Act On Energy Recognizes Small Business Innovation
Recently, the Ameren Illinois Act On Energy© initiative awarded energy efficiency incentives totaling $25,591 to the Mahomet IGA store for a $153,400 geothermal heat pump project. At the same time, Act On Energy announced that a $10.5 million incentive budget will be available for business energy efficiency projects completed between June 1, 2010, through May 31, 2011. Applications are now being accepted. The program will help fund projects that are expected to produce annual electric energy savings of 115 million kilowatt-hours, an amount equal to the electricity used by about 10,600 homes.
The Mahomet IGA’s geothermal heat pump system is allowing the store to achieve annual energy savings of 877,500 kilowatt-hours. This amount is equivalent to the electricity used by about 80 homes over an entire year.
Since Act On Energy was launched in 2008, the amount of annual incentive dollars has grown from $3 million to $10.5 million. The energy efficiency program is funded through a small charge (Rider EDR) on customer bills. This charge is mandated by state law.
Beginning on June 1, Act On Energy is being expanded to include three new business programs. The first covers commercial kitchen equipment, including heating cabinets, freezers, griddles and steamers.
Another new program is aimed at grain and livestock farmers. Incentives are now available for lighting upgrades, livestock waterers and such high-efficiency equipment as circulation fans, water heaters and exhaust fans.
The third new program is designed for motels and hotels. This new lodging initiative provides incentives for guest room energy management systems, water heaters, lighting upgrades, high-efficiency ice makers, air conditioning and heating tune-ups and other measures.
In addition to these new business programs, Act On Energy continues to offer incentives for lighting, refrigeration, motor systems, HVAC systems, retro commissioning, multi-family buildings and E-Smart thermostats.
There also is the Small Business Online Store, small business commercial kitchens program, grocery/convenience store incentives and custom incentives.
For more information, visit actonenergy.com.