As part of a multi-year plan to build a next generation energy delivery system and create jobs in central and southern Illinois, Ameren Illinois recently announced it is enhancing service reliability for nearly 32,000 residential and small business customers in and around Adams, Brown, Hancock, Pike and Schuyler counties, including upgrading electric meters and natural gas meters. “Over time, this advanced technology will provide our customers with access to more programs, pricing options and energy efficiency tools to help them manage their energy usage and better control their costs,” said Chad Cloninger, Director of Operations for Ameren Illinois serving Adams, Brown, Hancock, Pike and Schuyler counties. “In the meantime, service reliability offers greater customer benefits as we’re able to more quickly detect system disruptions, prevent outages, and restore service.”
Local customers will receive notification about electric and natural gas meter upgrades which are scheduled to begin in January and continue throughout 2016. Benefits of these advanced, two-way communication devices include:
- More reliable energy. The advanced meter works with the other system upgrades that Ameren Illinois is making, including automated switches and sensors that will help the utility detect and isolate outages sooner so that they can restore service more promptly.
- More energy usage control. As technology continues to advance, the new meters will provide detailed energy usage information that will make it easier for customers to take an active role in controlling their energy usage and costs.
- More customer information. Over time, customers will have more convenient ways to view their energy usage information through mobile and web-based tools – all designed to help customers better manage their energy use.
Ameren Illinois will contact customers in advance of meter upgrades. Customers do not need to take any action or be present as long as installers have clear and safe access to the meters. There will be a brief interruption to a customer’s electric service. If a customer is not present, a door hanger will be left to let them know if the upgrade was completed. IEF