Ameren contributes $50,000 to American Red Cross to support flood-relief efforts

Funds will assist communities in Ameren's service territory affected by flooding

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Jan 06, 2016, 12:43 ET

ST. LOUIS, Jan. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- As residents impacted by last week's historic flooding begin the cleanup process, Ameren Corporation is pledging $50,000 to the American Red Cross to assist with the region's flood-relief efforts.

"This generous donation from Ameren will help us provide real help and hope to our neighbors who lost their homes, belongings and security in the Christmas floodwaters," said American Red Cross of Eastern Missouri CEO Cindy Erickson. "Ameren continues to be a critical partner when this region experiences a crisis."

This contribution is part of the Ameren Cares initiative, which connects Ameren with the communities it serves through charitable giving and volunteering. A key focus of Ameren Cares is to partner with nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life in Ameren's service territory in Illinois and Missouri.

"Our thoughts go out to those affected by unprecedented floodwaters," said Michael Moehn, president, Ameren Missouri. "Ameren employees have been working diligently to assist families, friends and neighbors within the flooded communities. We hope this donation will provide some relief during this difficult time for our customers and our community."

To date, Ameren Missouri restored service to approximately 1,200 customers. The utility will continue to dispatch damage assessment personnel to work together with local authorities to evaluate approximately 600 remaining customer locations without power as part of the process to restore power safely to those affected by the flood.

"We are continuing to monitor flood levels in Illinois and have crews ready to assist anyone affected by flooding," said Richard Mark, president, Ameren Illinois. "Disconnecting electric or natural gas service is a safety precaution for our customers and will allow for a safer restoration once the water subsides."

American Red Cross disaster relief workers continue to provide urgently needed assistance to residents of the flooded area. To date, the Red Cross has delivered 21,142 meals and snacks and provided 676 shelter night stays. Currently, shelters in Arnold and Cape Girardeau in Missouri and Granite City and Murphysboro in Illinois remain open. In addition today, Red Cross volunteers are distributing clean up supplies in Arnold, Valley Park and Portage Des Sioux. Those who need emergency assistance can call 314.516.2700.

About Ameren
St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric delivery and transmission service as well as natural gas delivery service while Ameren Missouri provides vertically integrated electric service, with generating capacity of over 10,200 megawatts, and natural gas delivery service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops regional electric transmission projects. Follow the company on Twitter @AmerenCorp. For more information, visit Ameren.com.

About the American Red Cross of Eastern Missouri
Celebrating 97 years of dedicated service in the region, the American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies. Thousands of volunteers and generous donors provide community support services including disaster relief, preparedness efforts, training in lifesaving skills, service to military families and blood services. The Greater St. Louis Region covers St. Louis City, and 66 surrounding counties in Missouri and Illinois. All disaster relief services are free. To learn more about the Red Cross and how you can help, contact your local Red Cross by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767) or visit redcross.org.

SOURCE Ameren Corporation