McLean County Times

In a recent Facebook post, Illinois state Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) shared news regarding the Google Nest Thermostat.

"Ameren, in partnership with Google, is offering customers a FREE Google Nest Thermostat through the end of the year," he said in the post. "This initiative is an effort to help customers better maintain comfort in their homes while also helping to manage their energy uses and cut down on costs. Some qualifying customers may also receive a free professional installation of their smart thermostat through Ameren Illinois’ Smart Savers Initiative.

"To learn more about the program and to see if you qualify for free installation go to https://amerenillinoissavings.com/nest/ or call 866-251-2531."

It isn't Barickman's first time discussing Ameren on social media. This past summer, he shared information regarding Ameren rate increases, which were set to increase on June 1.

"In April of this year, Ameren electric received electric rate results from the regional grid operator (MISO), which include an increase from $5/megawatt to $236/megawatt and will now cause Ameren electric rates to increase beginning June 1," Barickman posted on Facebook, quoted by the Kankakee Times. "This increase is unrelated to the increase in natural gas prices and different from what was experienced beginning in Fall 2021 when Ameren gas rates increased, causing heating bills to rise over the winter months. Not only will this rate increase lead to higher electric bills that customers can expect to see in late June/early July, but there is also the potential that customers could experience electricity disruptions this summer, such as controlled brownouts due to reliability issues within the MISO territory."

Additionally, Barickman announced in the spring that Ameren was offering a 12-month repayment plan to customers who were behind on their utility payments.

"Ameren Illinois has rolled out a 12-month repayment plan to help customers who have fallen behind on energy bills," he said in the April 25 Facebook post, quoted by the McLean County Times. "The repayment application is open from now until July 31."

Illinois residents interested in receiving a free Google Nest Thermostat through the Smart Savers program can find more information at amerenillinoissmartsavers.com.