E-Smart™ Programmable Thermostat Safety Notice

Safety Notice About White-Rodgers Thermostats

Thank you to all Ameren Illinois customers participating in the ActOnEnergy® E-Smart Thermostat program. We are committed to working with our customers to help you be energy efficient, and we are equally committed to providing you with safe, reliable energy.

The equipment supplier for the ActOnEnergy E-Smart Thermostat program has informed us that potential battery leakage in the White-Rodgers thermostats used in this program may result in overheating of the unit and create a potential fire hazard. White-Rodgers advises that the thermostats should not be used with batteries.

Please immediately remove the batteries from the White-Rodgers thermostat. Do not replace with new batteries.

Ameren Illinois was also informed that only two thermostats, out of approximately 170,000 installed, experienced battery leaking that were associated with minor smoke damage to walls. No personal injuries were reported. No one participating in the ActOnEnergy program has reported such an issue.

How to Remove Batteries

To remove the batteries, simply detach the faceplate from the programmable thermostat and pull the fabric tag to release the batteries from the top of the unit. Once you have removed the batteries, reattach the faceplace by snapping it back in place on the four tabs. Please properly dispose of the batteries. Do not install new batteries in the thermostat.

Click here for illustrated instructions for removing the batteries.

Removal of the batteries will not affect the heat/cooling programming for the thermostat. The batteries provide backup power for the thermostat's clock in the event of a power outage. Following the restoration of power, the clock on the thermostat will be reset to the correct time by an automatic signal which is generated at least daily.

We appreciate your cooperation and apologize for the inconvenience. We will continue to keep you informed if new information becomes available.

Since you are already enrolled, the E-Smart Thermostat program will continue to be an active ActOnEnergy option for you. If you need assistance, have questions or want to discontinue your participation in the program, please call the appropriate toll-free telephone number listed below:

Residential Customers               1.866.838.6918

Non-Residential Customers       1.866.800.0747