Electric, gas savings cast Granite as a ‘Most Progressive City’
Granite City leaders stand during a presentation of the Ameren recognition on Tuesday.
From Illinois Business Journal news services
GRANITE CITY – Ameren Illinois says Granite City is one of six Illinois communities being recognized as an ActOnEnergy “Most Progressive City.”
Granite City was selected in part based on the significant energy savings achieved by its local businesses. In recognition of their award, the city will receive a road sign that can be displayed in the community.
“It’s great to see the changes we’re making in Granite City are helping to build a better community and a better environment for future generations. I want to thank Ameren Illinois for this recognition, and for being a great partner in energy efficiency,” said Granite City Mayor Ed Hagnauer.
Between June 1, 2013, and May 31, 2014, Granite City businesses completed 29 ActOnEnergy projects and received approximately $987,000 in incentives. As a result, Granite City businesses are saving more than 13.6 million kilowatt-hours of electricity and nearly 7,700 therms of natural gas every year, Ameren said. That is the equivalent to removing more than 21 million pounds of CO2 from the atmosphere or removing approximately 1,868 cars from the road.
The projects have also generated more than $958,000 in annual energy savings for Granite City businesses.
“Granite City exemplifies what can be achieved when businesses and residents make a commitment to be good stewards of the environment,” said Richard J. Mark, president of Ameren Illinois. “They serve as a model for businesses to reduce energy consumption, improve their bottom lines, and make their communities more economically competitive.”
Through the ActOnEnergy program, Ameren Illinois provides business customers – including private schools and nonprofits – with financial incentives to implement energy efficiency projects. These incentives are intended to make it more affordable for business customers in all industries to perform meaningful measures that will help reduce their energy consumption, including replacement or upgrades to lighting, heating and cooling systems, steam traps, motor systems and specialty equipment.
The program is funded through a small charge (Rider EDR for electricity customers and a Rider GER for natural gas customers) on customer bills. These charges are mandated by state law.
Complete business program information is available at AmerenIllinois.com/programs, by calling 1 (866) -800-0747 or by sending an e-mail to ActOnEnergyBusiness@ameren.com.
