Background

The Market Development Initiative (MDI) was established in 2018 as part of the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program to closely integrate with both the Business and Residential teams on day-to-day operations, helping to identify more project opportunities, maximize customer touchpoints and create a streamlined process for customers to participate in the Energy Efficiency Program. The mission of the MDI is to transform how the Energy Efficiency Program operates in every area. To this point, the MDI cultivates new economic and energy efficiency opportunities for individuals and communities in the Ameren Illinois service territory. Together, the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program and the MDI will achieve Energy Efficiency Impact.

MDI in Action

Since its inception in 2018, the Market Development Initiative has impacted the Ameren Illinois service territory through various means. Specifically, the MDI emphasizes expanding access to opportunities for local individuals to enter the energy efficiency industry by awarding scholarships, funding internships, providing support services to jobseekers, and connecting jobseekers to employers with open positions. Additionally, the MDI partners with a network of nonprofit community partners to extend the reach of the Ameren Illinois Energy Efficiency Program and directly engage with customers. Furthermore, the MDI supports the development of new and growing energy efficiency businesses by providing resource grants and increasing implementation partner access to the goods and services these businesses provide.