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Customers are encouraged to register for Ameren Missouri programs designed to keep vulnerable neighbors safe and cool during the summer heat

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (June 26, 2024) – Ameren Missouri has donated 100 ENERGY STAR certified window air conditioners to the East Missouri Action Agency. 50 units will be distributed to customers throughout Cape Girardeau and another 50 throughout Park Hills. On average, energy-efficient air conditioners cost less than a dollar a day to operate, allowing customers to stay cool and safe.

This year's air conditioner donation marks the 24th anniversary of Cooldownmissouri.org’s “Save our Seniors” (S.O.S) Cooling Summer Project. It is Ameren Missouri’s 19th year of participation in the program.

“Donating energy-efficient air conditioners is one way Ameren Missouri can help our most vulnerable customers stay safe and cool, especially during extremely hot weather,” said Russ Burger, southeast division director for Ameren Missouri. "We highly encourage our customers to run their air conditioners and protect their health this summer."

"This annual partnership with Ameren Missouri is significant for our community," said Quinn Barber-Barnett, community service representative/building manager for the East Missouri Action Agency. "Our next step is to distribute the air conditioners to the individuals and families most in need this summer."

Energy assistance is available to Ameren Missouri customers who need help paying their bills. Visit AmerenMissouri.com/EnergyAssistance to learn about various support options, including:

• The Caring Contact Program – Eligible customers may designate a person or agency for Ameren Missouri to contact prior to disconnection for nonpayment. Caring Contact helps protect the health and safety of vulnerable customers who may need additional support in handling potential disconnection of service.
• Medical Equipment Registry – Register your medical equipment so that we can notify you about planned maintenance outages. You should also have a backup plan in place for emergency outages.
• Medical Hardship Extension – Sometimes a medical emergency can present a challenge in paying your bill on time. Call 800.552.7583 to learn more.
• Critical Medical Need Program – In collaboration with the United Way and Spire, for Ameren customers with a serious medical condition where loss of utility service may aggravate the illness or prevent the use of life-support equipment. Certified medical providers must complete and submit the form. Call the United Way at 211 for more details.
• Keeping Cool Program – This program provides up to five bill credits of $50 from May through September. Eligible customers include senior citizens, those with children under 5, or who have a documented chronic medical condition or a disability.
• Weatherization Assistance – Qualifying homeowners and renters may also be eligible to receive weatherization improvements to their homes through local agencies.
• Budget Billing Plan – A free option that helps level out seasonal changes in customers’ energy bills by dividing the previous year’s usage into predictable baseline monthly payments. The result is more peace of mind and an energy bill that stays the same – even when the temperature outside does not.
• Pick A Due Date – Pick the day of the month that is most convenient for you to pay your Ameren energy bill.
• Energy-Efficiency Rebates – A variety of resources and rebates for energy saving products are available to help reduce energy usage. Visit AmerenMissouriMarketplace.com for details.

Ameren Missouri also offers energy efficiency programs that are designed to benefit income-eligible customers, which helps them save energy and money without sacrificing comfort. Since the launch of the first energy efficiency program in 2009, Ameren Missouri has invested more than $700 million in energy and cost savings opportunities for its customers. Additionally, these programs create opportunities for community partnerships, including hundreds of retailers and trade allies statewide to implement multiple energy efficiency programs with residential and business customers.

About Ameren Missouri
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 135,000 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 at @AmerenMissouri or Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri.