Ameren Missouri workers have started installing upgraded electric smart meters to more than 42,000 Southeast Missouri customers' homes.

Customers in Cape Girardeau and Dexter should have their new meters installed by the summer; work there began March 4. Installations in Caruthersville, Charleston, Hayti, Portageville and Steele will start in August.

"The smart technology upgrades offered by these new electric meters gives customers more convenience, choice and control over their energy use. Our accelerated meter deployment will give more customers access to the benefits of this technology sooner," smart meter program director John Luth said in a news release.

Smart meters monitor energy usage precisely, allowing users to better manage their energy habits. They also address outages faster than older meters.

This rollout is part of Ameren Missouri's Smart Energy Plan, launched in 2019, which aims to create more reliable energy for the company's 1.2 million customers.

Luth said customers should know the company never demands payment for electrical work and no payment is required for the smart meters' installation.

Customers can call Ameren Missouri at (800) 552-7583 to report potential scams.

Additional information and time-of-use rate options may be found at https://AmerenMissouri.com/smartmeters.

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