Ameren outage map and Bill Pay

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By James

Paying Bills Online

Paying your Ameren bill online is a quick and easy process. Here are the steps to pay your bill through the Ameren website:

  1. Go to Ameren.com and click on “Log In” at the top right of the screen. This will take you to the login page.

  2. Enter your username and password. If you haven’t registered for an online account yet, you can sign up on the login page.

  3. Once logged in, click on “Pay Bill” at the top of the screen. This will take you to the payment page.

  4. On the payment page, select your payment method. Ameren allows you to pay by credit card, debit card, checking account, or PayPal.

  5. Enter your payment information including card number, expiration date, and security code for credit/debit payments. For checking account payments, enter your routing and account numbers.

  6. Enter the payment amount and select the date you want the payment processed.

  7. Review the payment details and click “Submit Payment” to complete the transaction.

  8. You will receive a confirmation message once the payment is submitted.

Paying online is the fastest way to make sure your payment is received on time each month. Just log in to your Ameren account anytime to pay your bill in a few quick steps.

Customer Service Contact

Ameren’s customer service team is available by phone, email, and online chat to help with any questions about your electric service, report outages, billing, payments, and more.

By Phone

Ameren’s customer service phone number is 1-800-755-5000. Live agents are available Monday through Saturday from 6am to 10pm. Average wait times are 5-10 minutes during peak hours and under 5 minutes during off-peak times.

By Email

You can email Ameren customer support at custserv@ameren.com. Most emails receive a response within 24 hours. Provide your Ameren account number in your message for faster service.

Online Chat

Ameren offers live chat support on their website. Click the chat widget on any page to start a conversation with a customer service agent. Chat hours are Monday to Friday from 7am to 7pm. The chat feature connects you with an agent within seconds during operating hours.

Checking Outage Map

Ameren provides an interactive outage map on their website that allows customers to get real-time information on power outages in their area. This map can be used to see if there are any active outages affecting your home or business.

To access the outage map, visit the Ameren website and go to the “Outage Center” page. On this page you’ll see a box labeled “Outage Map” with a big blue button that says “View Outage Map”. Click this button to open the full screen map.

The outage map shows a map of the Ameren service area color coded by region. You can zoom in to street level. Any areas experiencing an outage will be shaded in red or orange. This allows you to quickly see any current outages in your neighborhood.

Hovering over a red or orange shaded area will display details about that outage, including the number of customers affected, estimated restoration time, and cause of the outage if known.

If your power is out, you can report the outage directly from the map. Find your location on the map and click the “Report Outage” link. This will open a form where you can enter your phone number or account number so they can match your report to your home address.

The outage map provides the quickest way to check for power outages affecting your home. Be sure to bookmark the page so you can access it easily whenever needed. Monitoring the map means you’ll get up-to-date ETAs on when power may be restored during an outage.

Electric Rate Plans

Ameren offers a variety of electric rate plans for residential and business customers. Understanding the differences can help you select the right plan for your needs and budget.

Residential Plans

Fixed Rate – This plan provides a locked-in rate that does not change from month-to-month for the term of your contract. It gives price stability and protects against rate increases.

Variable Rate – With this plan, your rate may go up or down from month to month based on market conditions. Rates are typically lower at first but may increase over time.

Prepaid – Pay for electricity before you use it and receive alerts when your balance gets low. Unused kWh credits roll over to the next month. New smart meters required.

Time-of-Day – Get lower rates during “off-peak” evening and weekend hours but higher rates during “on-peak” weekday hours. Smart meters required.

Budget Billing – Pay a consistent amount each month based on your expected annual usage. Your account is reconciled annually.

Business Plans

Time-of-Use – Off-peak and on-peak weekday pricing like residential plans. Rates and hours may vary for large commercial customers.

Demand Pricing – Pay for the max hourly kW demand during each billing cycle, in addition to kWh usage. Lower demand helps minimize bill amounts.

Large Power Service – Custom pricing available for high energy use customers with minimum demands of 2,500 kW or higher.

