News Releases

SUMMARY

• More than 1,300 workers throughout Missouri are dedicated to the storm response, including crews brought in from other parts of the state and across the region. We anticipate an additional 400 resources arriving tonight to aid in restoration.
• Our efforts include removing downed trees, replacing broken poles and rebuilding and repairing damaged energy infrastructure, including at least two Ameren Missouri substations that were severely damaged.
• Watch here for a video update from Tommie Bugett, director of Ameren Missouri's North Metro Operating Center.
• As of 6:30 p.m., power has been restored to more than 70,000 customers since yesterday.
  • Approximately 60,000 customers remain without power.
  • See the Ameren outage map for the latest: www.ameren.com/outagemap.

CURRENT SITUATION

• For customers in neighborhoods directly hit by the tornado – a historic strike to St. Louis city and county – we are still determining exact restoration times.
• Due to the severity and extent of the damage, we anticipate our crews’ efforts to rebuild infrastructure will take days, extending into mid to late next week, to fully restore service in areas hit hardest. We are updating the Ameren outage map with restoration times as they become available. We deeply appreciate our customers’ patience as we work diligently and safely to make the necessary repairs as our neighbors and neighborhoods begin to recover.
  • Travel in some areas, including for our crews, remains challenging due to the damage to buildings and the number of downed trees.
  • The work includes replacing more than 200 broken poles. We expect this number could continue to grow as damage assessors continue working.
  • At least 5,000 homes and businesses were damaged in the city of St. Louis. Severe damage was also reported across Jefferson County.
• To aid in restoration, mobile command centers and trailers with additional materials have been placed in the hardest hit areas.

WHAT HAPPENED

• Severe weather, including reported tornados in Clayton and southeast Missouri and sustained high winds approaching 70 miles per hour, rolled through Ameren’s service territory Friday afternoon and evening.
• In the past several days, severe weather has also impacted multiple states including Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Wisconsin and Illinois. Utilities in these states, including Ameren, have also called for mutual aid.
  • With resources stretched throughout the Midwest, we appreciate our customers’ patience as our crews work to safely restore power as quickly as possible.  

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 X 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.  

HOW AMEREN MISSOURI SAFELY RESTORES POWER

• 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 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.
• Allow electric company workers and contractors to rebuild and make repairs. They follow strict safety guidelines, so please keep your distance to allow them to complete their work.