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Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA)

Important Information About Your Energy Service

The Clean Energy Grid of the Future

To help track our progress to implement the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act, we offer background information on a variety of topics as well as links to regulatory proceedings.

In the Fall of 2021, the Illinois General Assembly passed CEJA or SB 2408 – a comprehensive energy law that moves the state toward a cleaner energy future.

CEJA contains provisions that will benefit Ameren Illinois customers and Downstate communities, including measures allowing for continued investments reliability, construction of two pilot utility-scale solar facilities, and an increase in clean energy delivered to homes and businesses.


Frequently Asked Questions

CEJA was signed by the Illinois General Assembly in September of 2021. It establishes a policy to achieve 100% clean energy sources by 2050. Key provisions:

  • Transitions Illinois’ energy portfolio to 40% clean sources by 2030, 50% by 2040, and ultimately to 100% by 2050.
  • Shutters privately-owned coal-fired energy plants by 2030.
  • Increases the amount collected from Ameren Illinois customers for the purchase of renewable energy credits by the Illinois Power Agency.
  • Requires Ameren Illinois to collect money from customers to fund new Illinois clean energy programs, grants, and oversight councils.
  • Requires Ameren Illinois to collect money from customers to convert shuttered coal plants to solar energy or energy storage facilities.
  • Provides utilities with the option to file a 4-year performance-based ratemaking plan.
  • Eliminates deposit requirements and late-fees for income-qualified customers.
  • Energy Transition Assistance Charge - $25 million annually
    • Collects money from customers and sends it to the state of Illinois to pay for programs such as workforce and contractor development, investments and community support, and administration of energy and justice efforts.
    • For more information, contact the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) at 217.782.7500. 
  • Renewable Energy Adjustment - $163 million annually
    • Collects money from customers and provides it to the Illinois Power Agency to purchase renewable energy credits for clean energy projects.
    • For more information, contact the Illinois Power Agency at 312.793.0263. 
  • Coal to Solar Energy & Storage Charge - $11 million annually
  • Other planned programs:
    • Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program
    • Clean Energy Contractor Incubator Program
    • Clean Energy Primes Contractor Accelerator Program
    • Barrier Reduction Program
    • Jobs and Environmental Justice Grant Program
    • Returning Residents Clean Jobs Training Program
    • Energy Transition Navigators
    • Illinois Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program
    • Energy Transition Community Support Grants
    • Displaced Energy Worker Dependent Scholarship
    • Public Utilities Fund         
    • Illinois Power Agency Operations Fund for use by the Illinois Power Agency
    • Clean Energy Jobs and Justice Fund

For more information on these programs, contact the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) at 217.782.7500 or the Governor's Office at 217.782.0244.

The legislation requires Ameren Illinois to pass the costs of the new clean energy programs on to our residential and business customers. Cost estimates vary and will increase as additional provisions are implemented.
Charges for two provisions – the Energy Transition Assistance Charge and the Renewable Energy Adjustment – were included in energy bill calculations beginning in February, 2022. Ameren Illinois is following the state's regulatory process and additional mandated charges will appear as more provisions are implemented.
Ameren Illinois supports a steady, measured transition to clean energy. We have advocated for policies that are fair, keep energy affordable, and maintain reliability for Downstate Illinois.  
It will enable continued upgrades to Illinois’ energy grid – the poles, wires, and technology that deliver the reliable energy needed to power homes and businesses; and it contains provisions enabling Ameren Illinois to construct and operate two utility scale solar facilities in East St. Louis and the Peoria Area.  It also supports Ameren Illinois’ Electric Vehicle Charging Plan, creating rate incentives to improve accessibility to in-home and on-the-road electric vehicle charging.

Customer Affordability

The new State Energy Law includes new programs that Ameren Illinois is mandated to include in customers' monthly bill. Renewable projects and programs must be implemented at the lowest possible cost in order to keep energy prices affordable.

Energy Reliability

A more modern grid – with regular inspections, preventative maintenance, storm hardening, and automation – will keep energy service reliable and pave the way for the clean energy transition. 

Economic Development + Jobs

A smart and flexible energy grid is key to attracting and retaining businesses, creating good-paying union jobs, and helping downstate communities to grow. We can help make the transition to cleaner energy by expanding the production of large-scale renewable energy, implementing policies that encourage electric vehicle adoption, and increasing energy conservation in communities of all sizes.

Transparency

Every project and every newly mandated program should be reviewed to ensure that customers are getting the benefits they are being asked to pay for.

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