Rein in energy expenses this holiday season

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Three ways to rein in energy expenses this holiday season

The holidays are fast approaching, but before you set up your inflatable snowman and turn on your lighting display, make some easy adjustments to reduce your energy expenses.

“Convenient product substitutions and personalized account options give customers the power to save money without sacrificing holiday spirit,” said Tony Lozano, director of energy solutions at Ameren Missouri. “When combined with the cold weather, shortened daylight hours and holiday lights, the demand for energy often rises this time of year.”

Here are the top three ways you can keep your energy bills under control this holiday season: • Swap in LEDs in your lighting displays. Make sure your décor is as energy-efficient as possible by using Energy Star certified lights, which use 75% less energy per strand than incandescent lights. LED holiday lights are available for indoor and outdoor use. • Stay updated on your energy usage online. Review your energy use on the new Account Dashboard when logging in to your account at AmerenMissouri.com from a computer or mobile device. Enroll in alerts to see your bill projections and get helpful usage and budget notifications to stay on track. • Adjust your payment due date. You can adjust your Ameren Missouri payment due date to a time that’s most convenient. Modify yours by logging in to your account at AmerenMissouri. com, go to the Billing Options page and select the Pick A Due Date option on the right side of the page. If you don't have an online account, registering is fast and easy.

There are other ways you can impact your energy bills, too. Using smart thermostats and advanced power strips, and unplugging energy-draining appliances when not in use can help you use less energy and save money. For a limited time, get a smart thermostat for as low as $0 plus tax and shipping on brands like Nest and Sensi. This offer requires enrollment in the Peak Time Savings program. To learn more about home energy efficiency resources and offers, visit AmerenMissouriSavings.com.

And since this is the season of giving, consider donating to Ameren Missouri’s Dollar More program. Adding just $1 per month to your energy bill can help provide financial support to families in need. To find out more and sign up, visit AmerenMissouri.com/DollarMore.

If you’re having trouble paying your energy bill, Ameren Missouri has programs in place to help customers facing financial hardship. Go to AmerenMissouri.com/EnergyAssistance to learn more about your options.

New public works director appointed for the city of St. Charles

The city of St. Charles has announced that Nicholas Galla will serve as the new director of public works. Galla has been employed with the city of St. Charles since 2015 and has over 17 years of experience in civil engineering. Previously, he has served as the assistant city engineer for the city of St. Charles as well as interim director of public works.

Prior to the city of St. Charles, Galla was a senior transportation engineer at Olsson Associates and a squad leader at HNTB, responsible for managing a team of engineers. A local of Missouri, Galla graduated with a b.s. in civil engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology (MS&T) and has been a licensed professional engineer with the state of Missouri since 2009. He also grew up in the St. Charles area and graduated from Francis Howell North High School.

“I am extremely proud of our public works department and their service to our community,” says Mayor Dan Borgmeyer. “I believe Galla’s knowledge and experience will help bring a fresh perspective to the Public Works department and ensure that St. Charles remains a beautiful and safe place to live, work and play.”

The department of public works has around 90 employees that help maintain the city’s streets, water mains, sewers, facilities, and other infrastructure, along with 460 miles of right-of-way.

Public invited to open house meeting on MO 370 and Salt River Road Interchange, Ramp 1 project

The city of St. Peters invites the public to an open house meeting to learn about the proposed Highway 370 and Salt River Road Interchange, Ramp 1 project. The open house will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 8, between 5-7 p.m. at City Hall in the Cultural Arts Centre, Room A.

Project exhibits will be on display and city staff will be available to answer questions during the Open House.

The Ramp 1 project is the first of two ramps planned for the existing interchange that connects Salt River Road with Highway 370 and I-70. Ramp 1 will connect eastbound Salt River Road with westbound/southbound MO 370 and I-70. A new 14-foot-wide concrete ramp will extend from the Spencer Road and Salt River Road intersection heading east to westbound/southbound MO 370. The project includes the addition of an auxiliary lane on MO 370 between Ramp 1 and the westbound I-70 ramp. The Route 370 bridge crossing at Premier Parkway will be widened with the project.

Construction of this project is eligible to receive 29% federal reimbursement funding, 49% Missouri Department of Transportation cost share funding, and 11% St. Charles County Road Board reimbursement funding. The total construction cost for this project is estimated at $3.28 million. The city of St. Peters would pay about $360,800 of that estimate.

The project is planned for completion in 2022.

Learn more about this project and other transportation improvement projects at www.stpetersmo.net/ streets.