Frequently Asked Questions

> What is the purpose of the ActOnEnergy Program?

The purpose is to provide cash incentives to help businesses with the up-front costs of installing energy-efficient electric and gas equipment. It can also be used to perform tune-ups on existing equipment.

> What incentive programs are offered by ActOnEnergy? 

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.

> Where can I find more information about the ActOnEnergy incentive programs?

The ActOnEnergy Business web site (http://www.actonenergy.com/for-my-business/explore-incentives/ has program information along with the required application forms.

> What is the difference between the Standard Programs and the other programs?

The Standard programs (including Lighting, HVAC/Water Heater, VFD, Commercial Kitchens, Lodging, Grocery, Agriculture, Process Steam/Steam Trap and Leak Survey and Repair) have incentives that are pre-calculated for the most common energy-efficiency measures. If your project is listed in the standard program, please use the standard application form.  The Custom, New Construction and Retro-commissioning programs do not have pre-calculated incentives and also have different program requirements.

> I own a retirement home; is it eligible for incentives?

There are different possibilities, depending on your situation:

1. You could be eligible for any of the business program incentives if you, the building owner, pay the utility bills for all units (electric delivery service DS-2, DS-3, or DS-4, or gas delivery service GDS-2, GDS-3, GDS-4, or GDS-5).

2. 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, or GDS-1)

3. As the building owner, you could be eligible for the Multi-family Property Program (Common-area Lighting Program and the In-unit Program) for either scenario above, as long as your building has three or more units.

 

> What is a Program Year?

The ActOnEnergy program year starts on June 1st and ends on May 31st. Program Year (PY) 4 started on June 1, 2011. 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 Four?

There are a number of changes from Program Year Three (PY3) summarized below:

• Project completion dates for PY4 must be on or after June 1, 2011 and before June 1, 2012.
• Pre-approval is now optional for incentive requests less than $10,000 for Standard applications, which also includes the industry-specific programs: Lodging, Commercial Kitchens, Grocery/Convenience Store, and Agriculture. Pre-approval secures your funds for 120 days from the date of the pre-approval letter.
• Incentives are now available for all Ameren gas delivery customers, not just delivery service GDS-2.
• We now offer a standard application for VFDs, offering an incentive of $90/hp, up to 75% of your project costs.
• You now have 120 days from the invoice date to complete your project.
• The New Construction Lighting application is now available for lighting projects in new and rehabbed buildings, and building additions.

> If I received incentive money from ActOnEnergy previously, may I apply for more incentive money?

Yes, you are welcome to continue applying for incentive money. There are incentive limits within each program year, but those limits are reset at the beginning of each program year.

> How much incentive money will be available to Ameren Illinois customers in Program Year Four?

Ameren Illinois will provide approximately $18 million for energy efficient incentives during the current year of the ActOnEnergy Business Program. In Program Year One, $3 million was distributed, $7 million in Program Year Two, and $11 million in Program Year Three. In Program Year Four, $15 million is available for electric incentives and $3 million for gas.

Yes, ActOnEnergy is an on-going program for the installation of eligible energy efficient measures. The current three-year implementation plan, which includes measures for both electric and gas customers of Ameren Illinois, began in June 2011 and will end on May 31, 2014..

 

> How can I confirm my business is eligible for the ActOnEnergy Business Program incentives?

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 project guide specifies the eligibility criteria for that particular program). Customers on rates DS-2, DS-3 and DS-4 are eligible for both the Standard Lighting program and also the Custom program. Customers on DS-5 are only eligible for upgrades done to exterior lighting when the light fixtures are customer-owned. For the gas programs, you must be a non-residential customer on Rate GDS-2, GDS-3, or GDS-4. 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 distributer and there is a Rider EDR charge on their bill.

Click here to view a sample bill with directions on where to find the rate on your bill. 

> Is my church/school eligible for the business program incentive money?

Any non-government funded organization, including churches, non-profit organizations, and privately owned schools, are eligible for the ActOnEnergy business program incentives.

> I manage a government funded facility that receives delivery service from Ameren Illinois, are we eligible for the incentives?

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 IllinoisEnergy.org or you may call 1.217.785.2863 for more information.

> I pay my electric utility bill to a municipality (or co-op), am I eligible?

