ST. LOUIS, Dec. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Ameren Missouri, a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE), has closed on the acquisition of the company's first wind energy center, a 400-megawatt (MW) project in northeast Missouri. The purchase of the High Prairie Renewable Energy Center in Adair and Schuyler counties is the first of two planned investments in Missouri-based wind generation, which will add 700 MW of clean energy to the grid.

"This is just the beginning, as Ameren Missouri lays the foundation for a transformational advancement toward more renewable wind and solar generation in the coming years, cutting carbon emissions and driving job creation and economic growth," said Marty Lyons, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri. "Ameren Missouri is committed to clean. Expanding Missouri-based wind energy generation helps us move toward our goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050."

The High Prairie Renewable Energy Center is the first of many renewable energy additions anticipated by Ameren Missouri. The company recently released plans to invest approximately $4.5 billion in 3,100 MW of renewable generation by 2030. This includes $1.2 billion for the planned acquisitions of this energy center and a 300 MW energy center in Atchison County, Missouri.

"All of our customers, no matter where they live, are benefitting from additional clean energy on the grid as a result of this acquisition," said Ajay Arora, chief renewable development officer at Ameren Missouri. "These turbines use some of the latest technology that harnesses more wind at an affordable price. It's also very gratifying to see this project built in our state, where families will receive a host of economic benefits for years to come."

The wind facility was constructed by an affiliate of Terra-Gen LLC. The energy center consists of 175 wind turbines that are among the most technologically advanced in the state. Ameren Missouri anticipates the energy center will produce enough energy to power the equivalent of 120,000 homes in 2021.

"It's exciting to see how northeast Missouri is making a major contribution to providing cleaner energy for the entire state," said Carolyn Chrisman, executive director of Kirksville Regional Economic Development (K-REDI). "Besides providing sustainable energy, it is helping to grow the economy of our region from not only construction jobs, but ongoing operations that will provide long term good paying jobs for many years to come!"

Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than 100 years, and the company's electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. Ameren Missouri's mission is to power the quality of life for its 1.2 million electric and 132,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. The company's service area covers 64 counties and more than 500 communities, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit Ameren.com/Missouri or follow us on Twitter at @AmerenMissouri or Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri.

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this release not based on historical facts are considered "forward-looking" and, accordingly, involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed. Although such forward-looking statements have been made in good faith and are based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance that the expected results will be achieved. These statements include (without limitation) statements as to future expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, strategies, objectives, events, conditions, and financial performance. In connection with the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, we are providing this cautionary statement to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. The following factors, in addition to those discussed under Risk Factors in Ameren's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2020, and elsewhere in this release and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations suggested in such forward-looking statements:

