Ameren Receives Permission To Reduce Energy Efficiency Goals

Environmental groups are criticizing state regulators for a decision involving Ameren Illinois. The state Commerce Commission is letting the power company reduce its goals for energy efficiency. 

The efficiency targets were part of a big state energy law passed last year. It’s main purpose was to keep two of Illinois' nuclear power plants open  --- Exelon's Clinton and Quad City nuclear power stations. The investment in “clean energy” was part of the deal.

But Ameren says it cannot meet its efficiency goals, at least not cost effectively. And now the Illinois Commerce Commission is basically saying: OK, going against the recommendation last month of an administrative law judge.

Christie Hicks is with the Environmental Defense Fund. She says Ameren has “abandoned commitments,” "and they’re denying their customers important energy savings, economic savings, environmental benefits. It’s very disappointing.”

She says by contrast, Chicago-based utility ComEd—which is owned by Exelon—is meeting even tougher targets.

The Environmental Defense Fund says it will ask the Illinois Commerce Commission to reconsider its decision.

In a statement, Ameren says it "remains committed" to reaching its final energy efficiency goal in the year 2025, and that its plan "will result in customer cost decreases.”

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