AmerenUE to Give $4 Million to Missouri Department of Natural Resources Weatherization Program

April, 22 - AmerenUE announced that the company is contributing $2 million of a total $4 million contribution to the Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program administered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Energy Center. The contribution is earmarked to help low-income AmerenUE Missouri electric residential customers reduce their bills by conserving energy. This ranks as the single largest private contribution ever made to this program in Missouri.

AmerenUE is making an initial grant of $2 million that is available for distribution now. In addition, $500,000 will be provided on or before June 30 of each year for the next four years.

The contribution comes as part of an electric rate case settlement between AmerenUE and other parties that was approved in 2002 by the Missouri Public Service Commission. Through that settlement, AmerenUE Missouri electric customers are receiving $110 million in phased-in electric rate reductions, in addition to other programs to encourage energy conservation and to provide energy assistance to low-income customers.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources Energy Center operatesthe weatherization program with the support of local assistance agencies. The state Environmental Improvement and Energy Resources Authority will manage the $4 million in funding that AmerenUE is providing.

"Our goal with this program is to offer weatherization services that help as many needy customers as possible prepare for hot summer and cold winter weather through energy-efficient improvements that reduce utility bills," says Anita Randolph, Energy Center director. "AmerenUE, the Office of Public Counsel and the Staff of the Missouri Public Service Commission have been our partners in developing an approach that will help many more low-income customers conserve energy through the addition of adequate insulation, caulking, weather stripping and moreefficient appliances or heating and ventilation systems."

To receive these services, each potential participant who is anactive AmerenUE electric customer can contact one of 14 assistance agencies, where a needs assessment will determine which clients receive the services and at what level. These agencies perform weatherization services with their own staffs or contract with vendors to provide needed services based on program criteria.

Ameren President and Chief Operating Officer Gary Rainwater adds that the utility has sponsored a number of programs from supporting volunteer efforts to weatherize homes to funding increased use of energy efficient systems to a range of energy education programs. "However, this contribution, simply by its scope, will yield significant benefits to individuals and families who are struggling with their energy bills," says Rainwater.

The participating agencies, the location of their main offices and their phone numbers follow: (Each agency serves multiple counties.)

-- In St. Louis City: the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, 314-615-3612

-- In St. Louis County: Services Toward Empowering People, 314-863-0015

-- In Hillsboro: Jefferson-Franklin Community Action Corporation, 636-789-2686

-- In Maryville: Community Services, Inc. of Northwest Missouri, 660-582-3114

-- In Park Hills: East Missouri Action Agency, Inc., 573-431-5191

-- In Portageville: Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation, 573-379-5701

-- In Columbia: Central Missouri Counties' Human Development Corporation, 573-443-8706;

-- In Appleton City: West Central Missouri Community Action Agency, 660-476-2185

-- In Marshall: Missouri Valley Community Action Agency, 660-886-7476

-- In Richland: Missouri Ozarks Community Action, Inc., 573-765-3263

-- In Trenton: Green Hills Community Action Agency, 660-359-3907

-- In Bowling Green: North East Community Action Corporation, 573-324-2251'

-- In Kansas City: Kansas City Department of Housing and Community Development, 816-513-3000

-- In Kirksville: Northeast Missouri Community Action Agency, 660-665-9855

AmerenUE is a subsidiary of St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation. Ameren companies serve 1.7 million electric customers and 500,000 natural gas customers over a 49,000-square-mile area of Missouri and Illinois.

Source: PR Newswire, Ameren Corporation

Page Last Updated: December 7, 2005