News Releases

Severe winter weather has again caused temperatures to plummet throughout Missouri – resulting in an increased demand for electricity. To meet demand, the Ameren Missouri Osage Energy Center will be generating electricity as normal – releasing water into the Osage River.

The increased demand for electricity can result in river-level fluctuations as icing conditions exist. Property owners are urged to take appropriate measures to protect their docks from level fluctuations, ice formations and other winter conditions that can occur under these extreme weather icing conditions.

Ameren Missouri provides recorded information about Lake of the Ozarks levels – updated daily on weekdays – at 1.573.365.9205. In addition, hourly information about water levels is available at AmerenMissouri.com/Lake (click on Lake Levels & Operations). For example, typically there is a 20- to 24-hour delay from when water released at the Osage Energy Center reaches Osage River areas near Jefferson City.

Ameren Missouri offers the following tips:

• If possible, remove docks before the onset of cold weather.

• Disconnect hinges linking docks and seawalls or piers to allow the entire structure to follow the water level up and down.

• Lengthen cables to permit docks to drop as the river level drops.

• During any absences from the property, ask nearby neighbors to watch their dock or retain a local boat dealer or dock builder to care for the property during the winter season.

• Use a dock deicer to help protect docks from damage caused by ice forming around the dock. A deicer will not provide dock protection against large masses of ice flowing downstream and impacting docks.

Ameren Missouri also reminds the public that water releases from Bagnell Dam into the Osage River can occur at any time. These releases can result in swift currents and rapidly rising water levels in the river.

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 500 towns, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit AmerenMissouri.com.

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CONTACT: Missouri Communications, 314.554.2182, missouricommunications@ameren.com