New customer promotions with sign-up bonuses may be available. Be sure to compare Ameren’s current rates for your home or business to find potential savings.

Rebates and Incentives

Ameren offers a variety of rebates and incentives to help customers save energy and money. Taking advantage of these programs can significantly reduce your energy bills.

Appliance and Equipment Rebates

Rebates are available for purchasing ENERGY STAR certified appliances like refrigerators, clothes washers, room air conditioners, and air purifiers. You can also receive rebates for installing high efficiency electric heating and cooling equipment. Qualified products include central air conditioners, air source heat pumps, ductless mini-split heat pumps, and ground source heat pumps. Make sure to check the eligibility requirements on Ameren’s website.

Home Weatherization Rebates

Ameren provides rebates to customers who complete eligible home weatherization improvements. Some examples include installing insulation, sealing air leaks and ducts, and upgrading to efficient windows and doors. Weatherization rebates can cover up to 50% of the project cost, up to $1,500. You’ll need a pre- and post-inspection from a participating contractor to qualify.

Smart Thermostat Rebates

Purchasing and installing a qualifying smart thermostat can earn you a $100 rebate from Ameren. Smart thermostats help save energy by optimizing heating and cooling runtimes. Many models allow you to adjust temperatures remotely using your smartphone or other smart devices. Check Ameren’s website for the list of eligible smart thermostat models.

HVAC System Upgrades

Upgrading your home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system to a high efficiency model can qualify for generous rebates. For example, installing an ENERGY STAR Most Efficient certified central air conditioner or air source heat pump can earn a $650 rebate. There are also rebates available for ductless mini-split heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, boiler systems, and more. Contact Ameren or visit their website to learn about all available HVAC equipment rebates.

Taking advantage of Ameren’s rebates and incentives is a great way to save on energy costs while making your home more comfortable. Be sure to review all program terms, eligibility requirements, and application instructions prior to purchasing new equipment or completing projects. The Ameren website provides all the details needed to successfully apply and claim these money-saving rebates.

Billing and Payment FAQ

When is my bill due?

Your bill is due within 21 days of the bill date printed on your statement. The due date is indicated on your bill.

What are the payment options?

There are several ways to pay your Ameren bill:

  • Online through your MyAmeren account
  • By phone using Ameren’s automated payment line at 1-800-552-7583
  • By mail by sending your payment to the address listed on your statement
  • In person at an authorized payment location
  • Enroll in auto-pay to have payments automatically deducted from your bank account each month

What if I’m going on vacation and need to pay late?

You can request a payment extension by calling 1-800-755-5000 before the due date. An extension moves your due date back 10 days without a late fee.

What happens if I pay late?

A late payment fee of 1.5% of your past due balance is applied if payment is received more than 5 days after the due date.

How can I go paperless?

Sign up for eBilling to receive bills electronically instead of by mail. You’ll get an email notification when your bill is ready to view online through your MyAmeren account.

What if I’m having trouble paying my bill?

Ameren offers payment plan options, including budget billing to even out payments over 12 months and flexible payment arrangements for past due balances. Call 1-800-755-5000 to discuss bill payment assistance.

Start, Stop, or Move Service

To start new electric service with Ameren, first check to see if there is existing service at the location. If so, you can start service by contacting Ameren and providing the service address as well as your move-in date. You will need to provide personal information such as your name, date of birth, and social security number to set up a new account.

If there is not existing electric service already connected, you will need to request a new service connection. Contact Ameren at least 5 business days before your move-in date to schedule a service connection appointment. There may be fees associated with establishing new service, such as installation costs.

When moving out and stopping service with Ameren, provide advance notice of at least 3 business days. You will need to provide a stop service date and forwarding address. Make sure all electricity use at the property has stopped before the final read date to avoid additional charges.

To transfer service to a new address, the process is similar to starting new service. Contact Ameren and provide details on both your old and new service addresses. Make sure to provide several days overlap so that power is not disconnected between the two locations. There are typically no fees to transfer service.

