Thousands of Missourians Facing Power Shutoffs as Energy Costs Rise

St. Louis, Mo. (KFMO) - Electricity prices across eastern Missouri continue to strain family budgets, with nearly 15,000 Ameren Missouri customers losing power in September alone.

Newly released data from the Missouri Public Service Commission shows 14,999 disconnections last month, following 14,375 in August, almost three times July’s total. Historically, October sees the highest number of power shutoffs. In 2022, Ameren disconnected more than 20,000 customers that month, far surpassing prior months. The utility says bills should drop this October due to cooler weather, but didn’t confirm whether disconnections are following past patterns.

Ameren reported distributing $2.4 million in energy assistance in September and $1.2 million in August. A study from the Consumers Council of Missouri found that electricity and gas rates in the state are rising faster than inflation and wage growth.

Ameren raised its electricity rates by nearly 12% this year, with further increases expected as data centers expand across Missouri.