Energy
Using energy efficiently has been a critical focus of CNT’s efforts to improve urban sustainability. In 2000, CNT Energy (formerly known as the Community Energy Cooperative) was created to explore new ways to measure energy usage and to assist individual consumers and concerned communities in achieving sustainable, affordable energy solutions.
The energy programs at CNT are consolidated under the division CNT Energy, a 501c(4) non-profit organization helping consumers and communities obtain the information and services they need to reduce their consumption and costs. CNT Energy’s areas of focus include building performance and energy efficiency, real-time electricity pricing, climate change analysis, regional energy planning, and green building research and evaluation.
CNT Energy offers consumer households up-to-date information on the rapidly changing energy market in Illinois. Members gain access to educational programs on managing energy costs, as well as opportunities to participate in pilot programs designed to benefit consumers.
CNT Energy will continue developing innovative programs and strategies to reduce energy consumption and costs, and will work to help communities become healthier and more sustainable.
To learn more about CNT Energy’s programs and tools, visit our Web site at www.cntenergy.org.
Wednesday, October 8th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Power Smart Pricing is a different electricity pricing option offered by the Ameren Illinois Utilities and administered by CNT Energy. Under the standard residential rate, electricity costs the same amount no matter what time of day you use it. Power Smart Pricing lets you pay the hourly, wholesale market price of electricity which varies throughout the day and is often lower than the standard fixed rate. The program has been available since May 2007 and boasts more than 2,000 participants, several of whom recently sang its praises to CNT Energy staff and local newspaper reporters.
Participant Mike O. of Murphysboro says his family has been able to save with Power Smart Pricing both by shifting electricity usage to low priced hours, and by using electricity wisely in general. “By using electricity when it is cheap, our overall electric usage is down every month simply because everyone in the family is now more conscious of wasting energy,” he says. He says his family has also enjoyed the online tools that allow program participants to view their hourly electricity use, along with the hourly prices. “The kids get a kick out of looking at the charts on the website every month that illustrate our electric use,” he says.
Similarly, Dan E. of Decatur reports that his family has been able to shift their electricity usage to maximize available cost savings. “This has caused little (if any) changes to our overall lifestyle, and has yielded substantial savings in monthly utility costs for us,” he says. He says the information and support provided by CNT Energy have been helpful parts of the program. “We’ve been extremely impressed with not only the information on current electricity charges we receive from the Power Smart Pricing program, but also with the tips on how to conserve utility usage as well,” he says.
Randy S. of Macomb says Power Smart Pricing has given his family an easy way to take more control over energy costs. “We most enjoy having the ability to influence our electrical costs,” he says. “Our family has not noticed the changes made in how we use electricity except that we wash dishes late at night and clothes early in the morning. The family does not seem to mind these changes as it gives an opportunity to help save money.” He says. “If you don’t mind planning a bit on how you use electricity, this plan can really reduce energy costs.”
Recent newspaper articles examine Power Smart Pricing and include additional comments from satisfied customers. Click on the links below to read the articles.
Illinois Ameren Customers Find Savings in Fluctuating Rate Program
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
September 4, 2008
Powerful Pricing Plan: Paying Market Rate Helps Area Residents Cut Down Their Electric Bills
Decatur Herald & Review
September 12, 2008
A Smart Way to Save a Bit on Power
Decatur Herald & Review
September 19, 2008
Learn more about CNT Energy and Power Smart Pricing at CNT Energy’s website.
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Friday, June 6th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
The Illinois Smart Grid Initiative is a voluntary group of state and local government, consumer, business, environmental, and utility stakeholders that will work together to examine how consumers can benefit from comprehensive grid modernization in Illinois. The Initiative is a project of CNT and is funded by the Galvin Project and assisted by the Galvin Electricity Initiative and USDOE.
A series of stakeholder meetings will be held in the coming months to engage policymakers and other influential leaders in the state in a discussion of the critical grid issues, opportunities, and costs, and to develop policies to improve performance of the electric power system. The Initiative plans to conclude its year-long project by issuing a report identifying key steps for improving electricity services throughout the State.
“As part of our goal to make Chicago the most environmentally-friendly city in the nation, we should not overlook improvements to our electric power grid,” said Mayor Daley. “The work of this initiative is a major step in the right direction and underscores the need for making electricity grids smarter, more efficient and most importantly, better for the environment.”
“Grid modernization should be approached in a way that provides concrete net benefits to consumers,” said Kathryn Tholin, CNT’s CEO. “This project’s unique contribution to the national discussion on smart grids is its focus on the opportunities for consumers, including residents, businesses, and institutions.”
Read more in an article by the Herald News.
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Tuesday, May 27th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
This month, CNT Energy will host workshops to help Illinois households manage their summer electricity costs. Attend a free Summer Energy Saving Workshop to get the information you need to enjoy the summer without blowing your budget on electricity.
You’ll also learn about your electricity pricing options, including the Power Smart Pricing program. Get informed about your choices, so you can pick the option that works best for you!
Get tips on managing your summer electricity usage and costs.
Discover low-cost and no-cost ways to save energy at home.
Get advice on how you can help protect the environment by using energy efficiently.
Learn about your electricity pricing options, including the Power Smart Pricing program.
Workshop Schedule
May 12, noon, Urbana City Building, 400 S. Vine St, Urbana
May 12, 6 p.m., Springer Cultural Center, 301 N. Randolph St., Champaign
May 13, 6 p.m., Interstate Center, 2301 W. Market St. (Rt. 9), Bloomington
May 14, 6 p.m., Gateway Building, 200 N.E. Water Street, Peoria
May 15, 6 p.m., Galesburg Community Center, 150 E. Simmons St., Galesburg
May 20, 6 p.m., Nichols Community Center, 515 East “D” Street, Belleville
May 21, 6 p.m., Carbondale Civic Center, 200 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale
May 22, 6 p.m., Decatur Civic Center, #1 Gary K Anderson Plaza, Decatur
Workshops are free of charge and refreshments will be provided. Space is limited, so please RSVP by calling CNT Energy at (773) 269-4037.
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