• regulatory, judicial, or legislative actions, and any changes in regulatory policies and ratemaking determinations that may change regulatory recovery mechanisms;
• the length and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impacts on our business continuity plans and our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity, including but not limited to changes in customer demand resulting in changes to sales volumes, customers' payment for our services and their use of deferred payment arrangements, future regulatory or legislative actions that could require suspension of customer disconnections and/or late fees, among other things, for an extended period of time, the health and welfare of our workforce and contractors, supplier disruptions, delays in the completion of construction projects, which could impact our planned capital expenditures and expected planned rate base growth, Ameren Missouri's ability to recover any forgone customer late fee revenues or incremental costs, our ability to meet customer energy-efficiency program goals and earn performance incentives related to those programs, increased data security risks as a result of the transition to remote working arrangements for a significant portion of our workforce, and our ability to access the capital markets on reasonable terms and when needed;
• the effect on Ameren Missouri of any customer rate caps pursuant to Ameren Missouri's election to use the plant-in-service accounting regulatory mechanism, including an extension of use beyond 2023, if requested by Ameren Missouri and approved by the Missouri Public Service Commission;
• the effects of changes in federal, state, or local laws and other governmental actions, including monetary, fiscal, and energy policies;
• the effects of changes in federal, state, or local tax laws, regulations, interpretations, or rates, including as a result of amendments or technical corrections to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and challenges to the tax positions taken by us, if any;
• the effects on energy prices and demand for our services resulting from technological advances, including advances in customer energy efficiency, electric vehicles, electrification of various industries, energy storage, and private generation sources, which generate electricity at the site of consumption and are becoming more cost-competitive;
• the effectiveness of Ameren Missouri's customer energy-efficiency programs and the related revenues and performance incentives earned under its Missouri Energy Efficiency Investment Act programs;
• our ability to align overall spending, both operating and capital, with frameworks established by our regulators and to recover these costs in a timely manner in our attempt to earn our allowed return on equity;
• the cost and availability of fuel, such as low-sulfur coal, natural gas, and enriched uranium used to produce electricity; the cost and availability of purchased power, zero emission credits, renewable energy credits, and natural gas for distribution; and the level and volatility of future market prices for such commodities and credits, including our ability to recover the costs for such commodities and credits and our customers' tolerance for any related price increases;
• the effectiveness of our risk management strategies and our use of financial and derivative instruments;
• the ability to obtain sufficient insurance, including insurance for Ameren Missouri's nuclear and coal-fired energy centers, or, in the absence of insurance, the ability to recover uninsured losses from our customers;
• the impact of cyberattacks on us or our suppliers, which could, among other things, result in the loss of operational control of energy centers and electric and natural gas transmission and distribution systems and/or the loss of data, such as customer, employee, financial, and operating system information;
• business and economic conditions, which have been affected by, and will be affected by the length and severity of, the COVID-19 pandemic, including the impact of such conditions on interest rates;
• disruptions of the capital markets, deterioration in our credit metrics, or other events that may have an adverse effect on the cost or availability of capital, including short-term credit and liquidity;
• the actions of credit rating agencies and the effects of such actions, including any impacts on our credit ratings that may result from the economic conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic;
• the inability of our counterparties to meet their obligations with respect to contracts, credit agreements, and financial instruments;
• the impact of weather conditions and other natural phenomena on us and our customers, including the impact of system outages;
• the construction, installation, performance, and cost recovery of generation, transmission, and distribution assets;
• the effects of failures of electric generation, electric and natural gas transmission or distribution, or natural gas storage facilities systems and equipment, which could result in unanticipated liabilities or unplanned outages;
• the operation of Ameren Missouri's Callaway Energy Center, including planned and unplanned outages, and decommissioning costs;
• Ameren Missouri's ability to recover the remaining investment, if any, and decommissioning costs associated with the retirement of an energy center, as well as the ability to earn a return on that remaining investment and those decommissioning costs;
• the impact of current environmental laws and new, more stringent, or changing requirements, including those related to the New Source Review provisions of the Clean Air Act, carbon dioxide and the implementation of the Affordable Clean Energy Rule, other emissions and discharges, cooling water intake structures, coal combustion residuals, and energy efficiency, that could limit or terminate the operation of certain of Ameren Missouri's energy centers, increase our operating costs or investment requirements, result in an impairment of our assets, cause us to sell our assets, reduce our customers' demand for electricity or natural gas, or otherwise have a negative financial effect;
• the impact of complying with renewable energy standards in Missouri;
• Ameren Missouri's ability to acquire wind, solar, and other renewable energy generation facilities and recover its cost of investment and related return in a timely manner, which is affected by the ability to obtain all necessary project approvals; the ability of developers to meet contractual commitments and complete projects timely, which is dependent upon the availability of necessary materials and equipment, including those that are affected by the disruptions in the global supply chain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; and Ameren Missouri's ability to obtain a certificate of convenience and necessity from the Missouri Public Service Commission or any other required approvals for the addition of renewable resources, retirement of energy centers, and new or continued customer energy-efficiency programs;
• the availability of federal production and investment tax credits related to renewable energy and Ameren Missouri's ability to use such credits; the cost of wind, solar, and other renewable generation and storage technologies; and our ability to obtain timely interconnection agreements with the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Inc. or other regional transmission organizations at an acceptable cost for each facility;
• advancements in carbon-free generation and storage technologies, and constructive federal and state energy and economic policies with respect to those technologies;
• labor disputes, work force reductions, changes in future wage and employee benefits costs, including those resulting from changes in discount rates, mortality tables, returns on benefit plan assets, and other assumptions;
• the impact of negative opinions of us or our utility services that our customers, investors, legislators, or regulators may have or develop, which could result from a variety of factors, including failures in system reliability, failure to implement our investment plans or to protect sensitive customer information, increases in rates, negative media coverage, or concerns about environmental, social, and/or governance practices;
• the effects of strategic initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures;
• legal and administrative proceedings; and
• acts of sabotage, war, terrorism, or other intentionally disruptive acts.

New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all of such factors, nor can it assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained or implied in any forward-looking statement. Given these uncertainties, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements. Except to the extent required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information or future events.

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SOURCE Ameren Corporation

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The board of directors of Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) announced today that Leo S. Mackay, Jr. has been elected to the Ameren board of directors effective immediately.

Mackay brings extensive senior leadership experience to the Ameren board of directors. He has served in multiple senior leadership roles at Lockheed Martin, where he is currently senior vice president of ethics and enterprise assurance. In that role, Mackay leads Lockheed's award-winning ethics program and its enterprise risk management function. As the company's chief sustainability officer, he is responsible for ensuring responsible growth and global corporate citizenship. 

Mackay is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and spent three years flying the F-14, graduating from the U.S. Navy's Fighter Weapons School. He is a veteran of Operation Earnest Will. Mackay served as the deputy secretary and designated chief operating officer of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from 2001-2003.

"We are excited to have Leo join Ameren's board of directors," said Warner L. Baxter, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Ameren. "In addition to his distinguished service in the U.S. Navy, he brings to us an extensive experience in sustainability, enterprise risk management, ethics, compliance and public policy that will help us advance our efforts even further in environmental, social and governance matters for the benefit of our customers, communities and shareholders."

Mackay earned a master's degree and doctorate in public policy from Harvard University. His honors include being a Kennedy Fellow and a Harvard MacArthur Scholar.

About Ameren Corporation
St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric service generation, transmission and distribution services, as well as, natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops, owns and operates rate-regulated electric transmission projects. For more information, visit Ameren.com, or follow us on Twitter at @AmerenCorp, Facebook.com/AmerenCorp, or LinkedIn.com/company/Ameren.

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SOURCE Ameren Corporation

ST. LOUIS, Dec. 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- To reinforce the company's focus and commitment to renewable energy, Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) today named Ajay Arora as the company's first chief renewable development officer, a newly created position reporting to Marty Lyons, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri. The appointment is effective Dec. 16, 2020.

In his new role Arora will focus on implementing Ameren Missouri's transformational generation plan incorporating cleaner energy sources. This includes providing leadership, oversight and coordination of generation resource planning including renewable energy resource and energy storage development, as well as thought leadership on renewable energy policy at the federal, state and local levels; and strategic planning for all renewable energy and environmental matters. Arora will also continue to lead the Ameren Missouri environmental services team associated with the operation and maintenance of energy centers and the energy delivery system.

