Ameren Corporation has announced a $1 million donation to assist in recovery efforts from the powerful storms and tornado that struck the St. Louis metropolitan region and surrounding areas on Friday, May 16.
“These devastating storms struck at the heart of our communities, impacting our customers, employees, neighbors and friends,” said Martin J. Lyons Jr., chairman, president and chief executive officer of Ameren.
“Seeing the damage firsthand is heartbreaking, but our crews are working tirelessly to rebuild what’s been lost. This $1 million commitment is one more way we’re standing shoulder to shoulder with the communities we serve as they begin the long road to recovery.”
Ameren will provide $750,000 to community organizations to help assist in the ongoing recovery efforts.
Partner organizations receiving the recovery funds are the United Way of Greater St. Louis, the American Red Cross, The Salvation Army, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and the City of St. Louis Tornado Response Fund.
These relief efforts will include critical services, such as relocation assistance, tree removal, property cleanup, emergency repairs, temporary housing, food, clothing, essential supplies and transportation.
Ameren will also provide $250,000 in energy assistance support for income eligible customers in Missouri and Illinois directly impacted by the storms. These funds will be administered through select Dollar More agencies in Missouri (visit AmerenMissouri.com/DollarMore).
Illinois customers can contact the Salvation Army Midland Division at 1-800-Sal-Army. For more information about additional energy assistance options visit Ameren.com/energy-assistance.
Ameren Missouri on Tuesday announced updates to customer assistance programs and process changes. They include:
- Pausing disconnects for nonpayment for 60 days (through July 2025) in heavily impacted areas
- Requiring no upfront deposits for new service for 90 days (through August 2025) for customers impacted by storm damage
- Making available a special payment arrangement requiring only 20% down, available for 90 days (through August 2025), for customers impacted by storm damage
- Increasing funds available in the New Start Energy Relief Program, which provides up to $1,000 to reestablish service
- Expanding funds available in Ameren Missouri’s Weatherization program allowing for certain storm repairs