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.

Customers will have the opportunity to enroll their home batteries in a program that allows periodic control of stored energy to operate as a virtual power plant.

To reduce customer barriers to purchasing and adoption of electric vehicles, this pilot will explore digital services to support customers through the EV purchase and use process.

Ameren is designing an Equitable Energy Upgrade Program modeled after the Pay As You Save™ system. This program would allow residential electric customers to finance the construction of energy projects through an optional tariff paid directly through their utility bill(s).

This pilot studies collaboration between renters and landlords to develop a managed EV charging strategy for multi-unit dwellings.

Customers with a qualified Level 1 solar project can avoid interconnection upgrade costs and delays by adjusting their Distributed Energy Resource (DER) smart inverter settings to reduce power output.

Ameren Illinois is supporting electrification of school buses and demonstrating how EV buses can be aggregated into a virtual power plant using vehicle-to-grid functionality.

Hope Village is a new "tiny home" development for the chronically homeless and medically fragile in Champaign, Illinois. 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.

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.

In fall 2026, Ameren Illinois will finalize the Battery Energy Storage System RFP initiative. 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. Ameren will complete battery site selection, project design, community engagement, battery installation, performance tracking and reporting.

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.