[Peace-discuss] Ameren Illinois Power (& real-time pricing if you're flexible)

[Stuart Levy]

On Fri, Jun 04, 2010 at 07:11:19AM -0500, unionyes wrote:
> Does anyone know about a supposed new policy of Ameren Illinois Power, that
> charges people  summer air conditioning rates regardless if they have or use
> air conditioning ?
> 
> David J.

I hadn't heard of special air conditioning rates, though electricity prices
are definitely higher in the summer, no matter what you use the power for.
(This isn't just extortion though there could be some of that too.   Since
electricity demand is higher in summer they need to build extra generating
capacity to cover it.)

It can be worth while to switch to real-time pricing.  Had to dig awhile on
Ameren's site to find the link, but:

     http://www.powersmartpricing.org/

If you sign up for this, electricity prices vary hour-by-hour and day-by-day.
They're 'way high on hot afternoons, and much lower than standard rates
during late nights/early mornings:

    http://www.powersmartpricing.org/how-it-works/program-guide/

If you can shift electricity use to early morning or nighttime, it can save money.
(I haven't subscribed to this -- I don't use much electricity in summer --
but have friends who do, including I think Dave Tcheng.)

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