Arora, a resident of Chesterfield, Mo., is a 22-year veteran of Ameren. He has served as Ameren's vice president of power operations and energy management since 2018. Before this position, Arora was vice president of environmental services and generation resource planning. He has also directed the corporate planning, corporate development, market risk management and the corporate project oversight groups at Ameren.

In September 2020, Ameren established a net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2050 across all its operations in Missouri and Illinois. This new, more aggressive goal reflects the company's leadership and continued commitment to clean energy and the environment. Milestones include reducing carbon emissions 50% by 2030 and 85% by 2040, based on 2005 levels. The new goals accelerate and expand on the company's 2017 pledge and are consistent with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Arora will lead execution of Ameren Missouri's Integrated Resource Plan, which includes the largest-ever expansion of clean solar and wind generation while maintaining the reliability and affordability that customers have come to expect. Under the plan, the company plans to add 3,100 megawatts (MW) of renewable generation by 2030 and a total of 5,400 MW by 2040.

Arora is a member of the prestigious Eisenhower Fellowships, and is involved with the Board committees at the Ronald McDonald House Charities. He graduated from Tulane University in New Orleans with a master's degree in business administration and from Punjab University with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering.

About Ameren Corporation

St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric service generation, transmission and distribution services, as well as natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops, owns and operates rate-regulated electric transmission projects. For more information, visit Ameren.com, or follow us on Twitter at @AmerenCorp, Facebook.com/AmerenCorp, or LinkedIn.com/company/Ameren.

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SOURCE Ameren Corporation

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) is among the country's leaders for addressing environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, according to DiversityInc®. Factors that determined this inaugural specialty list include human capital metrics, talent and workplace programs and practices, corporate social responsibility and philanthropic programs, supplier diversity programs and practices, and leadership and governance practices.

"Sustainability and ESG continue to rise in importance for our stakeholders. We are honored to be recognized for the work that our co-workers are doing all across our company," said Gwen Mizell, vice president of sustainability and electrification at Ameren.

Ameren is also included on DiversityInc's 2020 Top Utilities, Top Regional Companies, and Top Companies for Board of Directors lists.

The recognition comes soon after Ameren announced a company-wide goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In addition, Ameren laid out plans for its largest-ever expansion of clean wind and solar generation that maintains the reliability and affordability that customers have come to expect.

In addition, Ameren was recognized by the Center for Political Accountability (CPA) for transparency and accountability CPA gave Ameren a 97.1 on a 100-point scale, the second highest mark for companies in the S&P 500. Only one utility matched Ameren, and the company's score is 20 points higher than the utility average. The rating places Ameren in the "trendsetter" category, which is defined as "setting model corporate governance best practices for operating in an incendiary political era." 

More information is available in Ameren's award-winning 2020 Sustainability Report, which details the company's commitment to customers and major ESG topics. Notable highlights of the report include addressing significant immediate and long-term needs of our communities, which include wide-ranging support during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as ongoing energy assistance support, philanthropy and apprenticeships.

About Ameren Corporation

St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and   natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric service generation, transmission and distribution services, as well as, natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops, owns and operates rate-regulated electric transmission projects. For more information, visit Ameren.com, or follow us on Twitter at @AmerenCorp, Facebook.com/AmerenCorp, or LinkedIn.com/company/Ameren.

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SOURCE Ameren Corporation

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Ameren Illinois Company, a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE), announced today the pricing of a public offering of $375 million aggregate principal amount of 1.55% first mortgage bonds due 2030 at 99.577% of their principal amount.  The transaction is expected to close on Nov. 23, 2020, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Ameren Illinois intends to use the net proceeds of the offering to repay a portion of its short-term debt.

Mizuho Securities USA LLC, SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc. and Truist Securities, Inc. are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering. Bancroft Capital, LLC, Blaylock Van, LLC, Cabrera Capital Markets, LLC and Loop Capital Markets LLC are acting as co-managers.

The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus and related prospectus supplement. A prospectus supplement related to the offering will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus, when available, for the offering may be obtained on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov, or by contacting SMBC Nikko Securities America, Inc., 277 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10172, by phone at 1-888-868-6856. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the first mortgage bonds and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which, or to any person to whom, such an offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful.

About Ameren Illinois

Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and 800,000 natural gas customers in Illinois. Our mission is to power the quality of life. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com, find us on Twitter @AmerenIllinois or Facebook.

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SOURCE Ameren Illinois

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) today announced third quarter 2020 net income attributable to common shareholders of $367 million, or $1.47 per diluted share, compared to third quarter 2019 net income attributable to common shareholders of $364 million, or $1.47 per diluted share.

Third quarter 2020 results reflected earnings on increased infrastructure investments made across all business segments driven by solid execution of the company's strategy. Earnings were positively impacted by new Ameren Missouri electric service rates effective April 1, 2020, driven in part by earnings on increased infrastructure investments. In addition, earnings benefited from lower Ameren Missouri operations and maintenance expenses due to disciplined cost management. These favorable factors were mostly offset by lower Ameren Missouri electric retail sales driven by milder-than-normal temperatures in the third quarter of 2020 compared to warmer-than-normal temperatures in the year-ago period, as well as due to the impact of COVID-19. In addition, the comparison reflected lower Ameren Missouri energy efficiency performance incentives compared to the year-ago period, as well as increased interest expense at Ameren Parent primarily due to higher long-term debt outstanding and the timing of income tax expense, which is not expected to impact full-year results. Finally, earnings were negatively impacted by a lower allowed return on equity at Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution due to a lower projected average 30-year U.S. Treasury bond yield in 2020 compared to 2019.

