Marina
Ameren has disconnected electricity for more than 14,000 Missourians in August 2025, sparking alarm among St. Louis city leaders who are calling for another pause on disconnections.
This surge in shut-offs comes after months of rising energy costs, compounding the struggles of households already hit by economic pressures and the aftermath of the devastating May 16 tornado.
With the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) reporting the highest monthly disconnections in years, community advocates warn of severe risks to public health and safety.
Massive Spike in Disconnections
Records show that Ameren disconnected over 14,000 customers statewide in August, nearly triple the number of shut-offs recorded in July.
| Month | Number of Disconnections | Notable Factors |
|---|---|---|
| July 2025 | ~5,000 | Hot Weather Rule in effect, limiting shut-offs |
| August 2025 | 14,000+ | Rule expired Aug. 21, disconnections resumed |
| Increase | ~180% | Largest month-to-month spike in recent years |
This marks the first time since early summer that Ameren was allowed to carry out widespread shut-offs, as Missouri’s Hot Weather Rule had previously prohibited disconnections when temperatures exceeded 95°F or the heat index surpassed 105°F. That restriction ended on August 21, unleashing a backlog of disconnections.
High Bills, Rising Debt, and Vulnerable Families
Electricity prices have surged across Missouri in 2025. Ameren implemented a nearly 12% rate hike this year, citing the need to fund grid upgrades and cleaner energy investments. However, this has placed immense financial strain on families already grappling with stagnant wages.
- The average overdue balance per customer has climbed to $229, the highest ever recorded.
- The total amount owed to Ameren by delinquent accounts has exceeded $45 million.
- Many disconnections occurred in neighborhoods still recovering from tornado damage just three months ago.
Community advocates stress that losing power in the wake of disaster recovery undermines stability and places people at serious risk.
Residents without electricity face loss of refrigeration, internet, lighting, and cooling, which can be especially dangerous for seniors, children, and medically vulnerable individuals.
St. Louis Calls for Another Disconnection Pause
In response, the St. Louis Board of Aldermen unanimously passed a resolution asking Ameren to halt disconnections for families impacted by the May 16 tornado.
City officials argued that cutting power during recurring extreme heat waves can be life-threatening. The resolution highlighted how lack of electricity compounds trauma, disrupts recovery efforts, and threatens public health:
“Being disconnected from electricity during extreme heat waves, which are becoming more frequent, poses immediate and severe risks… Even outside of extreme weather events, the loss of electricity leaves families without lighting, refrigeration, internet access, and other basic necessities.”
Ameren’s Response and Assistance Measures
While Ameren said it does not disclose specific customer account details, the utility emphasized that it is providing financial support to struggling customers:
- Committed $4 million in bill payment assistance in August
- Eligible households can receive up to $1,400 in energy aid
- Encouraging customers to apply for state and federal utility assistance programs
Ameren stated that it remains aware of the challenges facing communities, especially those still recovering from the tornado, and is balancing customer support with operational sustainability.
The decision by Ameren to disconnect more than 14,000 Missourians in August underscores the mounting tension between rising utility costs and household financial instability.
As St. Louis leaders push for another pause on shut-offs, thousands of vulnerable families remain at risk of losing essential services amid high heat and ongoing disaster recovery.
The coming weeks will be critical as policymakers, advocates, and Ameren work to strike a balance between protecting public safety and maintaining the utility’s financial operations, while ensuring that no one is left in the dark during Missouri’s extreme weather season.