News Releases

Weather update: There is a threat for severe weather from 1-8 p.m. today throughout Ameren Missouri’s entire service territory, including a high threat in Southeast Missouri. We are closely monitoring. We continue to work safely to restore power to customers as soon as possible.
 

Today, more than 1,800 people are currently engaged to help restore power. We’ve safely restored 116,000 Missouri customers to date.
 

• We anticipate the majority of customers from the weekend storm systems will be restored by this evening, assuming continued safe working conditions and weather conditions do not delay our progress
• The number of customers without power is approximately 13,000 as of 12 p.m. See the Ameren outage map for the latest: www.ameren.com/outagemap
• In the event of any new outages due to potential weather threats today, please note that we are prioritizing older outages to return those customers to service.

We estimate a total of more than 190 poles have been replaced or still require replacement. Our crews are addressing significant tree and infrastructure damage caused by strong winds. We also are seeing damage to transformers and substations.

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.  

We understand that our customers are frustrated because they are experiencing an extended outage, and we ask for patience as our crews work to restore power. We also advise customers to 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.  
 

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.  

RESTORATION PRIORITIES

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 
 

Once power is restored to critical infrastructure, we focus on getting the most customers restored in the quickest and most efficient manner. Crews begin with main lines – those that can restore power to perhaps thousands of people – and then move to lines that affect individual homes and neighborhoods.
 

ADDITIONAL RESTORATION INFORMATION

Because of their general location along primary power lines, homes in the same neighborhood may be restored at different times. It's also why businesses are sometimes restored first.
 

After the outage restoration concludes, Ameren crews will continue to work to repair damaged equipment not impacting service and conduct general maintenance for several days to ensure the energy grid stays reliable.
 

As we work to secure power to our communities, we would like to remind homeowners that equipment attached directly to a house (such as conduit or the meter base) is the responsibility of the homeowner.  If a homeowner has experienced damage to this equipment, we may not be able to restore service until repairs have been made by a qualified electrician. More information on homeowner responsibilities can be found here.

SAFETY 

• 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.
• 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.