If you purchase energy from a co-op or municipality but receive an Ameren Illinois bill for delivery service, you are likely eligible. If you are unsure of your status, call us (toll free 1.866.800.0747) with your Ameren Illinois account number, and we can check to see if you qualify.

If you do not receive an Ameren Illinois bill, you would not be eligible to participate in the ActOnEnergy program. However, some co-ops/municipalities offer their own incentive or rebate programs; check with your supplier.

> As a co-op or municipality customer, I don’t receive an Ameren Illinois bill, but I would still like to apply for incentive money.

Co-ops and municipalities that use Ameren Illinois as their utility delivery service include a rider EDR (Energy Efficiency and Demand-Response Cost Recovery) charge on the customer’s Ameren Illinois bill. The Rider EDR is a small percentage of your payment that is consolidated into a pool of money that funds the ActOnEnergy program. Customers who contribute to the pool are eligible to take advantage of the funds available through ActOnEnergy. Co-ops and municipalities that provide their own delivery service do not include the Rider EDR charge, so are not eligible to use ActOnEnergy funds.

If you are considering switching to a co-op or municipality but would still like to participate in the ActOnEnergy program, check with the supplier about their delivery service and ask if you would still receive a bill from Ameren Illinois.

> I know my municipality/co-op purchases their energy from Ameren Illinois, or uses the Ameren Illinois power lines. Why am I not eligible for the Ameren Illinois ActOnEnergy program?

If you are not billed directly by Ameren Illinois, then you are not contributing to the pool of money that funds the ActOnEnergy program, and therefore are not eligible to withdraw funds. Please check with your energy provider to determine if they offer any incentive programs for energy-efficient upgrades.

> I purchase my electricity from an ARES but Ameren Illinois provides the delivery service – am I eligible?

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.

> I pay my gas utility bill to Ameren Illinois, am I eligible for electric incentive funds?

If you are a gas customer of Ameren Illinois, you are only eligible for the gas programs. Likewise, if you are an electric-only customer, you are eligible for the electric programs.

 

> How can I confirm my project is eligible for ActOnEnergy incentive funds?

Each program has its own application form, with a list of eligibility criteria specific for that program.

> 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?

After you order, purchase, or install equipment, prior to receiving your pre-approval letter, no incentive will be provided. NOTE: This applies only to projects required to obtain pre-approval.

> I am retrofitting a heat pump from gas to electric - does that qualify for electric incentives?

No. Only initiatives that reduce existing electric energy use are eligible for the incentives. Fuel switching, of any type, does not qualify for the ActOnEnergy Business Program.

> Are there any incentives for new construction?

Yes!  New construction lighting projects are eligible for incentive money through the ActOnEnergy New Construction - Lighting application, which was introduced on Dec. 1, 2011. Other new construction projects can still apply for incentive money under the Custom application, as they have in the past.

> Are businesses that are not farms eligible for the incentives on the Agricultural project guide?

Yes, any type of business is eligible for the agricultural incentives, and the same is true for the Commercial Kitchens, Lodging, Grocery/Convenience Store incentives.

> Are T5 fixtures and 8-foot lamps and ballasts eligible for incentives?  They are not listed on the CEE web site.

Yes, as a general rule all T5s and all 8-foot fixtures up to 59 watts are eligible for lighting incentives, but check the project guide: for some measures the 54-watt T5 is not eligible.

> Are geothermal projects eligible for incentive funds?

Possibly – call us toll-free at 1.866.800.0747 to find out if your project is eligible.

 

> How do I know you received my application and pre-approval paperwork?

An e-mail message is sent within 24 hours of receipt. You may also call the toll-free 1.866.800.0747 and ask about your application status.

> Can my contractor sign the application forms for me?

No, these forms have to be signed by the business owner (or an official company representative).

> Who should fill out the incentive application forms?

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.

 

> Do I need to obtain pre-approval for my project to be eligible for the incentives?

Use this quick reference to see if your project requires pre-approval:

Note: Although not required, you may submit a request to verify the incentive amount of your project through a non-technical review.  This non-technical review will only verify the incentive amount.  Verification of equipment eligibility (as outlined on the application) is the responsibility of the customer submitting the application.  If, during the final review process (after project completion), ActOnEnergy staff determine equipment is ineligible, the incentive request will be denied.