"While we are operating our business during unprecedented times due to COVID-19, we continue our relentless focus on the safety of our co-workers, customers and communities, as well as delivering reliable, affordable and cleaner electric and natural gas services. We are executing on all elements of our strategy, including significant investment in energy infrastructure and disciplined cost management across all of our business segments," said Warner L. Baxter, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Ameren Corporation. "Further, in September, the company announced its transformative plan that accelerates Ameren's transition toward a cleaner energy future, including our goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Our plan includes our largest-ever expansion of clean solar and wind generation while maintaining the reliability and affordability that customers expect."

Ameren recorded net income attributable to common shareholders for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2020, of $756 million, or $3.04 per diluted share, compared to net income attributable to common shareholders for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2019, of $734 million, or $2.97 per diluted share.

The year-over-year nine month earnings comparison benefited from increased infrastructure investments made across all business segments. Earnings were positively impacted by new Ameren Missouri electric service rates effective April 1, 2020. In addition, Ameren Missouri's operations and maintenance expenses were lower due to the absence of a scheduled nuclear refueling and maintenance outage at the Callaway Energy Center compared to the year-ago period when there was such an outage, as well as from disciplined cost management. Earnings also benefited from the impact of the May 2020 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission order addressing the Midcontinent Independent System Operator allowed base return on equity at Ameren Transmission. These favorable factors were partially offset by lower Ameren Missouri weather-driven electric retail sales and lower electric sales due to the impact of COVID-19, as well as lower energy efficiency performance incentives compared to the year-ago period. Finally, the earnings comparison reflected increased interest expense at Ameren Parent primarily due to higher long-term debt outstanding, as well as a lower allowed return on equity at Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution.

Earnings Guidance

Today, Ameren narrowed its 2020 earnings guidance range to $3.40 to $3.55 per diluted share compared to the prior range of $3.40 to $3.60 per diluted share. Earnings guidance for 2020 assumes normal temperatures for the last three months of the year and is subject to the effects of, among other things: the impacts of COVID-19; 30-year U.S. Treasury bond yields; regulatory, judicial and legislative actions; energy center and energy distribution operations; energy, economic and capital market conditions; severe storms; unusual or otherwise unexpected gains or losses; and other risks and uncertainties outlined, or referred to, in the Forward-looking Statements section of this press release.

Ameren Missouri Segment Results

Ameren Missouri third quarter 2020 earnings were $297 million, compared to third quarter 2019 earnings of $300 million. The year-over-year comparison reflected increased earnings due to new electric service rates, as well as lower operations and maintenance expenses due to disciplined cost management. These factors were more than offset by lower electric sales from milder-than-normal temperatures in the third quarter of 2020 compared to warmer-than-normal temperatures in the year-ago period, as well as due to the impact of COVID-19. In addition, the comparison was negatively impacted by lower energy efficiency performance incentives compared to the year-ago period.

Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution Segment Results

Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution third quarter 2020 earnings were $34 million, compared to third quarter 2019 earnings of $32 million. The year-over-year comparison reflected increased earnings on infrastructure and energy efficiency investments that were partially offset by a lower allowed return on equity due to a lower projected average 30-year U.S. Treasury bond yield in 2020 compared to 2019.

Ameren Illinois Natural Gas Segment Results

Ameren Illinois Natural Gas third quarter 2020 earnings were $2 million, compared to a third quarter 2019 loss of $1 million. The year-over-year comparison reflected increased earnings on infrastructure investments.

Ameren Transmission Segment Results

Ameren Transmission third quarter 2020 earnings were $62 million, compared to third quarter 2019 earnings of $53 million. The year-over-year improvement reflected increased earnings on infrastructure investments.

Ameren Parent Results (includes items not reported in a business segment)

Ameren Parent results for the third quarter of 2020 reflected a loss of $28 million, compared to a third quarter 2019 loss of $20 million. The year-over-year comparison reflected increased interest expense primarily due to higher long-term debt outstanding and the timing of income tax expense, which is not expected to impact full-year results.

Analyst Conference Call

Ameren will conduct a conference call for financial analysts at 9 a.m. Central Time on Thursday, Nov. 5, to discuss 2020 earnings, earnings guidance and other matters. Investors, the news media and the public may listen to a live broadcast of the call at AmerenInvestors.com by clicking on "Webcast" under "Q3 2020 Earnings Conference Call," where an accompanying slide presentation will also be available. The conference call and presentation will be archived for one year in the "Investor News & Events" section of the website under "Events and Presentations."

About Ameren

St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric generation, transmission and distribution service, as well as natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops, owns and operates rate-regulated regional electric transmission projects. For more information, visit Ameren.com, or follow us on Twitter at  @AmerenCorp, Facebook.com/AmerenCorp, or LinkedIn/company/Ameren.

