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Changes to Missouri law prioritize safe digging

Ameren Missouri urges customers to call 811 before excavation

COLUMBIA, Mo. (Aug. 7, 2025) – Ameren Missouri is informing customers of planned changes to Missouri law that underscore the importance of contacting Missouri 811 before any excavation project – a crucial step to prevent costly repairs, service interruptions and serious injuries.

Senate Bill 133 makes critical updates to Missouri’s 811 system to evolve with technological advancements and the modern needs of both excavators and underground facility owners. Under the new law, excavators will be required to contact 811 at least two business days ahead of a project and complete the work within 21 days of the project start date. If work continues beyond that period, even if marks are still visible, a new 811 ticket is required.

“Our crews and customers play a pivotal role in ensuring excavation safety across our service territory,” said Pam Harrison, senior director of gas operations for Ameren Missouri. “We’re urging everyone to contact 811, as directed by law, so we can mark our facilities before work begins to maintain the integrity of Ameren Missouri’s underground infrastructure and ensure public safety.”

Additionally, the new law requires excavators to notify 811 if they discover an unmarked underground facility, regardless of whether it is damaged, to report it. If damage to a natural gas facility occurs, it is federal law and for the safety of the public to follow these steps:

  1. Stop all excavation activities immediately.
  2. Evacuate the area and ensure others stay away from the site.
  3. Contact 911 to report the incident and provide details about the location and nature of the damage.
  4. Contact Ameren Missouri at 1.800.552.7583.
  5. Notify Missouri 811 about the damage.

Ameren Missouri recommends that customers call 811 or visit Missouri-811.org at least three business days before starting a digging project. Requests can be made at no cost, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

It is also important to have underground lines freshly marked every time you dig, even if you have had lines marked for past projects. To learn more about safe digging, visit Missouri-811.org.

Following Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe's signature on July 14, 2025, the new Missouri law will go into effect on Aug. 28, 2025.

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 1.3 million electric and 135,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. The company's service area covers approximately 60 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.