AmerenUE, a subsidiary of St. Louis-based Ameren Corp. (AEE), has announced further developments in the company’s dedication to a “greener” future. AmerenUE’s 1.2 million residential customers now have the option to participate in the company’s voluntary renewable energy program, called Pure Power, by buying 1,000 kilowatt hour (kWh) “blocks” at $15 per block, rather than paying an additional 1.5 cents per kWh for 100 percent of the electricity used each month.

In 2007, Ameren launched Pure Power, a voluntary program for Missouri residents and business customers that supports the development of renewable generation through the purchase of certified renewable energy certificates, or RECs. The RECs are purchased from recently constructed regional wind and other renewable generators. One REC equals the generation of 1,000 kWh of “green power” by a regional wind farm or other renewable energy source.

A tariff that went into effect May 16 makes it possible to buy in $15 blocks rather than paying on a per-kWh basis. The block option originally was reserved only for large industrial users of electricity.

A customer already signed up with the program can switch to the block option, and new customers to the program can choose either the original pricing method or the block option, the company said. Participation does not require a contract, and customers can stop participating at any time.

At least half of the Pure Power demand is being met by new renewable generators located within Missouri and Illinois. Seventy-five percent or more of customer demand will support wind farms, with the balance supporting other forms of renewable generation. Ameren Corp. provides electricity to approximately 2.4 million customers and natural gas to almost 1 million customers in eastern Missouri and Illinois.

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