Forward-looking Statements 

Statements in this release not based on historical facts are considered "forward-looking" and, accordingly, involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed. Although such forward-looking statements have been made in good faith and are based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance that the expected results will be achieved. These statements include (without limitation) statements as to future expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, strategies, objectives, events, conditions, and financial performance. In connection with the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, we are providing this cautionary statement to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. The following factors, in addition to those discussed under Risk Factors in Ameren's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, and elsewhere in this release and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations suggested in such forward-looking statements:

• regulatory, judicial, or legislative actions, and any changes in regulatory policies and ratemaking determinations, that may change regulatory recovery mechanisms, such as those that may result from potential future orders and the July 2020 appeal filed by Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois, and Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois (ATXI) challenging the refund period related to the May 2020 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) order determining the allowed base return on common equity (ROE) under the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) tariff, the Notice of Inquiry issued by the FERC in March 2019 regarding its allowed base ROE policy, the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued by the FERC in March 2020 regarding its transmission incentives policy, the July 2020 appeal filed by Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois, and ATXI challenging the FERC's rehearing denials in the transmission formula rate revision cases, requests filed with the Missouri Public Service Commission (MoPSC) in October 2020 for accounting authority orders related to Ameren Missouri's electric and natural gas services to allow Ameren Missouri to accumulate certain costs incurred related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ameren Illinois' May 2020 annual electric energy-efficiency formula rate update, Ameren Illinois' April 2020 annual electric distribution formula rate update filing, and Ameren Illinois' natural gas delivery service regulatory rate review filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) in February 2020;
• the length and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impacts on our business continuity plans and our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity, including but not limited to changes in customer demand resulting in changes to sales volumes, customers' payment for our services and their use of deferred payment arrangements, future regulatory or legislative actions that could require suspension of customer disconnections and/or late fees, among other things, for an extended period of time, the health and welfare of our workforce and contractors, supplier disruptions, delays in the completion of construction projects, which could impact our planned capital expenditures and expected planned rate base growth, Ameren Missouri's ability to recover any forgone customer late fee revenues or incremental costs, our ability to meet customer energy-efficiency program goals and earn performance incentives related to those programs, increased data security risks as a result of the transition to remote working arrangements for a significant portion of our workforce, and our ability to access the capital markets on reasonable terms and when needed;
• the effect and duration of Ameren Illinois' election to participate in performance-based formula ratemaking frameworks, which, unless extended, expires at the end of 2022, for its electric distribution service and its participation in electric energy-efficiency programs, including the direct relationship between Ameren Illinois' ROE and the 30-year United States Treasury bond yields;
• the effect on Ameren Missouri of any customer rate caps pursuant to Ameren Missouri's election to use the plant-in-service accounting (PISA), including an extension of use beyond 2023, if requested by Ameren Missouri and approved by the Missouri Public Service Commission;
• the effects of changes in federal, state, or local laws and other governmental actions, including monetary, fiscal, and energy policies;
• the effects of changes in federal, state, or local tax laws, regulations, interpretations, or rates, including as a result of amendments or technical corrections to the TCJA, and challenges to the tax positions we have taken, if any;
• the effects on energy prices and demand for our services resulting from technological advances, including advances in customer energy efficiency, electric vehicles, electrification of various industries, energy storage, and private generation sources, which generate electricity at the site of consumption and are becoming more cost-competitive;
• the effectiveness of Ameren Missouri's customer energy-efficiency programs and the related revenues and performance incentives earned under its Missouri Energy Efficiency Investment Act (MEEIA) programs;
• Ameren Illinois' ability to achieve the performance standards applicable to its electric distribution business and the FEJA electric customer energy-efficiency goals and the resulting impact on its allowed ROE;
• our ability to align overall spending, both operating and capital, with frameworks established by our regulators and to recover these costs in a timely manner in our attempt to earn our allowed ROEs;
• the cost and availability of fuel, such as low-sulfur coal, natural gas, and enriched uranium used to produce electricity; the cost and availability of purchased power, zero emission credits, renewable energy credits, and natural gas for distribution; and the level and volatility of future market prices for such commodities and credits, including our ability to recover the costs for such commodities and credits and our customers' tolerance for any related price increases;
• disruptions in the delivery of fuel, failure of our fuel suppliers to provide adequate quantities or quality of fuel, or lack of adequate inventories of fuel, including nuclear fuel assemblies from the one Nuclear Regulatory Commission-licensed supplier of Ameren Missouri's Callaway Energy Center assemblies;
• the cost and availability of transmission capacity for the energy generated by Ameren Missouri's energy centers or required to satisfy Ameren Missouri's energy sales;
• the effectiveness of our risk management strategies and our use of financial and derivative instruments;
• the ability to obtain sufficient insurance, including insurance for Ameren Missouri's nuclear and coal-fired energy centers, or, in the absence of insurance, the ability to recover uninsured losses from our customers;
• the impact of cyberattacks on us or our suppliers, which could, among other things, result in the loss of operational control of energy centers and electric and natural gas transmission and distribution systems and/or the loss of data, such as customer, employee, financial, and operating system information;
• business and economic conditions, which have been affected by, and will be affected by the length and severity of, the COVID-19 pandemic, including the impact of such conditions on interest rates;
• disruptions of the capital markets, deterioration in our credit metrics, or other events that may have an adverse effect on the cost or availability of capital, including short-term credit and liquidity;
• the actions of credit rating agencies and the effects of such actions, including any impacts on our credit ratings that may result from the economic conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic;
• the inability of our counterparties to meet their obligations with respect to contracts, credit agreements, and financial instruments;
• the impact of weather conditions and other natural phenomena on us and our customers, including the impact of system outages;
• the construction, installation, performance, and cost recovery of generation, transmission, and distribution assets;
• the effects of failures of electric generation, electric and natural gas transmission or distribution, or natural gas storage facilities systems and equipment, which could result in unanticipated liabilities or unplanned outages;
• the operation of Ameren Missouri's Callaway Energy Center, including planned and unplanned outages, and decommissioning costs;
• Ameren Missouri's ability to recover the remaining investment, if any, and decommissioning costs associated with the retirement of an energy center, as well as the ability to earn a return on that remaining investment and those decommissioning costs;
• the impact of current environmental laws and new, more stringent, or changing requirements, including those related to the New Source Review, carbon dioxide and the implementation of the Affordable Clean Energy Rule, other emissions and discharges, cooling water intake structures, coal combustion residuals, and energy efficiency, that could limit or terminate the operation of certain of Ameren Missouri's energy centers, increase our operating costs or investment requirements, result in an impairment of our assets, cause us to sell our assets, reduce our customers' demand for electricity or natural gas, or otherwise have a negative financial effect;
• the impact of complying with renewable energy standards in Missouri and Illinois and with the zero emission standard in Illinois;
• Ameren Missouri's ability to acquire wind, solar, and other renewable energy generation facilities and recover its cost of investment and related return in a timely manner, which is affected by the ability to obtain all necessary project approvals; the ability of developers to meet contractual commitments and complete projects timely, which is dependent upon the availability of necessary materials and equipment, including those that are affected by the disruptions in the global supply chain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; and Ameren Missouri's ability to obtain a certificate of convenience and necessity from the MoPSC or any other required approvals for the addition of renewable resources, retirement of energy centers, and new or continued customer energy-efficiency programs;
• the availability of federal production and investment tax credits related to renewable energy and Ameren Missouri's ability to use such credits; the cost of wind, solar, and other renewable generation and storage technologies; and our ability to obtain timely interconnection agreements with the MISO or other regional transmission organizations at an acceptable cost for each facility;
• advancements in carbon-free generation and storage technologies, and constructive federal and state energy and economic policies with respect to those technologies;
• labor disputes, work force reductions, changes in future wage and employee benefits costs, including those resulting from changes in discount rates, mortality tables, returns on benefit plan assets, and other assumptions;
• the impact of negative opinions of us or our utility services that our customers, investors, legislators, or regulators may have or develop, which could result from a variety of factors, including failures in system reliability, failure to implement our investment plans or to protect sensitive customer information, increases in rates, negative media coverage or concerns about environmental, social, and/or governance practices;
• the impact of adopting new accounting guidance;
• the effects of strategic initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures;
• legal and administrative proceedings; and
• acts of sabotage, war, terrorism, or other intentionally disruptive acts.

