Key Takeaways:

• Being more mindful of daily energy consumption, paired with tools and flexible billing solutions, can assist customers in staying informed and better managing expenses year-round.
• For Ameren Missouri customers, January and February are usually the months with the highest electricity usage.

ST. LOUIS, Feb. 4, 2026 — Summer air conditioning often garners the most focus when discussing energy costs. However, for the average Ameren Missouri customer, electricity usage is generally highest in January and February.

In both 2024 and 2025, the average customer used roughly 1,300 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity in the first two months of the year. Usage in July and August trails closely, but the beginning of the year leads overall. This may be unexpected since bills are often linked to summer heat. In winter, energy consumption is distributed across daily needs – heating, lighting, and more time spent indoors – rather than a single prominent factor like air conditioning.

Ameren Missouri offers tools and billing options designed to support a range of customer needs, from usage tracking to more predictable monthly billing:

• is available for customers with upgraded meters who want to monitor energy consumption by appliance.
• is available for customers who prefer to level out monthly payments across the year.
• The Ameren Mobile app offers continuous insight into usage throughout the billing cycle.

“Understanding when and how energy is utilized is one method we use to help customers stay informed and in control,” said Jeronica Jenkins, director of customer care at Ameren. “Our role is to supply the energy customers require – 24/7, 365 days a year – while striving to keep bills as low as possible, with rates 27% below the national average. From predictable monthly payments to real-time usage insights, we’re giving our customers more options so they can choose what works best for them.”

These actions can help regulate current usage and promote more energy-aware habits throughout the year, including selecting a rate plan that best suits customer needs and lifestyles. Seasonal trends play a significant role in how and when energy is consumed. Identifying these trends can help customers prepare for higher-usage months before they arrive.

“We also recognize that asking for help can be challenging. We urge customers in need to early. Timely applications for energy assistance can prevent minor issues from escalating into bigger burdens as the weather warms. Our team is here to support you today,” Jenkins said.

About Ameren Missouri
Ameren Missouri has delivered electric and gas service for over 100 years, with the company’s electric rates among the lowest in the country. Ameren Missouri’s mission is to enhance the quality of life for its roughly 1.3 million electric and 135,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. The company serves approximately 60 counties and more than 500 communities, including the greater St. Louis area. For additional details, visit or follow us at or . 

SOURCE Ameren Missouri