Ameren Missouri donates 900 air conditioners to Cooldownstlouis.org

Vulnerable customers are encouraged to register for Ameren Missouri programs designed to keep them safe and cool during the summer heat

In preparation for the hot summer weeks ahead, Ameren Missouri donated 900 ENERGY STAR certified window air conditioners to Cooldownstlouis.org and Cooldownmissouri.org to support the company’s most vulnerable customers in St. Louis and throughout Missouri. On average, energy-efficient air conditioners cost less than a dollar a day to operate, allowing customers to stay cool and safe.

Volunteers work to load up donated AC units to be distributed to those in need.

“We understand the recent severe weather had a devastating impact on our communities, so we’re continuing to offer additional assistance in a variety of ways to help keep our neighbors cool and safe this summer,” said Mark Birk, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri. “Thanks to this impactful partnership, our most vulnerable customers will have greater access to air conditioners ahead of the dangerous summer heat.”

This year's air conditioner donation marks the 25th anniversary of Cooldownstlouis.org and Cooldownmissouri.org’s “Save our Seniors” (S.O.S.) summer cooling project. Since joining the program 20 years ago, Ameren Missouri has helped deliver nearly 20,000 donated energy-efficient window air conditioners.

"Cool Down St. Louis and Ameren Missouri's collaboration to help St. Louisans stay cool and safe during the hottest months of the year shows exactly what our nonprofit and business community is made of,” said St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer. “I'm proud to work with them and others to accomplish this life-saving work.”

In addition to Ameren leadership and the mayor of St. Louis, several other elected officials and leaders from the St. Louis area attended the distribution event, including Missouri Lt. Gov. David Wasinger; Sen. Karla May, D-St. Louis; St. Louis Fire Department Chief Dennis Jenkerson; and more. 

From an energy efficiency perspective, Ameren Missouri offers several programs designed to benefit income-eligible customers, helping them save energy and money without sacrificing comfort. For more information on available programs, please visit ameren.com/missouri/residential/energy-efficiency.

Energy assistance is also available to Ameren Missouri customers who need help paying their bills. Visit AmerenMissouri.com/EnergyAssistance to find an agency and learn about all program options, including:

  • Cooldownstlouis.org/AmerenAssistance – Clients are eligible for upwards of $600. Call 314.241.0001 for more information.

  • Veterans Assistance – Active-duty military and veterans can receive up to $600 to help pay a past-due utility bill. Call 211 for details.

  • Dollar More – Eligible customers can receive up to $600.

  • LIHEAP Summer Crisis Assistance – Eligible customers can receive up to $300.

  • Flexible payment arrangements and payment agreements can also be made with Ameren Missouri.

For more information on Cooldownstlouis.org's air conditioner program, please visit their website. 

Published on by Gregory Hauenstein.