Ameren to offer credit for overnight EV charging

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Ameren Illinois is offering electric vehicle owners an opportunity to save on their bill and reduce their impact on the electric grid.

Through the ChargeSmart program, EV owners can receive a credit on the delivery portion of their bill by shifting their home electric usage – including EV charging – to a preferred charging period of 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.

“ChargeSmart is making the transition to electric transportation easier for our customers,” said Lenny Singh, chairman and president, Ameren Illinois. “Not only do they have the potential to save money each month, but they have the ability to ease congestion on the electric grid by using electricity more prudently.”

New customers are eligible for a First-Year Bill Credit. To offset potentially higher charges for usage during the Non-Preferred Charging Period (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.), Ameren Illinois will offer customers a monthly bill credit for their first 12 consecutive months enrolled in the ChargeSmart Program. This will provide customers with time to see how household usage impacts their bill and make adjustments for maximum savings. Customers enrolled in ChargeSmart are also eligible to remain on other Ameren Illinois programs they may be enrolled in.

“With more and more electric vehicles on Illinois roadways, off-peak charging incentives like ChargeSmart can help to ease strain on the power grid, maintain reliable utility service, and keep costs low for consumers. As Illinois moves closer to achieving its goal of 1 million EVs on the road by 2030, the state, electric utilities, and other stakeholders must continue to work together to get more customers plugged into the benefits of electrification,” said Illinois Commerce Commission Chairman Doug Scott.

Customers who are interested in learning more about the ChargeSmart rate program can visit AmerenIllinois.com/ChargeSmart.

"Ameren Illinois is always looking at creative ways we can help our customers take charge of their energy usage. ChargeSmart is another way we're putting our customers in the driver's seat," Singh said.