Cooldownstlouis.org and Cooldownmissouri.org receive 800 air conditioners from Ameren Missouri
Vulnerable customers are encouraged to register for programs designed to keep them safe and cool during the summer months
In preparation for the hot summer weeks ahead, Ameren Missouri donated 800 ENERGY STAR certified window air conditioners to Cooldownstlouis.org and Cooldownmissouri.org to support the most vulnerable customers in St. Louis and eastern Missouri. On average, energy-efficient air conditioners cost less than a dollar a day to operate, allowing customers to stay cool and safe.
Missouri Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe joins other volunteers as they load up donated AC units to be distributed to those in need.
“It is critically important for our most vulnerable customers to have access to air conditioners ahead of the dangerous heat,” said Mark Birk, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri. “Thanks to this impactful partnership, we can continue to help keep our neighbors cool and safe this summer.
This year's air conditioner donation marks the 24th anniversary of Cooldownstlouis.org and Cooldownmissouri.org’s “Save our Seniors” (S.O.S) summer cooling project. Additionally, 2024 is Ameren Missouri's 19th year of participating in the program.
As part of a pilot program, Ameren Missouri also donated 100 Google Nest smart thermostats to Cooldownstlouis.org and Cooldownmissouri.org for those with forced air HVAC systems. By programming a smart thermostat, users can save up to 12% on their cooling costs.
“Cool Down Missouri, with great support from Ameren, works to provide public education, utility and A/C resources to keep those in the St. Louis area safe and cool during the hot summer months,” said Missouri Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, co-chair of Cooldownmissouri.org’s board of directors. “Thank you to the many area businesses, first responders and volunteers for their consistent leadership and support of this great cause.”
In addition to Ameren Missouri President Mark Birk and Missouri Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, several other elected officials and dignitaries from the St. Louis area attended the distribution event, including State Sen. Karla May, D-St. Louis; Michael McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Inc.; Dennis Jenkerson, chief of the St. Louis Fire Department; and more.
Ameren Missouri also provides several programs and resources for seniors and those with medical concerns. Interested customers and their families are encouraged to visit AmerenMissouri.com/HealthAndSafety for more information on the following programs:
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 vulnerable customers who may need additional support in handling potential disconnection of service.
Medical Equipment Registry – Register your medical equipment so that we can notify you about planned maintenance outages.
Medical Hardship Extension – Sometimes a medical emergency can present a challenge in paying your bill on time. Call 800.552.7583 to learn more.
Critical Medical Need Program – For Ameren customers with a serious medical condition where loss of utility service may aggravate the illness or prevent the use of life-support equipment. Certified medical providers must complete and submit the form. Call the United Way at 211 for more details.
Keeping Cool Program – This program provides up to five bill credits of $50 from May through September. Eligible customers include senior citizens, those with children under 5 or who have a documented chronic medical condition or a disability.
Weatherization Assistance – Qualifying homeowners and renters may also be eligible to receive weatherization improvements to their homes through local agencies.
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. 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. For more information about Ameren Missouri's energy efficiency programs, please visit ameren.com/missouri/residential/energy-efficiency.