Residents in 42 central and southern Illinois communities are a step closer to experiencing the environmental and cost-saving benefits of an electrified economy with assistance from Ameren Illinois and the State of Illinois. Under the Community Engagement & Consultation Program (CEC), which is made possible through Illinois' Climate and Equitable Jobs Act of 2021 (CEJA), the communities are receiving technical assistance to aid in the development of a comprehensive transportation electrification plan. In addition, a total of $675,000 is being awarded to 23 equity-eligible communities to help pay for implementation of electric transportation projects.
"We're proud to partner with the State of Illinois and communities throughout central and southern Illinois to deliver transportation electrification plans that will help these communities advance their electrification goals and priorities," said Chairman and President of Ameren Illinois Lenny Singh. "At Ameren Illinois, we're committed to providing the tools and resources communities need to make electrification achievable and impactful. We're excited to see these communities take the next steps in creating lasting benefits for residents and businesses alike."
The CEC program is one of several established under Ameren Illinois' Beneficial Electrification Plan, which is required by CEJA to be filed every three years and addresses how the company will help facilitate the adoption of electric vehicles, support the state's sustainability and carbon reduction goals and drive economic development. In addition to a variety of programs to make it more feasible for residential and business customers who make the choice to transition to electric technology, Ameren's plan includes funding to assist underserved communities that would most benefit from the investments in executing their transportation electrification plans.
Communities receiving financial assistance through the CEC program to implement their transportation electrification plans are:
Aledo, Belleville, Carbondale, Carlinville, Champaign, Danville, Decatur, East St. Louis, Effingham, Harrisburg, Jacksonville, Jerseyville, La Salle, Macomb, Marion, Mattoon, Mt. Vernon, Ottawa, Peoria, Sauget, Tilton, Urbana, and Vandalia.
Eligible projects range from installation of fast charging stations and charging infrastructure in a community to the purchase of electric fleet vehicles.
Communities that received consultation assistance through the CEC program are:
Colfax, Downs, Edwardsville, Forsyth, Galva, Glen Carbon, Henry, Le Roy, Marseilles, Mt. Zion, New Baden, Paxton, Pinckneyville, Pittsfield, Sesser, Staunton, Taylorville, Teutopolis, and Troy.
The comprehensive transportation electrification plan that Ameren provides to communities is a free resource that is unique to each community and consists of a detailed community profile and an analysis of opportunities for environmental and sustainability improvements.
Through a series of meetings with community leaders and stakeholders, the customized report is specifically designed to meet a community's unique needs and goals. Each report includes expert advice and guidance on best practices for electrification and strategies to engage communities and stakeholders in the process. Finally, an EV Readiness Guide is provided to support a community's planning as they develop local infrastructure, seek federal and state funding, and establish programs to bring clean transportation to their area.
Key benefits of implementing electrification plans may include:
- Improving local air quality and residents' health
- Saving on fuel costs and vehicle maintenance expenses
- Attracting new residents and businesses
- Supporting workforce and economic development
- Aligning with state policies and accelerating sustainable practices for better community resilience and compliance
"Too often communities that are most at risk from the adverse effects of climate change are those who are under-resourced and unable to combat its impact," said Kristol Simms, Vice President, Clean Energy Transition, Economic, Community, and Business Development for Ameren Illinois. "Our partnership aims to provide essential resources and support for residents and businesses interested in expanding their electric portfolio."
For more information on Ameren Illinois' electrification programs, including resources for residential and business customers, visit: AmerenIllinois.com/EV. ;
About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and more than 800,000 natural gas customers in Illinois. Our mission is to power the quality of life. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com, find us on X (formerly Twitter) @AmerenIllinois or on Facebook.
