Helping College Students Power Up for the School Year
Ameren Missouri provides energy-saving tips to college students as they return to campus
As college students return to campus for the start of a new school year, their to-do list can be daunting. In addition to books, supplies and more, many of them will be moving into a new residence, and they will need to connect their utilities. Students and new renters can visit Ameren.com/MoveIn for easy and convenient tips to connect and manage their energy service.
For students living with roommates, only one person needs to open an account for their residence, and this person is responsible for ensuring full payment is submitted on time each month. To set up their account, the individual only needs to provide their name, Social Security number, connection date and service address. In addition to starting service, Ameren Missouri recommends residents engage in strategies for monitoring and managing their energy usage.
“The college lifestyle isn’t always conducive to energy savings,” said Joe Solari, vice president of Customer Experience for Ameren. “When televisions, gaming devices and lights are on in several rooms or the oven is in use for a few hours each night, an electric bill can quickly add up.”
The Ameren mobile app allows users to easily manage their accounts.
The following tips can help keep energy usage under control:
Purchase a smart power strip.
Stay attentive – turn off any lights, electronics or game consoles inadvertently left on.
Monitor television, gaming device usage and set a sleep mode at night.
Remove computers, phones and chargers from wall outlets once electronics are fully charged.
Run a full dishwasher.
Change the thermostat a few degrees, especially when no one is home.
Try using smaller appliances such as microwaves, toasters and crock pots for smaller meals, instead of larger appliances like ovens and stovetops. ·
Download the Ameren mobile app. The app allows users to easily make account payments, while also giving them the ability to review usage and energy statements.
Ameren Missouri also recommends college students consider the following electric safety tips in their residence halls or apartments:
Check all appliance cords and chargers for damage, such as cracking or fraying before plugging them in.
Avoid overloading power strips and outlets, and only use extension cords as a temporary solution.
Look for power strips with over-current protectors so the power will automatically shut off if necessary.
For more energy saving tips, please visit AmerenMissouriSavings.com. Additional safety information is available at Ameren.com/Safety.