CURRENT SITUATION AND NUMBERS TO KNOW
On Friday evening, multiple severe thunderstorms and at least four tornadoes impacted Ameren Missouri’s service area. These storms with 70+ mph winds and damaging hail have impacted substations, distribution and transmission lines, and poles. Assessors are in the field to determine the total scope of the damage as crews continue working to make repairs.
- Since yesterday, we've restored almost 74,000 customers. But much work remains.
- As of 11:30 a.m., we have 99,000 customers without service in Missouri.
- See the Ameren outage map for the latest: www.ameren.com/outagemap
- Additional crews started early this morning to continue restoring customers, including assistance from other utilities and contractors. We have all available crews in the field and are working toward getting 1,200 resources in the field to restore power.
- Given the extent of the damage from the powerful storms, particularly in portions of St. Louis County and Jefferson County, we anticipate it will take multiple days to restore all customers.
- We appreciate our customers’ patience as our crews work to safely restore power as quickly as possible.
- In addition to substation and transmission repairs, there are approximately 100 identified poles that have been damaged by the storms and will need to be replaced. In difficult conditions such as downed tree limbs and challenging terrain, it takes at least four to five hours, sometimes longer, to clear a damaged utility pole and set a replacement.
- The National Weather Service has advised that gusty winds forecast for Sunday and Monday combined with low relative humidity will result in elevated fire danger.
HOW POWER IS RESTORED AFTER A STORM
- While you may not see personnel working in your neighborhood, the energy grid is heavily interconnected, and crews are working throughout the system to restore power safely and as efficiently as possible.
- When prioritizing restoration work, Ameren [Missouri/Illinois] works to restore power to equipment that serves the greatest number of customers and to critical facilities.
- Learn more about how we restore power: Power Restoration - Ameren.com
SAFETY COMES FIRST
- Customer and crew safety is the first and foremost concern during any weather event. Stay clear of any downed power lines or poles.
- Always assume a downed wire is live. Be careful around pools of water. Stay clear of brush, shrubs and downed trees that may hide downed power lines.
- Customers should report any downed power lines to the Ameren Missouri customer line: 800.552.7583.
- If your power is out, check your circuit breakers or fuses – your service outage might be the result of a household problem. Avoid any risk of electrical shock and do not enter any flooded areas.
- Create a plan for seeking shelter in the event of severe weather and discuss the plan with all members of the household.
- Keep phones and electronics charged when storms are in the forecast.
- Follow all recommended precautions if using a personal generator. Never use a generator inside your home, garage, crawl space, other enclosed areas, or anywhere exhaust fumes can enter enclosed spaces. Never connect a generator to your home’s circuits. Plug appliances directly into the generator.
- Prepare a storm kit with emergency telephone numbers, flashlights and a radio with fresh batteries, along with bottled water and non-perishable foods that don't require heating. Also include medication and special items for infants, the elderly or family members with special needs.
- Be aware of scammers and remember that your electric company will never request upfront payment or a reconnection fee in return for restoring your service.
WHAT CUSTOMERS CAN DO
- To ensure we can provide you with the latest outage update, we must have your correct phone number or email address. Please create or log in to your Ameren account online to ensure your contact information is correct.
- Customers can check the status of their restoration at Ameren.com or download the free Ameren app for updates as they become available. Sign up for alerts. Text REG to AMEREN (263736) to start, or visit Ameren.com/Alerts.
- When reporting an outage, please use the phone number associated with the account. Entering a number that is not associated with the account will create an error message.
- Customers can follow Ameren Missouri on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest information on what's happening with restoration efforts.
- Be aware of scammers asking for payment to restore your utility service. If something feels off, hang up or close the door and call us. If you have questions about your account balance, please call Ameren directly. We are here to help.
- Allow electric company workers and contractors to make repairs. They follow strict safety guidelines, so please keep your distance to allow them to complete their work.
