outlined below. NOTE: It is the customer's responsibility to notify Act On Energy if it is likely any deadlines will be missed; otherwise, incentive funds will be in jeopardy.
Approval - turnaround time
Q: How long will it take to process my pre-approval application?
A: In most cases, your pre-approval form will be processed within 10 business days, if your application is correct and complete. You will receive an e-mail to notify you of pre-approval. If an e-mail address is not provided, you will receive a notification letter.
Pre-approval, project completion date
Q: I received my pre-approval letter, is there a time limit to get the job done?
A: Yes – there is an Estimated Completion Date specified on the pre-approval letter (which is not more than 90 days from the date of pre-approval for Standard Programs). If you cannot complete your project by the Estimated Completion Date, you must notify Act On Energy immediately.
Incentive - status
Q: How can I find out the status of my incentive payment?
A: Call the Act On Energy Business Program toll-free at 1-866-800-0747 to find out when you can expect your incentive payment. Please allow up to 60 days after your final paperwork is received.
General Program Information return to top
Source of incentive money
Q: Who provides funding for Act On Energy ?
A: The funds come from residential and business customers of the Ameren Illinois Utilities based on the amount of electricity and/or natural gas they use. All eligible customers pay into the energy efficiency program through a Rider EDR charge on their monthly electric bills, and a Rider GER charge on natural gas bills.
Why does this program exist?
Q: Why does this program exist?
A: There are three great reasons this program exists:
- One is to reduce energy costs for businesses, making them healthier and better able to retain jobs in Illinois.
- In addition, the program helps reduce the environmental impacts of energy use and reduces the carbon footprint for Ameren Illinois Utilities customers.
- Finally, reduced demand for electricity delays the need to build new power plants, which, in the end, saves all Ameren Illinois Utilities customers much more than the amount being contributed to the energy efficiency program.
Energy Audit
Q: I’m interested in an energy audit for my business. Who should I contact?
A: Businesses may contact the University of Illinois Smart Energy Design Assistance Center at 1-800-214-7954. Large businesses may also contact LEAP (Large Customer Energy Analysis Program) at 1-217-785-3420. In addition, many Act On Energy Program Allies also conduct energy audits as one of their services. See the “Find a Service Provider” tool on the Act On Energy Web site to help find a business to assist with your energy audit.
Labor - included in the incentive
Q: Can the installation fees be considered in the incentives claimed?
A: Yes. If you are applying under the Custom Program, the total cost of the project, including contracted installation costs, should be included. However, internal labor costs cannot be considered when determining total project costs.
Who gets the incentive money?
Q: If I am a renter, can I claim the incentive or will it go to the property owner?
A: The incentive goes to whoever makes the investment for the improvement (who purchases the fixtures). However, the landlord will need to sign off on thie project if the tenant will receive the incentive, acknowledging that the improvements are permanent, even after the tenant moves out.
Incentive limits – per year
Q: Is there a limit as to how much incentive money I can receive?
A: The maximum incentive is $200,000 per facility per program year, with a $100,000 project limit, combined for both the Standard Program Incentives and the Custom Program Incentives. If your project is neither Standard (lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, or motors) nor Custom, call 1-866-800-0747 to discuss the program limits.
Incentive limits - per facility.
Q: I understand there is a limit of incentive funds per program year, per facility. How is a facility defined?
A: A facility is a single premise that, in general, consists of a contiguous tract of land separated by nothing more than a street, alley, or railroad right-of-way, where all buildings and/or electric consuming devices are owned by a single customer. If you are unsure if your situation qualifies as a single facility, please call the Act On Energy Business Program hotline at 1-866-800-0747 for further clarification.
Miscellaneous return to top
Program Ally Benefits
Q: As a contractor, why should I become a Program Ally?
A: There are several potential benefits to becoming a Program Ally:
- The incentive program will save your customers money on their initial purchases, potentially leading to more sales for your company.
- You will have the option to have the incentive check sent directly to you, which you can then use as a credit on your customer’s invoice.
- Your company will be listed on the Act On Energy Web site as a company that is familiar with Act On Energy programs (free advertising).