New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all of such factors, nor can it assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained or implied in any forward-looking statement. Given these uncertainties, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements. Except to the extent required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information or future events.

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SOURCE Ameren Corporation

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Ameren Corporation's (NYSE: AEE) 2020 Sustainability Report has been recognized as one of the top reports in the world by the League of American Communications Professionals (LACP). Ameren's report details Ameren's commitment to customers and major environmental, social and governance (ESG) topics.  

The international competition drew nearly 1,000 entries from more than a dozen countries and ranked Ameren at the top of its class in multiple categories including:

• Top 100 Reports Worldwide
• Top 40 Reports – Americas Region
• Best Letter to Shareholders

"We appreciate the recognition for this report which clearly lays out Ameren's actions and plans to address important ESG matters, including reducing carbon emissions as well as helping tackle larger societal issues, such as the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion," said Gwen Mizell, vice president of sustainability and electrification for Ameren. "We titled the report Our Sustainability Story: Customers at the Center, and this award reflects our commitment to exceed customer expectations, including the way in which we communicate."

Notable highlights of Ameren's Sustainability Report include:

• Addressing significant immediate and long-term needs of our communities, which include wide-ranging support during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as ongoing energy assistance support, philanthropy and apprenticeships.
• Plans to significantly increase clean, renewable energy into our generation portfolio while reducing carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions.
• Improving reliability by investing in rate-regulated energy infrastructure while, at the same time, keeping electric rates more stable for customers.
• Actions we have taken to enhance our robust risk management and governance with respect to ESG matters.

LACP officials applauded Ameren's and other entrant's high caliber of materials produced during challenging conditions, and said this year's competition had an unprecedented number of submissions.

About Ameren Corporation
St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric service generation, transmission and distribution services, as well as natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops, owns and operates rate-regulated electric transmission projects. For more information, visit Ameren.com, or follow us on Twitter at @AmerenCorp, Facebook.com/AmerenCorp, or LinkedIn.com/company/Ameren.

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SOURCE Ameren Corporation

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 9, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --The board of directors of Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) today declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock of 51.5 cents per share, a 4% increase from the prior quarterly cash dividend of 49.5 cents per share, resulting in an annualized equivalent dividend rate of $2.06 per share. The previous annualized equivalent dividend rate was $1.98 per share.

"We are pleased to announce an increase in our fourth quarter 2020 dividend, which marks the seventh consecutive year we have increased our dividend," said Warner L. Baxter, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Ameren Corporation. "This action reflects confidence in the outlook for our businesses and ability to achieve our long-term earnings and rate base growth plans. Future dividend decisions will be driven by earnings growth, cash flows and other business conditions."

The common share dividend is payable Dec. 31, 2020, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Dec. 9, 2020.

Separately, the board of directors of Union Electric Company, doing business as Ameren Missouri, declared regular quarterly cash dividends on all classes of Union Electric Company's preferred stock. These preferred stock dividends are payable Feb. 15, 2021, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Jan. 15, 2021.

In addition, the board of directors of Ameren Illinois Company declared regular quarterly cash dividends on all classes of Ameren Illinois Company's preferred stock. These preferred stock dividends are payable Feb. 1, 2021, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Jan. 11, 2021.

