Ameren Illinois Utilities recently announced the completion of an Act On Energy high-efficiency lighting project that is sharply reducing energy consumption in the frozen food reach-in cases and refrigerated dairy and beverage cases at the Kroger stores at 2701 N. Columbus St. and 301 E. McKinley Road in Ottawa.

The Kroger initiative is the first project of its type that involved replacing fluorescent lighting with high-efficiency light-emitting diode lighting in frozen food reach-in cases and refrigerated dairy and beverage cases. It is anticipated the LED lighting will result in annual energy cost savings of about $10,000 for each of the 30 Kroger stores that participated in this program.

"Kroger is to be congratulated for their aggressive electric energy efficiency initiatives, which will benefit their customers, employees and the communities they serve," said Stan Ogden, Ameren's vice president of customer service and public relations.

"The Kroger effort is an excellent example of how businesses throughout our service territory are using the Act On Energy initiatives to better control their energy costs. Act On Energy helps businesses stay more competitive, which is good news for their customers."

Kroger has received one-time Act On Energy program incentive payments of $129,000 for the lighting installation.

Ameren Illinois Utilities launched the Act On Energy program last June to help its business and residential electric distribution customers spend less by using less energy.

During the 2009-2010 program year, Act On Energy has $7 million in incentives available to business customers. Act On Energy incentives are designed to help business customers reduce energy consumption, decrease energy costs, improve worker comfort and productivity and reduce carbon footprints.

A key aspect of the Act On Energy initiative is the incentives for AIU electric distribution business customers. Act On Energy offers incentives for lighting, refrigeration, motor systems, HVAC systems, small business HVAC and retro commissioning.

In addition, the Ameren Illinois Utilities Act On Energy program has been honored by the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, which awarded Ameren with the "Inspiring Efficiency Innovation Award" for the Kroger LED lighting project and a second initiative. MEEA is a collaborative network advancing energy efficiency in the Midwest to support sustainable economic development and environmental preservation.

There also is the Small Business Online Store, small business commercial kitchens program, grocery/convenience store incentives and custom incentives. Complete business program information is available at ActOnEnergy.com, by calling 866-800-0747 or by sending an e-mail to ActOnEnergyBusiness@ameren.com.

In addition, to the business programs, Act On Energy offers incentives and rebates to residential customers. There are cash rebates for Energy Star-qualified air conditioning units, dehumidifiers, ceiling fans and ceiling fan light kits. Discounted compact fluorescent light bulbs are available both online and in retail outlets. Home Energy Performance Program provides incentives for energy efficiency home upgrades. Visit www.ActOnEnergy.com or call 866-838-6918 to get started. There are discounts on heating, cooling and ventilation equipment.

For more information on residential programs, visit ActOnEnergy.com, call 866-838-6918 or send an e-mail to ActOnEnergyResidential@ameren.com.