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Support when you need it most: Tips to help you through the heat wave

Whether you are facing challenges paying your bill, looking for budget solutions, or simply hoping to find new ways to save energy, Ameren has tools that can help.

ST. LOUIS (June 30, 2026) — As temperatures are set to soar across Missouri and Illinois, your safety and comfort are top priorities. Extreme heat can be challenging, not just for your well-being but also for your household budget as warmer temperatures can mean appliances have to work harder. Ameren has steps and resources to help you stay cool, safe, and in control of your energy costs at Ameren.com/SeasonalEnergyRelief.

Your well-being comes first

“Heat waves can pose serious health risks, especially for children, older adults and those with medical conditions,” said Jeronica Jenkins, director of customer care at Ameren. “We encourage you to take simple actions to help protect yourself and your loved ones.”

If you’re spending time outdoors, remember to drink plenty of water (about 8 ounces every 15 to 20 minutes), take frequent breaks in the shade, and wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.

Here are actions Ameren recommends taking around your house that can help you save energy:

  • Create a breeze: Use ceiling or floor fans along with your air conditioner. This allows you to set your thermostat 3 to 4 degrees higher without losing comfort.
  • Change or clean filters: Keeping your air filters clean helps keep you healthy, your cooling system runs efficiently and saves energy.
  • Block the sun: Close blinds or drapes with white backings to reduce indoor heat gain by up to one-third.
  • Cook smart: Grill outdoors or use small appliances like air fryers or slow cookers to minimize extra heat in your kitchen.
  • Program your thermostat: Smart or programmable thermostats can automatically adjust settings when you’re away, saving the average household about $180 per year.
  • Level out your bill: Enroll in Budget Billing for free to spread seasonal high-usage costs over consistent monthly payments.

“Energy efficiency can start with small actions that help keep homes cooler and bills more manageable during periods of high temperatures,” said Pat Justis, director of energy efficiency for Ameren Illinois. “We offer a wide variety of programs and products to help customers take advantage of efficiency savings.”

Residential eligibility tool offers personalized cost-reduction options

To help customers find offers tailored to their home type, location and income level, Ameren Illinois provides a quick and easy Residential Eligibility Tool while Ameren Missouri offers similar personalized resources for rebates, assessments and marketplace discounts.

HVAC upgrades made affordable

The Ameren Missouri FastTrack HVAC PAYS Program makes heating and cooling upgrades affordable by reducing upfront cost and spreading a portion over time, helping customers balance initial investment with lasting savings and efficiency benefits.

These online tools help customers discover eligible incentives including discounts, rebates, home energy assessments and marketplace deals on smart thermostats, advanced power strips, weatherization items and more. Many incentives are available at little to no cost, helping families improve comfort and reduce monthly utility bills. For more tips, visit ameren.com/efficiency/tips.

Support when you need it most

We all need help from time to time. If you’re concerned about your energy bill, you’re not alone. Ameren offers a range of programs and resources designed for every income level with your needs in mind:

  • Payment Agreements: Flexible plans to help you catch up on past-due balances.
  • Due Date Extensions: Short-term options if you need more time to pay.
  • Assistance Programs: Income-qualified customers may be eligible for federal and state assistance, such as LIHEAP.

“Your comfort, safety and peace of mind matter to us. If you have questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can get through the heat safely and with costs in mind,” Jenkins said.

Visit Ameren.com/SeasonalEnergyRelief for more details about available assistance, convenient account options, energy efficiency choices, and comfort tips.

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.