Power Smart Pricing is an hourly pricing program for residential customers served by Ameren Illinois Utilities (AmerenCILCO, AmerenCIPS and AmerenIP). It’s a new way of paying for electricity, and it’s designed to help households save money by being smart about how and when they use energy.

To maximize benefits to consumers, Ameren Illinois Utilities has contracted with CNT Energy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people and communities manage their energy costs. CNT Energy has been approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission as the program administrator for this program.

If you select Power Smart Pricing, you will still be a customer of your Ameren Illinois Utility, and your utility will continue to supply your power and issue your bill. CNT Energy will provide information, services and tools to help you manage your electricity costs.

How it works

Power Smart Pricing gives residential customers access to hourly electricity prices that are based on market prices. This means that the price you pay for electricity will vary from hour to hour and day to day according to the actual market price. (Under the standard residential rate, the price is generally fixed and only varies by season.) You can manage your electricity costs by taking simple actions to conserve energy during hours when prices are higher. While prices and savings cannot be guaranteed, during 2007, participants saved an average of 16 percent on their electricity bills compared with what they would have paid on the standard residential rate (based on billing results since May 2007).

Managing your costs

Once enrolled, CNT Energy will notify you in advance when prices will be high, so you can plan your energy-saving actions. You can also check daily prices online or by calling 1-877-655-6028. You can use the Power Smart Pricing Web site to access personalized bill comparison updates along with seasonal energy-saving advice. You will also receive seasonal newsletters containing program updates and tips about managing your costs.

Signing up

If you are interested in enrolling in Power Smart Pricing, please review the Program Guide for details about how the program works. If you decide to enroll, click here to start the enrollment process online. You can also download a printable enrollment form.