UNION ELECTRIC EXPANDS CUSTOMER SERVICE HOURS WITH NEW CENTER HERE

A new customer service center has been established at Cape Girardeau by Union Electric Company.

UE officials say the new center will extend telephone hours for customers in the Southeast Missouri area.

The extended hours mean customers can call Union Electric between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Virgil Chirnside, UE district manager, said the new system had been installed for customer convenience in calling the company concerning service related questions and to report emergencies.

"The system combines resources and equipment in centralized locations, making it possible for Union Electric to handle customer calls more efficiently," said Chirnside. "We recognize that many customers who work, and others have found it inconvenient to call us during our normal office hours."

The Southeast Missouri customer service center will serve about 50,000 customers. The Cape Girardeau number is 651-5600. The toll free number for customers outside of Cape Girardeau is 1-800-833-0357.

Other UE customers service centers are located at St. Louis, Jefferson City, and Keokuk, Iowa.

Union Electric serves more than one million customers in its 24,000 square mile service territory in Missouri, Illinois and Iowa.