As part of its Air Conditioner Giveaway Program, Ameren Missouri donated 150 window air conditioner units to Cool Down St. Louis, which will distribute them to disabled and elderly Ameren Missouri customers throughout the St. Louis region.
The air conditioners are ENERGY STAR units that meet the strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy.
“Our Air Conditioner Giveaway Program focuses on helping ensure our most vulnerable customers are safe during the hot summer months,” said Ameren Missouri Chairman, President and CEO Warner Baxter. “Owning an air conditioner or having access to one is a vital part of staying safe and cool when it’s hot outside. As an additional part of the program, we’re encouraging people who have air conditioners to use them when it’s extremely hot. The few dollars it takes to run an air conditioner doesn’t compare to protecting your health and being safe.”
The Energy Star units donated by Ameren Missouri cost about 70 cents per day to operate.
Eligible recipients have already been selected by Cool Down St. Louis and its partner agencies, which use poverty guidelines and other circumstances to determine qualification.
“Ameren Missouri’s gift of 150 air conditioners comes at a time when many seniors and disabled people have financial challenges and can’t afford to stay cool,” said Melanie DiLeo, Board Chairwoman of Cool Down St. Louis. “Today’s action by Ameren Missouri marks a gift of life, and hopefully will provide a second chance for many of our frail area residents to remain cool and safe during what is often a smothering summer.”
“Ameren Missouri continues to be an effective partner with Cool Down St. Louis by demonstrating a corporate spirit of giving to our area seniors, people with disabilities, as well as by supporting other outreach and public education initiatives throughout the region,” said Dennis Jenkerson, Chief of the St. Louis Fire Department and representative of the Greater St. Louis Area Fire Chief's Association.
This is the seventh year that Ameren Missouri has sponsored the program. Since 2006, approximately 2,800 air conditioners have been donated through the program.
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Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than a century, and our electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. We serve 1.2 million electric and 127,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. Our mission is to meet their energy needs in a safe, reliable, efficient and environmentally responsible manner. Our service area covers 63 counties and more than 500 towns, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit AmerenMissouri.com.
CONTACT: Missouri Communications, 314.554.2182, missouricommunications@ameren.com