News Releases

ST. LOUIS (Jan. 24, 2026) – The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), the regional grid operator, has informed Midwest energy companies, including Ameren, that customers need to conserve electricity until further notice due to high demand and weather conditions.

Ameren currently has enough energy available to cover our customers' needs. By acting now to limit and reduce consumption, we can help ensure customers in Missouri, Illinois and across the Midwest stay safe in the cold weather.

MISO comprises a pool of electricity generators and users that stretches from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. As a regional reliability coordinator, MISO is responsible for monitoring the portion of the electric grid it oversees and providing instructions to its members, including Ameren, regarding actions needed to maintain reliability in that portion of the grid.

Ameren is taking additional action to reduce energy consumption. These steps include activating available demand response programs among customers who have previously entered into an agreement with the company to reduce energy consumption during times of high demand. By participating in these programs, these customers are helping maintain reliable energy.

Ameren also offers these methods to conserve electricity:

• Lower your thermostat. Wear additional layers of clothing, and set the thermostat as low as is comfortable. Make additional adjustments when leaving the house.

• Cover drafty windows and weatherize when possible. Block cold air from coming in by stuffing towels along windows or underneath doors. Sealing cracks and openings reduces drafts and cold spots, also improving comfort.
• Unplug or turn off nonessential appliances. Unplugging devices when they’re not in use reduces energy consumption and lowers utility bills.
• Reduce the temperature setting on electric water heaters. Lowering the water temperature saves money and reduces the risk of scalding.

Need Help with Your Bill?

Visit Ameren.com/Assistance for details on the variety of programs available to help customers offset energy costs this winter. Income-qualified customers may be eligible for federal and state assistance such as LIHEAP.

Ameren also offers other assistance programs through local community action agencies such as Dollar More and the Energy Relief Grant. In addition, all customers can explore:

• Payment agreements – Flexible plans to catch up on past-due balances.
• Budget Billing – Available for customers in Missouri or Illinois to spread seasonal high usage costs over equal monthly payments.
• Due date extensions – Short-term options if you need more time to pay.
• Rebates and incentives – Cash back for smart thermostats, along with $50 for enrolling in Peak Time Savings in Missouri and Illinois.

Rebates and savings opportunities on energy-saving products are available at AmerenMissouriMarketplace.com or AmerenIllinoisEEMarketplace.com.

About Ameren Corporation
St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.5 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric generation, transmission and distribution services, as well as natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops, owns and operates rate-regulated regional electric transmission projects in the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc.  For more information, visit Ameren.com, or follow us at @AmerenCorp, Facebook.com/AmerenCorp, or LinkedIn.com/company/Ameren.   

About MISO

Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that delivers safe, cost-effective electric power across 15 U.S. states and the Canadian province of Manitoba. 45 million people depend on MISO to generate and transmit the right amount of electricity every minute of every day. MISO is committed to reliable, nondiscriminatory operation of the bulk power transmission system and collaborating with all stakeholders to create cost-effective and innovative solutions for our changing industry. MISO operates one of the world’s largest energy markets with more than $40 billion in annual gross market energy transactions.