> What if the project changes after I get pre-approval, i.e., a fixture was added, or the cost of each fixture changed?

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.

> Do I need to get consent from my landlord before I submit my application for pre-approval?

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..

 

> What is the general timeline for the incentive process?

See the graph below.  NOTE: It is up to the customer to notify ActOnEnergy if there is an expected delay on any of these deadlines, otherwise incentive funds will be in jeopardy. See a project guide for directions on how to calculate your requested incentive, and how determine if pre-approval is required.

> How long will it take to get my pre-approval application processed?

If your application is complete and correct, you can expect your pre-approval e-mail within 10 business days.

> I received my pre-approval letter, is there a time limit to get the job done?

Yes. There is an Estimated Completion Date specified on the pre-approval letter, which is not more than 120 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 ActOnEnergy immediately of any anticipated delays. The Feasibility Study is the exception to this rule: studies must be completed within six months of pre-approval.

> If I have already submitted an application for a job but receive another offer that would return a higher incentive, can I submit another application?

No. In such a case, only the first application would be considered. However, if a change in the contractor or vendor occurs after approval has been granted, an updated application must be submitted to reflect possible changes in the incentive level, completion date, or equipment type.

> How can I find out the status of my incentive payment?

Call the ActOnEnergy Business Program toll free number 1.866.800.0747 to find out when you can expect payment. Please allow up to 60 days after submission of your completed and correct final paperwork.

 

> Where do the funds come from that are used to pay the incentives?

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.

> What are the benefits of participating in this program?

There are three great reasons to participate:

1.   To reduce energy costs for your business, making it healthier and retaining jobs in Illinois.

2.   To reduce environmental impacts of energy use and reduces the carbon footprint for the Ameren Illinois customers. 

3.   To reduce demand for electricity means the need to build new electric-power producing plants is reduced, which, in the long run, saves all the Ameren Illinois customers much more than the amount being contributed to the energy-efficiency program.

> I’m interested in an energy audit for my business, who should I contact?

Businesses may contact the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center at the University of Illinois at 1.800.214.7954. Large business may also contact Large-customer Energy Analysis Program (LEAP) at 1.217.785.0201. Many ActOnEnergy program allies also conduct audits as one of their services. See the “Find a Service Provider” tool on the ActOnEnergy website to assist you in finding a business to assist you with your energy audit.

Ameren Illinois business customers are also eligible for a free “high-level walk through” appointment with an ActOnEnergy energy advisor. The walk through is an opportunity for an advisor to look at your current equipment and provide ideas for upgrading to more efficient options. The Energy Advisor can also provide you with some pointers on how to take advantage of the ActOnEnergy incentive money that is available. Contact ActOnEnergy’s toll free number at 1.866.800.0747, or email your ZIP code to ActOnEnergyBusiness@Ameren.com to schedule your appointment.

> Can the installation fees be considered in the incentives claimed?

Yes, with certain conditions. 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, and the installation costs are already incorporated into the incentives.

> If I am a renter can I claim the incentive or will it go to the property owner?

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 if the tenant is getting the incentive, acknowledging that the improvements are permanent.

> Is there a limit as to how much incentive money I can receive?

The maximum incentive for electric programs is capped at $600,000 per facility per program year. Incentives up to $200,000 will be paid at 100%, and incentives greater than $200,000 will be pro-rated at 50% of the incentive. The maximum incentive for gas programs is capped at $200,000 per facility, with a limit of $100,000 per project. The Competitive Large Project Incentive, Staffing Grant, Retro-Commissioning and New Construction programs are the exception to this limit. Call toll-free if you would like details, at 1.866.800.0747.

> I understand there is a limit of incentive funds per Program Year, per facility.  How is a facility defined?

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 ActOnEnergy Business Program hotline toll-free at 1.866.800.0747 for further clarification.

 

> As a contractor, why should I become a program ally?

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 ActOnEnergy web site as a company that is familiar with the ActOnEnergy program,
• 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
• Co-branding opportunities to promote your business as a Registered Program Ally of the ActOnEnergy business program.

> If I sign up to be an ally for the business program, will I also be included in the list for the residential program?

No, there are separate ally lists for business, residential, multi family, and retro commissioning (compressed air, healthcare and commercial buildings). You would need to sign up as an ally for each of these programs if you want to be listed in each one.

