Programs Offered return to top
Q: What is the purpose of the Act On Energy Program?
A: The purpose is to provide cash incentives to help businesses with the up-front costs of installing energy-efficient electric and gas equipment, or perform tune-ups on existing equipment.
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 criteria and incentive calculations.
Standard Programs
Q: What is the difference between the “Standard Programs” and the other programs?
A: The Standard programs (including the industry specific programs – Grocery/Convenience Store, Lodging, Agriculture, and Commercial Kitchens) have incentives that are pre-calculated for the most common energy-efficiency measures. If your project is listed in the standard program you must use the standard application form. The Custom and Retro-commissioning Programs do not have pre-calculated incentives and also have different program requirements.
Multi-family Residential Program
Q: I own a retirement home – is it eligible for incentives?
A: There are different possibilities, depending on your situation:
- You could be eligible for any of the business program incentives if you, the building owner, pay the utility bills for all units (delivery service DS-2, DS-3, or DS-4).
- Your tenants could be eligible for the residential program incentives if they paid the utility bill for their respective units (their delivery service rate on their bill is DS-1).
- You, as the building owner, would be eligible for the Multi-family Property Program (Common-area Lighting Program AND the In-unit Program) for either scenario above, if your building has three or more units.
Program Year Explanation return to top
Program Year
Q: What is a “Program Year”?
A: The Act On Energy program year starts on June 1 and ends on May 31.
Program-Year Three (PY3) starts on June 1, 2010. If you are requesting pre-approval the completion date of your project will determine which program year your project will be associated with and the incentives for which your project is eligible.
What's new for Program-Year Three?
Q: What’s different for Program-Year Three?
A: There are a number of changes from Program-Year Two (PY2) – the major changes are summarized below:
- If you are requesting incentives less than $5,000 (for standard electric applications only, which includes the industry specific programs: Lodging, Commercial Kitchens, Grocery/Convenience Store, and Agriculture) then pre-approval is now optional (strongly encouraged, but optional). You have 90 days (from the invoice dates of the products you purchased) to complete the project, and an additional 30 days after that to submit your final application for incentive payment.
- The incentive cap (per facility, per program year) has been increased from $200,000 to $600,000. Once incentives reach $200,000 they are pro-rated at 50% of the calculated incentive (see the terms and conditions on an application for more details).
- Three new industry specific programs have been added (Lodging, Commercial Kitchens, and Agriculture).
- New measures have been added, including: water heating, agricultural measures, commercial kitchen measures, guest room energy management (GREM) controls for lodging, exterior lighting, and the T12 lighting relamp and reballast options have been expanded.
- The applications for Motors incentives will be accepted through 12-31-10, and then that program will be retired. The VFD incentives will continue through 5-31-11.
Final Paperwork (Incentive Payment Request form and accompanying invoices) must now be submitted within 30 days of project completion.
May I apply for more incentive money?
Q: If I received Act On Energy incentive money in PY2 (6-1-09 through 5-31-10) may I apply for more incentive money in PY3 (6-1-10 through 5-31-11)?
A: You are welcome to apply for incentive money again. There are incentive limits within each program year but those limits are reset at the beginning of each program year.
Incentive Funding Availability
Q: How much incentive money will be available to the Ameren Illinois customers over the first three-year period?
A: Ameren Illinois will provide approximately $21 million for energy efficient incentives during the initial three-year period of the Act On Energy Business Program. In Program-Year One $3 million was distributed, $7 million in Program-Year Two, and $11 million will be distributed in Program-Year Three.
Incentives After Program-Year Three
Q: Will there be incentives funds available after Program-Year Three?
A: Yes, this is an on-going program for the installation of eligible energy efficient measures. The next three-year implementation plan (which will include measures for both electric and gas customers of Ameren Illinois) will begin in June 2011.
Eligibility return to top
Eligibility - Business
Q: How can I confirm my business is eligible for the Act On Energy Business Program incentives?
A: For the electric incentives, you must be a non-residential customer on Delivery Service Tariff Rate DS-2, DS-3, DS-4 or DS-5 (each application specifies the eligibility criteria for that particular program). For the gas programs you must be a non-residential customer on Rate GDS-2. The Business page of the ActOnEnergy.com web site includes a sample bill with directions on where to find the rate on your bill. Customers who use Alternate Retail Electric Suppliers (ARES) are eligible for incentives as long as Ameren Illinois is their distributor and there is a Rider EDR charge on their bill.
Eligibility - Project
Q: How can I confirm 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?