- You can increase your sales of energy-efficient equipment.
- You will receive e-mail updates regarding program changes and bonus offers.
- Customers looking for providers of the types of services you offer can search for the name of your business.
- Program Allies can take advantage of co-branding opportunities that leverage the trusted Act On Energy name.
Ally lists
Q: If I sign up to be an Program Ally for the Act On Energy Business Program, will I also be included in the list for the residential program?
A: No. There are separate Program Ally lists for business, residential, multi-family, and retro commissioning (compressed air and healthcare) programs. You would need to sign up as a Program Ally for each of these programs if you want to be listed in each category.
Ally – company requirements
Q: What is required to become a Program Ally?
A: The Program Ally list is a customer service provided by the Ameren Illinois Utilities. None of the allies listed are endorsed by the Ameren Illinois Utilities or the Act On Energy program. For that reason, any company may sign up to become a registered Program Ally.
Ally – Act on Energy marketing
Q: As a Program Ally, may I use the Act On Energy logo or name in my marketing materials?
A: You must obtain pre-approval before using the Act On Energy logo. To obtain approval, contact Rusty Tribe at rtribe2@ameren.com. The Ameren or Aameren Illinois logo may not be used.
Double dip from EPAct and Act On Energy?
Q: Can I get incentives from both EPAct and Ameren Illinois Utilities’ Act On Energy?
A: Yes, EPAct is a federal tax credit and the Act On Energy Business Program is funded by the Ameren Illinois Utilities, so you may claim both the tax credit and the incentive.
Other incentive programs
Q: Are there other incentive programs I can look into?
A: Incentives under the Ameren Illinois Utilities Act On Energy Business Program can be combined with EPAct tax credit. If you are not eligible for the Ameren Illinois Utilities’ Act On Energy Business Program (e.g., you are publicly funded), you may qualify for Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity programs: www.illinoisEnergy.org. If you are a customer of a municipality or co-op, check with them to see if they have similar programs.
Gas incentives
Q: What natural gas incentives are offered?
A: Small business natural gas customers (Rate GDS-2) are eligible for gas incentives for furnace/boiler tune-ups or replacements, and also for the Demand Response E-Smart™ thermostat program. See the Small Business HVAC Program application for more details. GDS-2 commercial kitchen customers are also eligible for the Green Low-Flow Pre-Rinse Spray Nozzle Program.
Abbreviations/Acronyms return to top
AmerenCILCO Central Illinois Light Company – an Ameren Illinois Utility
AmerenCIPS Central Illinois Public Service – an Ameren Illinois Utility
AmerenIP Illinois Power – an Ameren Illinois Utility
AmerenUE Ameren Missouri
ARI Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute
CC/LED Cold Cathode / Liquid-Emitting Diode
CEE Consortium for Energy Efficiency
CFC Chlorofluorocarbon Compounds (refrigerant)
CFL Compact Fluorescent Lamp (light bulb)
CMH Ceramic Metal Halide
ComEd Commonwealth Edison
COP-IPLV Co-efficient of Power-Integrated Part Load Value
DCEO Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
DDS Daylight Dimming Systems
EC Motor Electrically Commutated Motor
EEM Electric Efficiency Measures
EEPS Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard
EER Energy Efficiency Ratio
EPAct Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Policy Act
ESCO Energy Services Company
HCFC Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (refrigerant)
HFC Hydro fluoro Compounds (refrigerant)
HID High Intensity Discharge (metal halide & high pressure sodium)
HIF High Intensity Fluorescent
HVAC Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
IPLV Integrated Part Load Value
kW Kilowatt
kWh Kilowatt-hour
LED Lamp Light-Emitting Diode
LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
NEMA National Electrical Manufacturers Association
ODP Open Drip-Proof Motors
PSMH Pulse Start Metal Halide
PTAC/PTHP Package Terminal AC and Package Terminal Heat Pumps
RPM Revolutions Per Minute
SCADA Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition
SEDAC Smart Energy Design Assistance Center
SEER Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
SEHA Super Efficient Home Appliance
TEFC Totally Enclosed Fan-Cooled Motors
UL Underwriters Laboratories