News Releases

Lake Ozark, Mo. (Feb. 25, 2021) – Ameren Missouri is encouraging all dock owners to take action now to have a safe, fun summer season. The consistent sub-zero temperatures and extensive freezing we experienced this month at  Lake of the Ozarks are unusual for the region. Tough weather conditions serve as a good reminder to have professionals inspect all docks.

"Nothing is more important than safety at Lake of the Ozarks," said Bryan Vance, supervisor of shoreline management at Ameren. "Dock owners can take advantage of warmer temperatures to have both a trusted dock builder and a qualified electrician look at their dock."

"We've added a number of first-time dock owners over the past year," Vance said. "Many will be experiencing their first spring here at the lake. Thinking about dock safety is an important part of having a lake retreat or full-time home."

Ameren Missouri is sharing the following safety information:

• Continually inspect docks.
  • Water movement, freezing and thawing can cause wear on your dock's electrical equipment. Monthly ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) testing of electric equipment and bonding wires is recommended. Have both the dock and the power supply to the dock regularly inspected by a qualified electrician.
• Fix problems first.
  • Once it is warm enough to get in the water, never energize or re-energize, engage a breaker, or reset a GFCI while someone is swimming near the dock. Get the dock inspected and fixed before using or swimming nearby.
• Feel a shock, swim away from the dock.
  • Never swim around a dock where breakers or GFCIs are tripping. Do not touch any part of the dock or adjacent docks if a tingle or shock is felt. Swim or get away from the dock, cables and attachments. Exit the water away from the source of the shock. If possible, swim to the shoreline and exit there.

A listing of certified dock builders and additional safety information is available at AmerenMissouri.com/Lake.

Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than 100 years, and the company's electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. Ameren Missouri's mission is to power the quality of life for its 1.2 million electric and 132,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. The company's service area covers 64 counties and more than 500 communities, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit Ameren.com/Missouri or follow us on Twitter at @AmerenMissouri or Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri.

Contacts
Ameren Missouri Communications
314.554.2182
missouricommunications@ameren.com