A: If you don’t pay your electric bill to one of the Ameren Illinois utilities (AmerenCIPS, AmerenIP, or AmerenCILCO) you are not eligible. If you are uncertain, call the toll-free number (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 Illinois provides the delivery service – am I eligible?
A: Customers who receive their energy supply from an ARES are still eligible. If you have a Rider EDR charge on your Ameren Illinois bill then you are eligible for incentive money.
Eligibility - Gas Customers
Q: I pay my gas utility bill to one of the Ameren Illinois utilities, am I eligible for electric incentive funds?
A: If you are a 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).
Pre-Approval Eligibility - When Project Has Been Started
Q: Per the Terms and Conditions "work performed prior to receiving pre-approval….are not eligible for incentive payments” - at what point is my project no longer eligible?
A: If you have ordered, purchased, or installed equipment prior to receiving pre-approval from Ameren Illinois, then no incentive will be provided (applies only to projects required to obtain pre-approval).
Eligibility - Government-Funded Facilities
Q: I manage a public school that receives delivery service from one of the Ameren Illinois utilities, are we eligible for the 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 website at www.IllinoisEnergy.org or you may call 217-785-2863 for more information.
Eligibility - Church and/or School
Q: Is my church/school eligible for the business program incentive money?
A: Any privately owned (non-government funded) organization (including churches, non-profit organizations, and privately owned schools) are eligible for the 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 initiatives that reduce existing electric energy use are eligible for the incentives. Fuel switching, of any type, does not qualify for the Act On Energy Business Program.
Eligibility - Industry Specific Programs
Q: Are businesses that are not farms eligible for the incentives on the Agricultural application?
A: Yes, any type of business is eligible for the agricultural incentives (the same is true for the other market-specific applications (Commercial Kitchens, Lodging, Grocery/Convenience Store)).
Eligibility - New Construction
Q: Are there any incentives for new construction?
A: Yes! Until further notice New Construction projects are eligible for incentive money through the Act On Energy Custom Program.
Eligibility - T5 lamps
Q: Are T5 lamps eligible for incentive money – they are not listed on the CEE web site.
A: Yes, as a general rule all T5s are eligible, but check the application, for some measures the 54 watt T5 is not eligible.
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/pre-approval paperwork?
A: An e-mail message is sent within 24 hours of receipt. You may call the toll-free number (866-800-0747) and ask about your application status if you did not get an e-mail.
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 Completion
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 customer signature is always required. (The on-line 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, then the customer must also sign a "payment release authorization" form.
Approval return to top
Pre-Approval - Is it necessary?
Q: Do I need to obtain pre-approval for my project to be eligible for the incentives?
A: Starting in PY3 pre-approval is optional if the incentive request is less than $5,000 on a Standard application (including the industry specific applications: Lodging, Grocery/Convenience Store, Commercial Kitchens, and Agriculture), although, pre-approval is strongly recommended. Per the Terms and Conditions “By not obtaining pre-approval from Ameren Illinois the Customer assumes the risk that the new equipment may not be eligible, which would make the Application void, and any incentive payment unavailable to the Customer.” Tune-up incentives (HVAC and refrigeration) always require pre-approval, even if the incentive is less than $5,000.
Pre-Approval - Are amounts fixed?
Q: What if the project changes after I get pre-approval (a fixture was added, or the cost of each fixture changed)?
A: The maximum incentive paid will be listed in your pre-approval letter. If your project is down-sized then the incentive will be reduced accordingly. If there are major changes to your project, please contact us immediately.
Landlord Consent for Pre-Approval
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: See below. NOTE: It is up to the customer to notify Act On Energy if there is anticipation of missing any of these deadlines, otherwise incentive funds will be in jeopardy (see an application for directions on how to calculate your requested incentive, and how determine if pre-approval is required).
Approval - Turnaround Time
Q: How long will it take to get my pre-approval application processed?
A: In most cases it will be processed within 10 business days, if your application is correct and complete. You will receive an e-mail indicating pre-approval, unless an e-mail address is not provided, then a letter will be sent.
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 the Standard Programs). If you cannot complete your project by the Estimated Completion Date you must notify Act On Energy immediately upon recognition of that problem.
Incentive - Status
Q: How can I find out the status of my incentive payment?
A: Call the Act On Energy Business Program toll-free number (866-800-0747) to find out when you can expect payment. Please allow up to 60 days after your final paperwork is received.
General Program Information return to top
Source of Incentive Money
Q: Where do the funds come from that are used to pay the incentives?