About Ameren Corporation

St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric service generation, transmission and distribution services, as well as, natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops, owns and operates rate-regulated electric transmission projects. For more information, visit Ameren.com, or follow us on Twitter at @AmerenCorp, Facebook.com/AmerenCorp, or LinkedIn.com/company/Ameren.

Forward-looking Statements

Statements in this release not based on historical facts are considered "forward-looking" and, accordingly, involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed. Although such forward-looking statements have been made in good faith and are based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance that the expected results will be achieved. These statements include (without limitation) statements as to future expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, strategies, objectives, events, conditions and financial performance. In connection with the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, we are providing this cautionary statement to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. In addition to factors discussed in this release, Ameren's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, and its other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 contain a list of factors and a discussion of risks which could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations suggested in such "forward-looking" statements. All "forward-looking" statements included in this release are based upon information presently available, and Ameren, except to the extent required by the federal securities laws, undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any "forward-looking" statements to reflect new information or current events.

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SOURCE Ameren Corporation

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Warner L. Baxter, chairman, president and CEO of Ameren Corp. (NYSE:AEE), will join Michael L. Moehn, executive vice president and CFO of Ameren Corp., to discuss third quarter 2020 earnings, earnings guidance and other matters in a conference call with financial analysts at 9 a.m. Central Time (10 a.m. Eastern Time) on Thursday, Nov. 5.

The call will be broadcast live over the Internet on AmerenInvestors.com. Supporting materials for the call will be posted in the "Investor News and Events" section of this website under "Events and Presentations". A replay of the webcast will be available for one year beginning approximately one hour after the close of the call.

St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric service generation, transmission and distribution services, as well as natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops, owns and operates rate-regulated electric transmission projects. For more information, visit Ameren.com, or follow us on Twitter at @AmerenCorp, Facebook.com/AmerenCorp, or LinkedIn.com/company/Ameren.

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SOURCE Ameren Corporation

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 1, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Union Electric Company, doing business as Ameren Missouri, a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE), announced today the pricing of a public offering of $550 million aggregate principal amount of 2.625% first mortgage bonds due 2051 at 99.522% of their principal amount. The transaction is expected to close on October 9, 2020, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Ameren Missouri intends to allocate an amount equal to the net proceeds of the offering to finance or refinance, in whole or in part, investments in new or existing green projects meeting certain eligibility criteria.

Barclays Capital Inc, BofA Securities, Inc., RBC Capital Markets, LLC, BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC and PNC Capital Markets LLC are acting as joint book-running managers for the offering. KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., Academy Securities, Inc., Drexel Hamilton, LLC and Penserra Securities LLC are acting as co-managers.

The offering is being made only by means of a prospectus and related prospectus supplement. A prospectus supplement related to the offering will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of the prospectus supplement and accompanying prospectus, when available, for the offering may be obtained on the Securities and Exchange Commission's website at www.sec.gov, or by contacting BofA Securities, Inc., 200 North College Street, 3rd Floor, NC1-004-03-43, Charlotte, NC 28255, Attention: Prospectus Department, email: dg.prospectus_requests@bofa.com, phone: 1-800-294-1322.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the first mortgage bonds and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which, or to any person to whom, such an offer, solicitation or sale is unlawful.

About Ameren Missouri

Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than 100 years, and the company's electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. Ameren Missouri's mission is to power the quality of life for its 1.2 million electric and 132,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. The company's service area covers 64 counties and more than 500 communities, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit Ameren.com/Missouri or follow us on Twitter at @AmerenMissouri or Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri.

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SOURCE Ameren Missouri

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) established a net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2050 across all its operations in Missouri and Illinois. The company also announced its largest-ever expansion of clean solar and wind generation while maintaining the reliability and affordability that customers have come to expect.

The clean energy expansion is included in the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) of Ameren Missouri. The IRP is a triennial filing that sets forth Ameren Missouri's preferred plan to transform its electricity generation portfolio over the coming decades. It takes advantage of the continued decline in the cost to build new clean energy resources.

"Our transformative plan accelerates Ameren's transition toward cleaner energy and targets net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, while meeting our customers' expectations for safe, reliable and affordable energy," said Warner Baxter, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Ameren Corporation. 

"This is a step change in renewable energy investments and carbon emission reductions from the plan we presented three years ago," said Marty Lyons, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri. "Under our plan, customers will receive significant benefits from advances in technology and falling renewable energy costs, as well as from robust energy efficiency programs to help keep their energy costs affordable."

Central to Ameren's plan is the commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This new, more aggressive goal reflects the company's leadership and continued commitment to clean energy and the environment. Milestones include reducing carbon emissions 50% by 2030 and 85% by 2040, based on 2005 levels. The new goals accelerate and expand on the company's 2017 pledge and are consistent with the objectives of the Paris Agreement and limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Highlights of Ameren Missouri's plan to achieve this goal include:

• The company's largest investments in renewable solar and wind energy in its history.
• Investing billions of dollars, creating thousands of jobs.
• Building on an already solid base of carbon-free generation.
• Advancing retirements of coal-fired energy centers.
• Offering customers even more clean energy choices.
• Continuing focus on reliability and affordability.

Advances in technology and decreasing costs for renewable energy and energy storage are making it possible to dramatically reduce carbon emissions, keeping energy affordable and reliable while strengthening environmental stewardship.

"Our analysis shows that now is the time to capitalize on investment opportunities for the benefit of our customers, the communities where we raise our families and the environment," Lyons said.

