Ameren Missouri donates 73 air conditioners to central Missouri agency
As temperatures rise, company reminds customers to register for programs designed to keep vulnerable neighbors safe and cool during the summer heat
Ameren Missouri recently donated 73 ENERGY STAR® rated window air conditioners to the Samaritan Center in Jefferson City. On average, the energy-efficient air conditioners cost less than a dollar a day to operate.
"With triple-digit temperatures and high humidity common this time of year, we want to ensure that our customers stay safe and healthy," said Mark Birk, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri. "We encourage customers to run their air conditioners in this dangerously hot weather. The few dollars it takes to run your air conditioner doesn’t compare to the value of protecting your health and staying safe."
This year's air conditioner donation marks the 22nd anniversary of Cool Down Missouri's “Save our Seniors” (S.O.S) Cooling Summer Project. It is the 17th year of participation by Ameren Missouri, resulting in more than 9,000 window air conditioning units delivered to qualified seniors and people with disabilities across the region.
"This heat gets dangerous very quickly, especially for seniors and people with disabilities who may not have access to air conditioning," said Chip Webb, director, Central Missouri Division, Ameren Missouri. "These energy-efficient air conditioners will help ensure that our vulnerable customers stay safe and cool this summer."
Older adults and people with disabilities, as well as low- to moderate-income families, are encouraged to apply for the energy assistance funds by visiting Cooldownmissouri.org.
Ameren Missouri resources are available for seniors and those with medical concerns. Customers and their families are encouraged to visit AmerenMissouri.com/HealthAndSafety for information on Medical Equipment Registry (MER), the Caring Contact program, and energy assistance options including the Keeping Cool program and low-income weatherization assistance.
Medical Equipment Registry – Allows customers to register electrically operated life-sustaining medical equipment so Ameren Missouri can notify them about planned maintenance outages.
Caring Contact – Eligible customers may designate a person or agency for Ameren Missouri to contact prior to disconnection for nonpayment. Caring Contact helps protect the health and safety of older adults and people with disabilities who may need additional support in handling potential disconnection of service.
Keeping Cool – Helps make summer energy bills more affordable for seniors, people with disabilities, the chronically ill or households with young children. It includes up to three monthly electric bill credits in the summer months to keep customers cool and safe.
Low-Income Weatherization Assistance – Income-eligible homeowners and renters can request weatherization improvements to their homes through local agencies. The improvements include caulking, water heater jackets, weather stripping and insulation.
Energy assistance is available to Ameren Missouri customers who need help paying their bills. Visit AmerenMissouri.com/EnergyAssistance to learn about various support options, including the Clean Slate program. Ameren Missouri recently expanded the program and added $1 million in additional funding.
Assistance and account management programs include:
LIHEAP – The State of Missouri offers assistance for income-eligible customers through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). To apply online, visit myDSS.mo.gov/energy-assistance.
Budget Billing Plan – Customer’s annual energy bill is averaged over the past year and a fixed amount is billed monthly, making it easier to budget.
Pick A Due Date – Customers may pick the day of the month that is most convenient for paying their Ameren Missouri energy bill.
Energy-Efficiency Rebates – A variety of rebates are available to help reduce energy usage. Visit AmerenMissouriSavings.com for details.
About Cooldownstlouis.org and Cooldownmissouri.org
Cooldownstlouis.org is a bistate nonprofit dedicated to providing education and resources to help the most vulnerable citizens, especially seniors, low-income families and the physically disabled. The organization works with more than 34 agencies to make sure utility bills are paid and the community's most vulnerable citizens have access to the energy-efficient air conditioners they need to stay safe.