News Releases

Simple checks can uncover hidden energy use while helping keep seasonal lights and decorations safe

Key takeaways:

• Timers and unplugging unused decorations can help manage “energy vampires” and avoid unnecessary energy use throughout the Halloween season.
• Some easy Halloween electrical safety precautions can help families enjoy lights, decorations and outdoor displays safely.
• Outdoor Halloween decorations should be rated for outdoor use, connected to GFCI-protected outlets and placed away from walkways and moisture.

ST. LOUIS (Oct. 6, 2026) – From glowing jack-o’-lanterns to animated yard displays, Halloween decorations help create memorable experiences for families and neighborhoods. As customers prepare for trick-or-treaters, a few simple precautions can help keep seasonal displays fun and safe while helping avoid unnecessary energy use.

Before plugging in Halloween lights or decorations, take a moment to inspect cords, plugs and connections for damage. Decorations used outside should be labeled for outdoor use, and cords should be positioned away from sidewalks, steps and other areas where families may be walking.

Halloween is also a good time to look for “energy vampires” around the home. Electronics, chargers and decorative displays may continue using electricity while plugged in, even when they are turned off. Unplugging devices when they are not in use or connecting decorations to timers can help reduce unnecessary energy use.

“The spooky season is a great reminder to think about both safety and energy use around the home,” said Tommie Bugett, director of safety for Ameren. “Simple steps like unplugging decorations when they aren't being used and keeping outdoor displays in good condition can help avoid problems.”

To help make these precautions easy to remember, Ameren offers five Halloween safety tips:

• Use the right products outdoors. Choose lights, decorations and extension cords that are clearly marked for outdoor use and plug them into GFCI-protected outlets for added safety.
• Keep walkways clear. Position cords away from sidewalks, driveways, steps and other paths used by trick-or-treaters.
• Keep connections dry. Place plugs and connections away from wet leaves, sprinklers, puddles and other sources of moisture.
• Skip open flames. Battery-powered candles or lights can provide a festive glow in pumpkins and displays without an open flame.
• Watch out for energy vampires. Unplug decorations, chargers and other electronics when they are not in use, or use timers to help manage energy use. Timers can be a convenient way to manage outdoor lights and decorations, helping avoid unnecessary energy use during hours when displays aren't being enjoyed.

DID YOU KNOW?

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that standby power from plugged-in electronics can account for approximately 5% to 10% of a home's electricity use. From chargers and gaming consoles to seasonal decorations, these "energy vampires" can continue drawing electricity even when they're turned off. Using timers and unplugging items when they're not in use can help keep the vampires at bay.

Halloween can also be a helpful reminder to test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries as needed. For more seasonal safety information, visit Ameren.com/Safety.

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 67,700-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.