News Releases

Today at approximately 1 p.m. Ameren Missouri de-energized the De Soto substation at the request of the local fire department. Substations distribute power to other substations, the electrical grid and ultimately to our customers.

The De Soto Fire Department is conducting rescue operations in homes and businesses due to flash flooding and is concerned about the risk to electrical safety.

The substation provided power to approximately 5,000 customers who are now without power. Ameren Missouri will work with local authorities to determine when the impacted customers’ power can be safely restored.

“Ameren Missouri is sending a crew to the area to identify which customers, if any, can be re-energized,” said Dave Wakeman, vice president of Ameren Missouri Energy Delivery. “Our priority is the safety of the public, emergency responders and our employees. With that in mind, we will restore power as quickly and safely as possible.”

Wakeman also offers the following electrical safety information for customers experience flooding:

• When water comes into contact with energized electrical wiring, appliances and other devices, it creates a major threat of serious injury and electrocution.
• Never enter a flooded basement or other flooded area where water may be in contact with electrical wiring, appliances and other devices.
• Never attempt to turn off power at the main electrical panel box if you must stand in water or on a wet floor to do so.
• Never use electrical appliances or devices or touch electrical switches, outlets or cords if you are standing in water, are on a wet surface, you are wet or the device is wet.
• Keep electric-powered tools and equipment at least 10 feet away from water and wet surfaces.
   

Customers with outages should contact Ameren Missouri at 1.800.552.7583. Additionally, customers who see downed power lines are encouraged to stay away from them, warn others to stay way, and immediately contact Ameren Missouri.

Information about Ameren Missouri’s storm preparation and restoration procedures, the status of outages and important safety tips are available at AmerenMissouri.com.

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Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than a century, and our electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. We serve 1.2 million electric and 127,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. Our mission is to meet their energy needs in a safe, reliable, efficient and environmentally responsible manner. Our service area covers 63 counties and more than 500 towns, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit AmerenMissouri.com.

CONTACT: Missouri Communications, 314.554.2182, missouricommunications@ameren.com