Innovative Pilots Lead the Way
The primary goal of our pilot programs is to assess their effectiveness on a small scale before considering broader implementation. These pilots are designed to evaluate the feasibility, duration, cost, potential impact, and challenges of new initiatives, services, or technologies. Submit your pilot program ideas using the Innovations Submission Form, and help Ameren Illinois deliver safe, reliable and sustainable energy solutions for our community. Big changes start with big ideas!
Current Pilot Programs
See the programs we're currently exploring below.
Hope Village Tiny Homes
Hope Village is a new "tiny home" development for the chronically homeless and medically fragile in Champaign, IL. The community center and each home will have rooftop solar and battery storage. This project could introduce a self-sustaining microgrid with an Ameren Illinois-owned isolating device to island the community during local power outages.
Peoria Energy Center
Ameren Illinois began research and development of three solar-related pilot projects focused on identifying appropriate sites where energy storage centers could be located within Equity Investment Eligible Communities (EIECs) in East St. Louis and Peoria. These projects will provide a platform for building knowledge related to the operation, benefits, and challenges of energy storage coupled with renewable generation.
Volt/Watt Smart Inverter Settings
Customers with a qualified Level 1 solar project can avoid the interconnection upgrade costs and delays by adjusting their DER smart inverter settings to reduce power output.
Geo-targeting Demand Response
Illinois is exploring a geo-targeting demand response program that focuses on specific parts of the distribution system to potentially delay the need for traditional capacity upgrades. In general, avoiding the use of large appliances and using programmable thermostats during a Peak Time Rewards (PTR) event helps lower energy consumption and shed load.
Trusted Installers
This pilot includes a partnership with a select group of DER installers who have consistently shown high-quality installation work. These trusted installers are permitted to submit qualifying Level 1 Distributed Energy Resource applications for virtual witness testing, instead of physical testing, by providing specific documentation throughout the project's lifecycle.
Battery Energy Storage System
In summer 2025, Ameren Illinois launched a Battery Energy Storage System RFP. The battery will be placed at a critical facility in an Equity Investment Eligible Community, where it will store electricity to power the center during outages while reducing energy bills. The project will include site selection, design, community engagement, and installation.
Have an idea for a new pilot program?
Participate in Ameren Illinois' efforts to bring innovative programs and solutions to our customers by sharing your innovation idea with us to explore.
Completed Pilot Programs
Our completed pilot programs have yielded significant insights and advancements, focusing on cutting-edge technologies and strategic interventions. The success of these programs will guide our future efforts in promoting energy efficiency and sustainability.
Public School Carbon-Free Assessment Program
In 2022, Ameren Illinois completed a pilot program offering no-cost carbon-free assessments to East St. Louis Public School District #189. After its success, the program expanded to all public school districts in Ameren Illinois territory, identifying energy efficiency, insulation, electrification, solar potential, and WELL certification opportunities.
Centralized Automation Software
In 2016, Ameren Illinois piloted a centralized fault location, isolation, and service restoration (FLISR) system to automate 69 kV line switches and associated substation terminal breakers. The centralized FLISR system can automatically respond to system events and either intelligently restore power or provide recommendations to system operators to aid in customer outage restoration efforts.
EV Charging Pilots
In 2024, Ameren Illinois implemented three innovative EV pilot programs to support the Illinois EV Act and inform future EV initiatives. Our managed charging, submetering, and EV energy management system programs aimed to optimize energy usage, gather valuable data, and drive sustainable innovation for residential and business customers.