Ameren Missouri donates 950 air conditioners to help customers stay safe this summer
Donation supports Cooldown partners and highlights available energy assistance for customers
In preparation for the hot summer months ahead, Ameren Missouri donated 950 ENERGY STAR certified window air conditioners to Cooldownstlouis.org and Cooldownmissouri.org for qualifying customers living in St. Louis and communities throughout Missouri. On average, energy-efficient air conditioners cost less than $1 a day to operate. Access to an energy-efficient unit can help households stay safe during periods of high heat.
Volunteers work to load up donated AC units to be distributed to those in need.
“Living through the heat of a Midwest summer can be really hard, and we know that hot weather can put added strain on households needing reliable cooling,” said Michael Moehn, group president of Ameren Utilities. “Thanks to this longstanding and impactful partnership, our customers will have access to air conditioners and cooling resources ahead of the dangerous summer heat.”
This year's air conditioner donation marks the 26th anniversary of Cooldownstlouis.org and Cooldownmissouri.org’s “Save our Seniors” (S.O.S.) summer cooling project. Since joining the program 21 years ago, Ameren Missouri has helped deliver more than 20,000 donated energy-efficient window air conditioners.
“Cooldownmissouri.org is a vital charity and an essential lifeline, protecting thousands of seniors and households with vulnerable infants during dangerously hot, humid summer days,” said Lt. Gov. David Wasinger. “Our partnership with Ameren acts as a much-needed life preserver for Missourians who simply cannot afford a new, energy-efficient window air conditioner.”
Energy assistance is also available to qualifying Ameren Missouri customers who need help paying their bills. The company offers several assistance programs:
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.
Keeping Cool – Provides up to five bill credits of $50 each from May through September for income-eligible customers, including senior citizens, those with children under age 5 and individuals who have a documented chronic medical condition or disability.
LIHEAP Summer Crisis Assistance – Eligible customers can receive up to $300.
Flexible payment arrangements can also be made with Ameren Missouri.
For more information on Ameren Missouri's energy assistance programs, please visit AmerenMissouri.com/EnergyAssistance.