Ameren cancels energy conservation alert, but warns more could be needed as cold continues
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Ameren has canceled its alert asking customers to conserve energy as extreme cold drives up electricity demand across the region.
The cancellation comes after the Midcontinent Independent System Operator-- which oversees the Midwest power grid-- urged energy companies to reduce usage. Ameren said it is still monitoring conditions and warned customers may be asked to conserve again in the coming days.
Some Ameren customers said they are frustrated by the requests to cut back, especially as energy bills continue to rise.
On Friday, Ameren told ABC 17 News that hundreds of crews are ready to respond if outages happen. The company also said trailers with restoration equipment have already been moved to strategic locations to speed up recovery.
At the same time, Ameren activated demand response programs--agreements some customers previously signed up for that require them to reduce energy use during periods of extremely high demand.
But for some customers, those requests hit a nerve.
Belinda Kitchen has been an Ameren customer for 11 years and is enrolled in the company’s budget billing program, which is intended to spread energy costs evenly throughout the year based on past usage.
She said being asked to cut back during a five-hour window doesn’t add up, especially when she’s already paying a steady monthly bill.
“I think it’s kind of crazy because, one, they have got the rates up, and why should we have to do that? Because, one, we’re trying to keep warm and we’re trying to do the best that we can," Kitchen said.
During the five-hour energy-saving period, Ameren asked customers to lower their thermostats, wear extra layers, unplug or turn off nonessential appliances, cover windows, and reduce water heater temperatures.
Kitchen said her family has been cutting back for months, but their bills haven’t gone down, leaving her wondering where the money is going.
"In November we had Thanksgiving dinner and the thermostat was set on 69 so we cut it," Kitchen said. "We had it back on 68 for December, and we didn’t use the stove, and our bill doubled for December.”
Kitchen lives in a three-person household and said her most recent bill was $180 on budget billing, only slightly lower than when she first moved in eleven years ago, when it was around $200.
She said rising rates make it especially difficult for families.
“They need to keep the rates down for low-income people, honestly, and think about all the other people and not think about the almighty dollar,” Kitchen said.
Ameren was not the only utility company that asked customers to conserve. Columbia Water and Light also posted on social media Saturday afternoon urging residents to cut back where they can.
