Winter Ameren Natural Gas Prices
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Ameren Illinois customers can expect a continuation of moderate natural gas prices during the upcoming 2011-12 heating season.
"We anticipate customer natural gas prices for this winter will be similar to prices paid last winter," said Ameren Illinois Vice President of Gas and Electric Technical Services Scott A. Glaeser. "This moderate trend is the result of increased North American natural gas supply due to the rapid development of shale gas throughout the U.S., continued sluggish domestic and global economies and soft worldwide demand for all forms of energy."
During the 2010-11 heating season, Ameren Illinois customers paid an average of $0.61 per therm. Ameren Illinois anticipates the 2011-12 heating season price to average $0.62 cents per therm.
Glaeser also stressed that Ameren Illinois has secured adequate natural gas supplies to meet customer needs during the upcoming 2011-12 heating season. He noted that Ameren Illinois has the majority its natural gas supplies hedged or "price protected" for the upcoming winter to insulate customers from market volatility.
Customers are encouraged to adopt proven energy conservation practices that will help reduce bills without sacrificing personal comfort. Glaeser said the place to begin is by visiting ActOnEnergy.com to review ActOnEnergy® savings tips.
At ActOnEnergy.com, Ameren Illinois customers can learn about important cash incentives. For example, an Ameren Illinois customer may receive an incentive of up to $200 when installing a qualified high-efficiency natural gas forced air furnace.
Customers may enroll in the Budget Billing plan as a way to better manage their energy bills. This plan allows residential customers to pay the same amount each month. By enrolling now, customers can begin leveling out their monthly payments. The plan allows customers to pay an average monthly bill amount based on the last 12 months of usage. The payment level is periodically reviewed and adjusted as necessary. On the 12th month, the account is reviewed to calculate the difference between the amount of energy used during the year and the amount paid under Budget Billing. If the amount paid exceeds the actual cost of providing the energy, the customer receives a credit. If the amount billed is less than the actual cost of providing the energy, the customer is billed for the difference.
Customers may enroll in Budget Billing by visiting AmerenIllinois.com or by calling 1-800-755-5000. Customers may enroll in the program or drop out at any time. There is no charge to enroll in Budget Billing.