> As a company, what is required to become a program ally?

The ally list is a customer service provided by Ameren Illinois. None of the allies listed are endorsed by Ameren Illinois or the ActOnEnergy 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 website.

> Do program allies have to register each year?

As long as you have completed an ActOnEnergy 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.

> As a program ally, may I use the ActOnEnergy logo or name in my marketing materials?

A logo has been designed for use specifically by allies. Please contact Jenny Bethel at jbethel@ameren.com to obtain a copy of the logo, and to get the specifications on how it may be used.

> As a program ally, may I use the Ameren Illinois logo or name in my marketing materials?

Co-branded marketing material is made available to allies directly from Ameren. Please contact Jenny Bethel at jbethel@ameren.com for more information.

 

> How is ActOnEnergy helping with the cost of switching?

The ActOnEnergy Business Program provides incentive money to help you with the upfront costs of switching your T12s to more efficient lighting. Check the lighting project guide for eligibility criteria and the current incentive amounts. PLUS, be sure to take advantage of the T12 lighting bonus! Bonus amounts will decrease as we get closer to the July 2012 T12 production deadline. Whatever the bonus is today, it will never be higher. Check the T12 lighting page for bonus information, and act fast before it disappears!

> Why do I need to replace my T12 light bulbs?

Ameren Illinois is following the agenda established by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. The Act establishes economy-wide energy-efficiency standards designed to save taxpayers money and be environmentally friendly. The switch from T12s to more efficient systems, such as T8s or T5s, will pay for itself with the savings on your energy bill (on average) in less than two years. The energy savings after that is simply money in your pocket!

> Can I get incentives from both EPAct and the Ameren Illinois ActOnEnergy program?

Yes, EPAct is a federal tax credit and the ActOnEnergyBusiness Program is funded by Ameren Illinois - so you may claim both the tax credit and the incentive.

> What is being offered for gas incentives?

Gas customers (Delivery Service Rate GDS-2, GDS-3, or GDS-4) are eligible for gas incentives under a variety of programs, including furnace/boiler tune-ups or replacements (on the standard HVAC application), new or replacement water heaters (on the HVAC, Commercial Kitchen, Lodging, and Agriculture applications), and some commercial kitchen appliances (please see the Commercial Kitchen application for this incentive).  Ameren gas customers are also eligible for the green low-flow pre-rinse spray nozzle incentive found in the Commercial Kitchens application.

> Are there other incentive programs I can look into?

Incentives under the Ameren Illinois ActOnEnergyBusinessProgram can be combined with EPAct tax credit. If you are not eligible for the Ameren Illinois ActOnEnergyBusiness Program because you are publicly-funded, look into the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity programs: illinoisEnergy.org. If you pay your electric bill to a municipality or co-op, check with them, as they may have similar programs. See the “Resources” section of this document for more useful web links to other programs.

 

ARI CC/LED CEE CFC CFL CMH ComEd COP-IPLV DCEO DDS EC Motor EEM EEPS EER EPAct ESCO HCFC HFC HID HIF HVAC IPLV kW kWh LED LEED NEMA ODP PSMH PTAC/PTHP RPM SCADA SEDAC SEER SEHA TEFC UL

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute Cold cathode light emitting diode Consortium for Energy Efficiency Chlorofluorocarbon compounds (refrigerant) Compact Fluorescent Lamp (light bulb) Ceramic Metal Halide Commonwealth Edison Co-efficient of Power-Integrated Part Load Value Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Daylight Dimming Systems Electrically Commutated Motor Energy Efficient Measure Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard Energy Efficiency Ratio Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Policy Act Energy Services Company Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (refrigerant) Hydro fluoro compounds (refrigerant) High Intensity Discharge (metal halide & high pressure sodium lights) High Intensity Fluorescent Heating, ventilation, and Air Conditioning Integrated Part Load Value Kilowatt Kilowatt hour Light-emitting diode Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design National Electrical Manufacturers Association Open Drip-proof Motors Pulse Start Metal Halide Package Terminal AC and Package Terminal Heat Pumps Revolutions per Minute Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition Smart Energy Design Assistance Center Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio Super Efficient Home Appliance Totally Enclosed Fan-Cooled Motors Underwriters Laboratory

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