Walker-Miller Energy Services to implement Ameren Illinois efficiency program
COLLINSVILLE — Walker-Miller Energy Services, based in Detroit, has been selected by Ameren Illinois to implement energy efficiency programs and deliver energy and cost saving benefits to customers in economically challenged communities in Central and Southern Illinois.
Walker-Miller is a certified woman- and minority-owned small business with a proven track record in helping all utility customers – especially those of lesser means – to make lifestyle and in-home modifications that will reduce their monthly energy bill.
The company plans to hire energy efficiency consultants across Illinois and staff offices in Collinsville and Peoria.
“We are excited to embark on this new partnership with Walker-Miller,” said Richard Mark, chairman and president of Ameren Illinois. “This is a firm that knows how to engage and inspire people to take action. We’re confident that they will be an asset in helping our customers to use less energy and put more money in their own pockets.”
Ameren Illinois has embarked on an ambitious four-year plan to expand access to energy efficiency programs and services for moderate-to-low income customers. The Ameren Illinois plan approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission in September 2017 directs over $20 million per year toward services for these customers.
Walker-Miller will assist in serving these customers by delivering a robust set of energy efficiency services, including home energy audits and the installation of free energy-saving products such as LED light bulbs, faucet aerators, showerheads, smart power strips, and pipe wrap. Incentives to add insulation, seal air leaks and install efficiency heating and cooling equipment will also be provided.
Other resources being engaged in 2018 that will assist in delivering services to low and moderate income customers include SEEL, a minority business enterprise which is being tabbed to implement the Appliance Recycling offering. Resource Innovations, a woman-owned business, will provide additional income-qualified services in collaboration with community action agencies across the state. CMC, another woman-owned business, will deliver free energy-efficient products to Public Housing Authority properties for the benefit of its residents.
“Our goal in bringing these talented and diverse contractors on board is simple, but important: ensure that all of our customers, regardless of income, have an opportunity to receive real and meaningful savings from the programs they are paying for,” Mark said.
