#United States #St. Louis #Energy Savings #Ameren Missouri #Winter Energy

Managing Your Energy Costs This Winter

As winter settles in, many customers might not realize that this season can significantly impact their energy consumption. Ameren Missouri, a key player in providing electricity to over 1.3 million customers, reveals that January and February are the peak months for electricity use, despite the common misconception that summer air conditioning drives energy costs. Understanding these trends is crucial for effective budgeting and energy savings.

Understanding Energy Usage Patterns

In both 2024 and 2025, Ameren Missouri customers reported an average electricity usage of approximately 1,300 kilowatt-hours (kWh) during the first two months of the year, marking winter as a time of higher consumption. This revelation might come as a surprise to many, who associate high energy bills primarily with the summer months. During winter, our energy use is often spread across various domestic needs like heating, lighting, and spending more time indoors rather than relying on a single contributor like air conditioning.

Ameren offers multiple tools and flexible billing options aimed at helping customers stay on top of their energy usage. For instance:

• - My Energy Manager: This feature is suitable for customers with upgraded meters, allowing them to monitor energy consumption by appliance, giving them insights into their habits and potential areas for improvement.
• - Budget Billing: A preferred option for many customers who would like to level out their monthly payments throughout the year, making budgeting easier and reducing surprises on their energy bills.
• - Ameren Mobile App: This intuitive app offers ongoing visibility into energy usage throughout the billing period, empowering consumers to make informed decisions.

According to Jeronica Jenkins, the director of customer care at Ameren, "Understanding when and how energy is used is one way we help customers stay informed and in control. Our job is to deliver the energy customers need—24 hours a day, 365 days a year—while keeping bills as low as possible with rates 27% below the national average. We are putting more choices in our customers' hands so they can decide what works best for them."

Seasonal Patterns Impacting Energy Consumption

Identifying seasonal consumption patterns can assist customers in predicting and preparing for months of higher energy usage. For instance, queries related to energy assistance can prevent minor financial difficulties from escalating as temperatures rise. Ameren advises customers who are dealing with challenges to reach out early for assistance, stating that their team is ready to provide support and help ease burdens during tougher times.

Conclusion

For over a century, Ameren Missouri has committed to providing low-cost electric and gas services. Their mission is to uplift the quality of life for their customers across central and eastern Missouri. As we navigate through the cold months, staying informed and taking proactive measures can lead to substantial savings and a more manageable energy bill. For more details, visit Ameren.com/Missouri or follow their social media for ongoing tips and insights on energy management. Armed with knowledge and the right tools, customers can turn this winter into a season of savings rather than a time of financial strain.