A: The funds come from the Ameren Illinois rate payers (residential and business), based on the amount of electric and/or gas energy they use. All eligible customers are paying into the Energy Efficiency Program with a Rider EDR charge on the monthly electric bills, and a Rider GER charge for gas services.
Benefits to Participation?
Q: Why is it to my benefit to participate in this program?
A: There are three great reasons to participate. One is to reduce energy costs for your business making it healthier and retaining jobs in Illinois. In addition, the program helps reduce environmental impacts of energy use and reduces the carbon footprint for the Ameren Illinois customers. Finally, the reduced demand for electricity means the need to build new electric-power producing plants is reduced, which, in the end, saves all the Ameren Illinois 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 Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (at the Univ. of IL) at 800-214-7954. Large business may also contact LEAP (Large-customer Energy-analysis Program) at 217-785-3420. Many Act On Energy program allies also conduct audits as one of their services – see the “Find a Service Provider” tool on the Act On Energy web site to assist you in finding a business to assist you 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. For programs other than Custom the incentives are pre-calculated - meaning the installation costs are already incorporated into the incentives.
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 will go to whomever is making the investment on the improvement (who is purchasing the energy-efficient equipment), but the landlord will need to sign off on this if the tenant is getting 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 $600,000 per facility per program year (incentives up to $200,000 will be paid at 100% - incentives greater than $200,000 will be pro-rated at 50% of the incentive) combined for all the Business Incentive Programs. (The Competitive Large Project Incentive program is the exception to this limit – call if you would like details (866-800-0747).
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 866-800-0747 for further clarification.
Miscellaneous return to top
Program Ally Benefits
Q: Why (as a contractor) should I become a program ally?
A: There are several potential benefits:
- Taking advantage of the incentive program will save your customers money on their initial purchases, potentially leading to more sales,
- You will have the option to have the incentive check sent directly to you, which you could 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 the Act On Energy program (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 for the services you offer can search for the name of your business, and
- Offers co-branding opportunities to promote your business as a Registered Program Ally of the Act On Energy business program.
Ally Lists
Q: If I sign up to be an ally for the business program, will I also be included in the list for the residential program?
A: No, there are separate ally lists for: business, residential, multi family, and retro commissioning (compressed air and healthcare). You would need to sign up as an ally for each of these programs if you want to be listed in each one.
Ally - Company Requirements
Q: As a company, what is required to become a program ally?
A: The ally list is a customer service provided by Ameren Illinois. None of the allies listed are endorsed by Ameren Illinois or the Act On Energy program. For that reason, any company may sign up to become a registered program ally. You will be required to attend an ally webinar (held the first Wednesday of every month) before you will be listed on the web site.
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: A logo has been designed for use specifically by allies. Please contact ActOnEnergyBusiness@Ameren.com to obtain a copy of the logo, and to get the specifications on how it may be used.
Q: As a program ally, may I use the Ameren Illinois logo or name in my marketing materials?
A: No, use of the Ameren Illinois logo is prohibited. As noted above you can use the Act On Energy logo if you obtain permission and abide by the Co-Branding Guidelines.
Ally - Frequency of Registration
Q: Do program allies have to register each year?
A: As long as you have completed an Act On Energy project in the past year you do not need to register again. If you have not completed a project in the past year you may be asked to attend an ally webinar.
Double dip from EPAct and Act On Energy?
Q: Can I get incentives from both EPAct and the Ameren Illinois Act On Energy program?
A: Yes, EPAct is a federal tax credit and the Act On Energy Business Program is funded by Ameren Illinois - 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 Act On Energy Business Program can be combined with EPAct tax credit. If you are not eligible for the Ameren Illinois Act On Energy Business Program (you are publicly-funded) look into the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity programs: www.illinoisEnergy.org. If you pay your electric bill to a municipality or co-op, check with them, they may have similar programs. See the “Resources” section of this document for more useful web links to other programs.
Gas Incentives
Q: What is being offered for gas incentives?
A: Delivery Service Rate GDS-2 customers (small businesses) are eligible for Gas incentives for furnace/boiler tune-ups or replacements – part of the HVAC program. There are also incentives for gas-fueled water heaters for GDS-2 customers (found in various applications). In addition, commercial kitchen customers on Rate GDS-2 are eligible for the Green Low-flow Pre-rinse Spray Nozzle program (found in the Commercial Kitchens application).
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 light 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 Energy Efficient Measure
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 lights)
HIF High Intensity Fluorescent
HVAC Heating, ventilation, and Air Conditioning
IPLV Integrated Part Load Value
kW kilowatt
kWh Kilowatt hour
LED 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 Laboratory