JEFFERSON CITY – In the wake of a devastating EF3 tornado that struck the St. Louis metropolitan area on May 16, Missouri’s electric cooperatives are stepping up to assist Ameren with power restoration efforts.
The deadly storm, with wind speeds topping 150 mph, left a trail of destruction across the city, damaging over 5,000 homes and buildings and causing widespread power outages, according to local news organizations. As of Sunday morning, 48,500 Ameren customers were without power in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and northern Jefferson County.
Responding to a request from Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Electric Cooperatives coordinated with Ameren to provide support. In response, eight Missouri cooperatives – Boone Electric (Columbia), Callaway Electric (Fulton), Citizens Electric (Perryville), Consolidated Electric (Mexico), Cuivre River Electric (Troy), Intercounty Electric (Licking), Laclede Electric (Lebanon) and Three Rivers Electric (Linn) – have dispatched a total of 51 linemen for a three-day deployment. The teams represent 10 construction crews and five maintenance crews. Additionally, a representative from Missouri Electric Cooperatives has been deployed to serve as a liaison between the cooperative crews and Ameren.
“We’re proud to provide mutual aid when fellow utilities are in need,” said Caleb Jones, CEO of Missouri Electric Cooperatives. “These cooperative crews are experienced in storm recovery and are prepared to work long hours to help restore power safely and efficiently.”
Missouri’s electric cooperatives routinely participate in mutual aid efforts both in and out of state during major storms or disasters, upholding their longstanding commitment to service and community.
For more information about Missouri Electric Cooperatives, visit www.amec.org.