While standard delivery service rates always apply, there are different price periods or times of the day that influence your monthly bill while on this charging program:
*You will receive a bill credit for every kWh during this time frame.
**The highest hour of usage (per billing period) during this time frame will be billed at a higher rate.
Preferred Charging Period (PCP): 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. A credit for your electric delivery service is given for every kWh of usage during this period.
Non-Preferred Charging Period (NPCP): 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. During the highest one hour of total household usage from the billing period that occurs within this timeframe, there will be an additional charge for each kWh used.
Standard Charging Period: 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. There are no additional credits or charges for electric usage during this time period.
First-year Bill Credit: We understand that it takes time to adjust. To offset potentially higher charges for usage during the NPCP, we offer a monthly bill credit for your first 12 consecutive months enrolled in the ChargeSmart program. This will give you time to see how household usage impacts your bill and to make adjustments for maximum savings.
Note: The ChargeSmart program only impacts Energy Delivery Charges. The Energy Supply section of your bill will not change.
Set your EV charging timer to run from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Use appliance delay features to run high-energy use appliances (washer, dryer, dishwasher, etc.) during the preferred charging period, starting at 11 p.m.
Stagger your high-energy use appliances to avoid running them at the same time during the non-preferred charging period. For example, if you need to charge your EV and do the laundry during the non-preferred time, set your EV charger to start when the laundry is done.
Avoid non-preferred times for charging and high-use appliances and choose the preferred or standard times instead.
Adjust temps with smart thermostats to avoid higher charges during the non-preferred charging period.
Use a smart power strip to stop appliances and equipment from drawing power when not in use.
Install smart plugs on your pool heater or hot tub.
You need to provide the following information to sign up for ChargeSmart:
- Year, make, model, and VIN of EV
- Information on charging equipment (Charger manufacturer, model, voltage, and amp rating)
- Certified installer information if applicable, including company information and ICC Docket number
ChargeSmart is an Ameren Illinois energy delivery program. Your energy usage for this program can be found under the Electric Delivery portion of your bill. To get the most out of this program, you must have the ability to shift your household energy usage.
If you charge or use energy during the Standard Charging Period of 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., you will be charged at your standard delivery rate.
If you charge or use energy during the Preferred Charging Period (PCP) of 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily, you will receive credit for every kWh used.
- In the summer months (June 1-Sept 30), the PCP bill credit is $0.02 per kWh.
- In the non-summer months (Oct 1-May 31), the PCP bill credit is $0.01 per kWh.
If you charge and use energy during the Non-Preferred Charging Period (NPCP) from 11a.m. to 7 p.m., you will be charged $0.65 per kWh for your highest hour of energy consumed in that period during your billing cycle.
Preferred Charging Period (PCP): A credit for your electric delivery service is given for every kWh of household usage during this period.
Non-Preferred Charging Period (NPCP): There will be an additional charge for each kWh used during the highest one hour of household usage in the billing period.
EXAMPLE: EV PCP Credit Calculation (summer)
Assuming total PCP usage for the billing period: 230kWh
230 kWh x $0.02 summer EV credit = $4.60 total credit on bill
EXAMPLE: EV Peak NPCP Usage Calculation
Assuming peak hour usage: 6 kWh
NPCP charge/kWh = $0.65
$.65/kWh x 6 kWh = $3.90 total peak hour delivery charge on bill
EXAMPLE: EV PCP credit and peak NPCP delivery charge comparison
+$ 4.60 PCP credit
-$ 3.90 Peak hour delivery charge
+$ 0.70 Credit on bill
In this example, the difference between the credit and the charge for this scenario would be $0.70, meaning there is a credit on the customer's bill. Remember: Charging your vehicle overnight can help keep electricity costs low for fueling your EV.
You can learn more about your energy usage by logging in to your Ameren Illinois online account.
Enrollment Bill Credit: When you enroll in ChargeSmart, you’ll receive a $4 bill credit each month for the first 12 consecutive months in the program. This bill credit is a bonus that was designed to help you shift your EV charging to the Preferred Charging Period.
Energy Delivery Bill Credit: ChargeSmart features a Preferred Charging Period (PCP) for all EV owners. Once enrolled, we encourage you to charge your EV from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Depending on the time of year, you’ll receive a credit of $.02 per kWh in summer months or a $.01 per kWh in non-summer months on your household energy used during the PCP.
Yes, you can cancel your enrollment at any time. This is an optional program to help you save money while charging your electric vehicle. If you cancel prior to completing the first 12 consecutive months of enrollment on the program, you will forfeit the $4.00 per month bonus bill credit.
Before you unenroll, contact us to discuss any participation challenges like savings opportunities or how to read your bill.