SHELBYVILLE, IL. —
Peoria – With the prospect of more hot weather for the next several days, Ameren Illinois is advising customers on how to stay safe and cool while better managing their electricity usage.
Typically, residential customers use more electricity during the summer months than the rest of the year. Most of this additional electricity is used to operate air conditioners.
“We work to maintain the reliability of our energy delivery system to meet the higher demand for energy that comes with hot weather,” said Ameren Illinois President and CEO Richard Mark. “We also want our customers stay safe and cool while taking the steps necessary to better control their electricity usage.”
Ameren Illinois offers these hot weather safety and savings tips:
During extremely hot weather, check on friends, neighbors and relatives who may be especially vulnerable to high temperatures, such as those who are older, have medical issues or do not have air conditioning.
If you do not have an air conditioner, consider going to an air conditioned place during the hottest times of the day. Options may include the home of a friend or neighbor, a shopping mall or a public building. Some communities have temporary cooling centers.
In addition to staying as cool as possible, it is important to drink plenty water or other liquids that do not contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar. Never wait until you are thirsty to drink.
If possible, turn the air conditioner’s thermostat up a few degrees. For each degree you increase the temperature, you can reduce electricity use by about 3 percent.
Use low operating cost ceiling fans or other types of circulating fans. Circulating air feels cooler. By using circulating fans, you may find you can set the air conditioner thermostat at 76 to 78 degrees.
Regularly change or wash (depending on type) air conditioner filters. This is especially important if you have pets or live in an area that has a lot of dust.
Keep shades, curtains and blinds closed during the day to reduce effects of solar heating.
Replace incandescent bulbs with Energy Star qualified compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). Incandescent bulbs produce significant amounts of heat which will cause your air conditioner to work harder and use more electricity. On the other hand, Energy Star qualified CFLs emit little heat and produce light more efficiently. A CFL will save about $5 in electricity costs per year while giving the air conditioner a break. Residential customers may purchase CFLs at participating retailers. CFLs also are available at ActOnEnergy.com or by calling 1-866-845-7085.
Consider turning off the air conditioner and opening windows on mild days and cool nights.
ActOnEnergy offers qualified residential customers a $25 rebate on programmable thermostats. These thermostats are more accurate than non-digital thermostats, help you maintain consistent comfort levels and can save residential customers $100 to $200 a year on energy costs.
Complete ActOnEnergy information for residential customers is available at ActOnEnergy.com, by sending an email to ActOnEnergyResidential@ameren.com or by calling 1-866-838-6918
There also are ActOnEnergy programs for business customers. Information is available at ActOnEnergy.com, by calling 1-866-800-0747 or by sending an e-mail to ActOnEnergyBusiness@ameren.com.
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and 813,000 natural gas customers in downstate Illinois, and our mission is to meet their energy needs in a safe, reliable, efficient and environmentally responsible manner. Our service area covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com.
Local News
June 26, 2012
Staying cool and safe with hot ideas from Ameren Illinois
- Local News
-
-
Shelby Sectional Softball Game Changed
The Shelbyville HS Sectional Softball game @ Teutopolis scheduled for Wed 5/22 has been moved to Thurs. 5/23 @ 4:00 PM due to wet conditions at Teutopolis.
-
SHS Graduation
Photos from Shelbyville High School graduation May 18.
-
Shelby County introduces K-9 unit
Two new canine members have joined the Shelby County Sheriff's Office. Hektor and Sito, both trained German Shepherds, make up the K-9 unit that was put into service in November of 2012. Sheriff Michael Miller said the K-9 unit aids in creating a sa
-
Fire destroys downtown businesses
Eighteen fire departments battled a late evening fire Monday which destroyed three downtown businesses and upstairs apartments and damaged other adjoining businesses.
-
Business buildings burning in Shelbyville
Breaking news---
Large structure fire in downtown Shelbyville
-
Retirement open house for Connie Smith Saturday
Connie Oeltjen Smith is retiring from Cowden-Herrick school district after 37 years of teaching kindergarten. Connie was born and raised in Mattoon and is married to Jim Smith. The family is having an open house for Connie at the community building o
-
John L. Gerhold Shelbyville
John Lincoln Gerhold, 86, of Shelbyville, formerly of Tower Hill, died 12:55 a.m. Saturday, May 11, 2013 in Moweaqua Nursing & Retirement Center. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2013 in St. Paul's Cemetery, Dollville,
-
Rams runner-ups in OVC
Shelbyville boys track battled most of the meet, until the last event, the 4x4, which the Rams won. However, they still were four points back of Monticello, 112 to 108, and had to settle for second place. "It was there for the taking, but we made way
- Driver Standings 1. Jimmie Johnson, 383 2. Carl Edwards, 342 3. Dale Earnhardt, 324 4. Matt Kenseth, 317 5. Clint Bowyer, 316 6. Brad Keselowski, 314 7. Kasey Kahne 299 8. Aric Almirola, 258 9. Paul Menard, 270 10. Kyle Busch, 278 11. Greg Biffle, 280 12. Kevin Harv
-
Raiders Stun Rams
Central A&M softball knocked off the Shelbyville machine on Tuesday, as the Rams slipped some gears and the Raiders did the little things right, winning 4-3. It was the second 1-run loss in two days as the Rams have faded from the OVC title hunt. The
- More Local News Headlines
-
Shelby Sectional Softball Game Changed
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
Johnson: Don't Blame Islam or UK Policy
Raw: 80-Year-Old Climbs Mount Everest
Wash. State Man Arrested Following Ricin Scare
Chain-Reaction School Bus Crash Injures About 50
Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death
Texas Students Coach Teachers on Fitness
New Forecasting Tool Eyed for Hurricane Season
Meet MJ, the Bike Riding Tabby Cat
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Raw: Kevin Durant Tours Moore After $1M Pledge
Man Shot While Questioned in Boston Probe
Weiner Launches Bid to Become NYC Mayor
School Storm Protection Spotty in Tornado Zones
Moore Native Toby Keith Tours Tornado Damage
