Ameren Illinois, Google partner on smart thermostats

Ameren Illinois is partnering with Google on a short-term project to provide residential customers with access to a Google Nest Thermostat E smart thermostat at a reduced price, and in some instances free.

In June, Ameren Illinois launched its COVID-19 Economic Hardship Recovery Program, which provides customers who are struggling to pay their energy bills with flexible payment options and direct bill payment assistance. By partnering with Google, the company is also helping customers reduce their overall energy consumption and lower future energy bills.

“Smart technologies, like smart thermostats, can help customers save money, and through our partnership with Google and other leading manufacturers, we are making these devices accessible and affordable for everyone,” said Theresa Shaw, senior vice president of Regulatory Affairs and Financial Services for Ameren Illinois. ”

According to Google, Nest Thermostat E users save an average of up to 15 percent on cooling costs and up to 12 percent on heating costs, depending on usage. Based on typical energy usage, this translates to an estimated average savings of $131 – $145 each year (although individual savings are not guaranteed).

Smart thermostats enable customers to adjust settings via smartphone apps. Additionally, many smart thermostat models can sense when the homeowner and/or residents are away from home and automatically modify the temperature, further reducing energy usage.

The pricing offer is valid until Sept. 15 and only on the Ameren Illinois Marketplace. Residential customers who have an Ameren Illinois heating source are also eligible to receive a variety of other smart thermostat brands for little to no cost.

Customers can access these devices in two ways:

Smart Savers Initiative – Customers living in certain zip codes may be eligible to receive a smart thermostat on us through the Ameren Illinois Smart Savers Initiative.

Online Marketplace – Residential customers can purchase low-cost smart thermostats from leading brands like Google, ecobee, Honeywell, and Emerson through the Ameren Illinois Online Marketplace.  Ameren Illinois is offering customers a $125 discount and free shipping on top of the manufacturers’ rebates resulting in steeply discounted prices on the devices.

Visit AmerenIllinoisSavings.com/smart for device information and to access savings.