Ameren may require a deposit for new service accounts. Make sure identification and other documentation required for establishing service is ready before contacting Ameren and scheduling appointments. Proper planning allows a smooth transition of electrical service.

Energy Saving Tips

Here are some ways Ameren customers can conserve energy and lower their electric bills:

  • Adjust your thermostat settings – In summer, set the thermostat to 78°F or higher when you’re home and away. In winter, set it to 68°F or lower. Programmable or smart thermostats make it easy to set customized schedules.

  • Maintain appliances properly – Clean refrigerator coils, change AC filters, and keep all vents unblocked. This improves efficiency.

  • Switch to energy-efficient lighting – Replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs, which use at least 75% less energy.

  • Use major appliances like the dishwasher and washing machine at off-peak times after 7 p.m.

  • Enable the energy-saving settings on appliances. Many have low-power modes when not in use.

  • Seal air leaks and insulate your home. This prevents cooled or heated air from escaping and reduces energy waste.

  • Install low-flow faucets and showerheads. This conserves hot water and the energy used to heat it.

  • Use microwaves, slow cookers, and toaster ovens instead of the stove or oven when possible. They use less electricity.

  • Unplug phone chargers, electronics, and small appliances when not in use. They still draw power even when off.

  • Open blinds and curtains during winter days to let sunlight naturally heat your home. Close them at night for insulation.

  • Replace HVAC air filters monthly for optimal efficiency. Dirty filters force systems to work harder.

Following these tips can help Ameren customers save energy every day and lower their electricity usage and bills over time. Let us know if you need help accessing rebates on energy-efficient upgrades.

Safety and Outages

What to do in a power outage

  • Turn off lights and unplug appliances to prevent overloading circuits when power is restored. Leave one lamp on to indicate when power has been restored.

  • Check fuses and circuit breakers. If they are OK, contact Ameren to report the outage.

  • Never go near downed power lines. Always assume a downed power line is live and extremely dangerous. Call Ameren immediately to report it.

  • Have an emergency preparedness kit ready with flashlights, battery-powered radio, extra batteries, non-perishable food, manual can opener, bottled water, medications, first aid kit, and phone chargers.

  • Use a generator safely. Never run it inside your home or garage. Place it outside at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents with the exhaust pointed away.

Generator safety

  • Connect individual appliances directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect the generator to your home’s electrical system without a transfer switch installed by an electrician.

  • Use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries.

  • Turn the generator on before connecting appliances. Turn appliances off and let generator run for several minutes before turning it off.

  • Store fuel safely outside in labeled, non-glass containers. Running out of fuel can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning if generators are indoors.

Restoring service after storms/disasters

  • Be patient. The extent of damage and number of outages affects restoration times. Ameren crews will work continuously to restore power safely and quickly.

  • Do not go near utility crews working to restore power. Keep children and pets away from downed lines and electrical equipment.

  • If your home sustained damage, have a licensed electrician inspect the electrical system before turning power back on. Also have gas lines, water lines and appliances inspected for damage.

  • Throw away perishable foods and medicines that may have spoiled if a refrigerator or freezer lost power for over 4 hours.

  • If using a portable generator, read all instructions to avoid damaging your appliances. Operate generators outdoors in a well-ventilated area away from windows.

Contact for More Information

For additional information or help with your Ameren account, you can contact customer service through the following methods:

  • Phone: Call 1-800-755-5000 to speak with a customer service representative. Representatives are available Monday through Saturday from 6am to 10pm.

  • Email: Send a message to customerservice@ameren.com. Emails are typically answered within 1 business day.

  • Online Chat: Chat live with a customer service agent through Ameren’s website during business hours. Look for the chat icon on their site.

  • FAQs: Browse Ameren’s comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions for answers to common customer questions.

  • Account Access: Manage your Ameren account online by logging into your account portal. View statements, make payments, report outages and more.

Reach out through any of these channels for help with billing, outages, energy usage, rate plans, and any other questions about your Ameren electric service. Customer service agents are ready to assist you.