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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. (July 9, 2026) – Ameren Missouri has donated 100 ENERGY STAR certified window air conditioners across several Southeast Missouri agencies, including East Missouri Action Agency (EMAA). On average, energy-efficient air conditioners cost less than a dollar a day to operate, allowing customers to stay cool and safe.

“Summers in Missouri can get dangerously hot, so we encourage customers to use their air conditioners to stay safe and protect their health as temperatures soar,” said Russ Burger, southeast division director for Ameren Missouri. “We're excited to partner with multiple action agencies in our region who help keep our most vulnerable neighbors cool and comfortable."

This year’s annual AC giveaway event marks the 21st year Ameren Missouri has partnered with Cooldownmissouri.org to distribute the free AC units across the state. Together, we have donated more than 20,000 window air conditioning units to Missourians in need over the past two decades. Older adults and people with disabilities, as well as low- to moderate-income families, are encouraged to apply for energy assistance funds by visiting Cooldownmissouri.org. 

"These air conditioners, provided through Ameren Missouri, will bring immediate relief to our community," said Erika Hurt, LIHEAP program coordinator for the EMAA. "For people living in financial hardship, finding comfort can be difficult. That's why we're excited to distribute them as soon as possible to the individuals and families most in need."

Energy assistance is also available to Ameren Missouri customers who need help paying their bills. Visit AmerenMissouri.com/EnergyAssistance to find an agency and learn about all program options, including:

• Veterans Assistance – Active-duty military and veterans can receive up to $600 to help pay a past due utility bill. Call 211 for details.
• Dollar More – Eligible customers can receive up to $600. Income eligibility has increased to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).  
• LIHEAP Summer Crisis Assistance – Eligible customers can receive up to $300.
• Keeping Cool provides up to five bill credits of $50 from May through September for income-eligible customers including senior citizens, those with children under age 5, and individuals who have a documented chronic medical condition or disability.
• Critical Medical Needs Program – In collaboration with United Way, Spire and American Water, available 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 eligibility form. Call United Way 211 for more details.
• The Caring Contact Program – Caring Contact helps protect the health and safety of vulnerable customers who may need additional support in handling potential disconnection of service. Eligible customers may designate a loved one or agency as a caring contact.
• Medical Equipment Registry – Register your medical equipment so we can notify you about planned maintenance outages. You should also have a backup plan in place for unavoidable outages.
• Medical Hardship Extension – Sometimes a medical emergency can present a challenge in paying your bill on time. Call 800.552.7583 to request an extension.
• Weatherization Assistance – Qualifying homeowners and renters may also receive a free energy audit, insulation and other improvements to help increase energy efficiency through local weatherization agencies.
• Flexible payment arrangements and payment agreements can also be made with Ameren Missouri.

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:

• Offered in partnership with Spire, Ameren Missouri's CommunitySavers Single Family Program helps reduce energy costs for eligible households by providing no-cost energy efficiency upgrades.
• Ameren Missouri's CommunitySavers Multifamily Program provides enhanced incentives for energy-saving upgrades that help tenants save money on energy costs while reducing maintenance costs for property owners.

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 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.

About Cooldownstlouis.org and Cooldownmissouri.org
Cooldownstlouis.org is a bi-state nonprofit dedicated to providing education and resources to help the most vulnerable citizens, especially seniors, low-income families and the physically disabled. The organization works with more than 38 agencies to make sure utility bills are paid and the community's most vulnerable citizens have access to the energy-efficient air conditioners they need to stay safe.