Ameren Missouri donates 800 air conditioners to Cooldownstlouis.org
Customers encouraged to register for Ameren Missouri programs designed to keep vulnerable neighbors safe and cool during the summer heat
In preparation for the hot summer weeks ahead, Ameren Missouri donated 800 Energy Star rated window air conditioners to Cooldownstlouis.org. On average, energy-efficient air conditioners cost less than a dollar a day to operate, allowing customers to stay cool and safe.
“Each summer, we make this annual giveaway a priority to help keep hundreds of our elderly and disabled neighbors safe and cool," said Mark Birk, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri. “Our longtime partnership with Cooldownstlouis.org and Cooldownmissouri.org focuses on helping our most vulnerable customers stay safe during the heat of the summer.”
Volunteers load up donated AC units for statewide distribution.
This year's air conditioner donation marks the 23rd anniversary of Cooldownstlouis.org and Cooldownmissouri.org’s “Save our Seniors” (S.O.S) Cooling Summer Project. 2023 marks Ameren Missouri’s 18th year of participating in the program. Since then, Ameren Missouri has helped deliver nearly 10,000 window air conditioner units to qualified seniors and people with disabilities across the region.
“I can attest without exception that this charity, Cooldownstlouis.org has saved lives; and does save lives,” said St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson. “This Ameren and Cooldownstlouis.org joint effort is a phenomenal public service instrument.”
Cooldownstlouis.org and Cooldownmissouri.org will also be distributing 200,000 cooling cards with helpful summer tips, along with Ameren Missouri's contact information to connect customers to available resources.
“Being without an A/C unit can be a life-or-death decision for many throughout the St. Louis region,” said Michael P. McMillan, president and CEO of Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. “The Ameren Cool Down commitment to the region and state has become a lifesaver to Urban League, Sal Army, CAASTLC, and so many other partnering agencies.”
Additional 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 – Register your medical equipment so that we can notify you about planned maintenance outages. You should also have a back-up plan in place for emergency outages.
The Caring Contact Program – 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 Program – Helps make summer energy bills more affordable for senior citizens, those with children under 5 or who have a documented chronic medical condition. It includes up to five monthly electric bill credits in the summer months to keep customers cool and safe.
Weatherization Assistance – Qualifying income-eligible homeowners and renters within the area are eligible to receive assistance in the form of weatherization improvements to their homes through local agencies. Elderly and disabled persons are given preference. The improvements include caulking, water heater jackets, weather stripping, and insulation.
Ameren Missouri also offers energy efficiency programs designed to benefit income-eligible customers, helping them save energy and money without sacrificing comfort. Since the launch of the first energy efficiency program in 2009, Ameren Missouri has invested more than $700 million in energy and cost savings opportunities for its customers. Additionally, these programs create opportunities for community partnerships, including hundreds of retailers and trade allies statewide to implement multiple energy efficiency programs with residential and business customers.
Older adults and people with disabilities, as well as low- to moderate-income families are encouraged to apply for energy assistance funds by visiting Cooldownstlouis.org and Cooldownmissouri.org websites or by calling 314.241.0001 or 314.834.0034, which are their hotlines for seniors and people with disabilities only.