Electric Vehicles
ChargeSmart Program
Electric vehicle owners can take advantage of the Ameren Illinois ChargeSmart program to save money. By shifting your household electric usage — including electric vehicle charging — to the Preferred Charging Period (11 p.m. to 7 a.m.), you may be able to save on your energy costs.
Get Started
Enroll in ChargeSmart, plug in and set your timer to charge your EV overnight, and shift other electric usage to preferred charging times to get a bill credit on your energy delivery charges. Charging during Non-Preferred times can cost more, and we understand it can take time to change some habits, so we offer a bill credit for the first 12 months. Small shifts can make a big difference. See FAQs below for the information to have handy for sign-up.
The facts about our ChargeSmart Program
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:
- 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.
Tips to Help You be Successful on ChargeSmart
Owning an EV means your energy usage can ebb and flow with your driving habits and other lifestyle factors. When at home, it is important to know when to charge and the best time to use other major household appliances. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of the ChargeSmart Program.
- 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.
- 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
Preferred Charging Period (PCP): A credit for your electric delivery service is given for every kWh of usage during this period.
Non-Preferred Charging Period (NPCP): During the highest one hour of household usage from the billing period that occurs within this timeframe, there will be an additional charge for each kWh used.
EXAMPLE: EV Peak NPCP Usage Calculation
Assuming Peak hourly usage: 6 kWh
Assuming NPCP charge/kWh = $0.65
$.65/kwh x 6 kWh = $3.90 Total Peak Hourly Delivery charge on bill
EXAMPLE: EV PCP Credit Calculation (summer)
Assuming total PCP usage for the billing period: 230kWh
230 kWh x $0.02 summer EV credit = $4.60 total Credit on bill
EV peak NPCP usage charge and PCP credit comparison:
-$ 3.90 Peak Delivery Charge
+$ 4.60 PCP Credit
+$ 0.70 credit
In this example, the difference between the charge and the credit for this scenario would be $.70, meaning there is a small difference in billing before adding the extra usage for charging. Remember: Charging your vehicle overnight can help keep electricity costs used for fueling an EV low.
You can learn more about your energy usage by logging in to your Ameren Illinois online account.