Increasing renewable solar and wind energy investments

Ameren Missouri's IRP includes investment of nearly $8 billion in renewable energy over the next two decades. By 2030, the company would add 3,100 megawatts (MW) of renewable generation reflecting a combined investment of approximately $4.5 billion. Renewable energy would increase to a total of 5,400 MW by 2040. Ameren Missouri projects the plan will create thousands of new construction jobs. The benefits of these investments extend through the local economy, leading to greater levels of opportunity for many, including diverse suppliers.

Investments are already underway, with the planned acquisition of two Missouri-based wind energy facilities in the next few months for approximately $1.2 billion. "Communities in Missouri are already seeing the benefits of economic expansion driven by the availability, construction and ongoing operation of renewable resources," Lyons said. "Renewable energy, constructed right here in Missouri, is good for the local economy."

Building on a solid base of carbon-free generation

Ameren Missouri continues to invest in its existing carbon-free energy sources – including nuclear, hydro and solar – while also evaluating and pursuing additional clean energy innovations. Nearly 30% of Ameren Missouri's current energy generation comes from these sources. In the future, Ameren Missouri expects to seek an extension of the operating license for the Callaway Energy Center beyond 2044.

"The continued efficient operation of these carbon-free energy centers is critical to all of our goals, including reaching net-zero emissions by 2050," Lyons said.

Ameren Missouri's planned transformative addition of renewable energy is the direct result of a robust, methodical process that balances reliability, affordability and environmental stewardship. The IRP evaluates a range of customer energy needs and a variety of ways those needs can be met through building new, cleaner generation resources, as well as expanding customer renewable energy, energy efficiency and demand response programs.

"We have developed a comprehensive plan that will significantly reduce carbon emissions in a responsible fashion and deliver strong customer benefits," Baxter said. "We have also established a bold goal to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Achieving our goal will be driven by further advancements in innovative, carbon-free technologies and constructive federal and state energy and economic policies. Working together with key stakeholders, we believe we can achieve this important goal for our customers, our communities and our country."

"Climate change is one of the most important issues of our time. Our transformative plan to add large amounts of wind and solar energy generation will ensure all customers, regardless of where they happen to live or their household income, have access to clean, reliable and affordable energy," said Gwen Mizell, vice president of sustainability and electrification at Ameren. "Our plan is a progressive move toward building a sustainable energy future."

Advancing the retirement of coal-fired energy centers

The company's coal-fired energy centers rank as some of the best in the country in terms of providing reliable, affordable energy with emission rates well below environmental standards.

The continued safe, reliable operation of these 24/7 energy centers, along with the carbon-free Callaway Energy Center, are the foundation that allows the company to maintain reliability while building a smarter energy grid and incorporating more renewable resources into the energy mix. They also provide the flexibility needed to take advantage of changes in technology, such as battery storage.

"We're very appreciative of our co-workers, especially those in the energy centers, who continue working around the clock to provide the dependable energy that millions of people and thousands of businesses count on each day," said Ajay Arora, vice president of power operations and energy management at Ameren Missouri.

In recognition of changing market economics, as well as consideration for maintaining reliability through the transformation to renewable energy, the company's plan includes advancing the retirement of two of its coal-fired energy centers. The Sioux Energy Center is now planned to retire in 2028 and the Rush Island Energy Center's retirement is planned for 2039. More than 75% of the company's current coal-fired energy generating capacity is expected to retire by 2040, and all coal-fired energy centers are scheduled to retire by 2042. Planned retirements begin in 2022 with the Meramec Energy Center.

Offering customers more clean energy choices

Ameren Missouri offers customers a range of options to increase their use of renewable energy. These include existing programs, such as Community Solar and Neighborhood Solar, as well as future customer renewable energy programs that will enable customers and communities to achieve their clean energy goals.

Support for the plan

An important aspect of the IRP process is ongoing dialogue and sharing of information with a wide variety of stakeholders, including consumer, environmental, conservation and community groups.

"We are excited to build on the conversations with a broad coalition of stakeholders, community leaders and industry experts through our planning process," Arora said.

Climate, community and energy leaders from across the country are supportive of Ameren's updated goals and renewable energy plans:

"Ameren's new net-zero carbon goal for 2050 and the advancement of 2040 and 2030 goals by ten years is huge progress from where the company was just three years ago. It's a meaningful step in the Midwest in addressing climate change that builds on the company's success in achieving the 2025 Paris targets five years early. Clean energy and energy efficiency investments of more than $5 billion in the next ten years will help our region's economic recovery, with energy efficiency and demand response programs saving the equivalent of two large power plants. With additional state and federal policy support, even greater emission reductions and economic benefits are possible." – Ashok Gupta, Natural Resources Defense Council

"The Nature Conservancy of Missouri is encouraged to see Ameren's vision and carbon-free goal. Reducing carbon emissions is critical to addressing climate change that impacts us all. In order to avoid the worst effects of climate change and help society and nature adapt to the impacts we are already experiencing, we must reach net zero emissions by 2050. The Nature Conservancy of Missouri stands ready to work with Ameren, state and local governments, and a wide cross-section of partners, to make this goal a reality by supporting the responsible deployment of renewable energy, retiring coal plants, and putting nature to work. Nature offers valuable climate solutions through conservation, restoration and improved land management of our forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Ameren's carbon-free goal is pivotal for Missouri and provides opportunity for both people and nature to thrive." – Adam McLane, The Nature Conservancy of Missouri

"If 2020 has shown us anything else, it's that the most challenged communities need increased, long-term support. Ameren has stepped up during the pandemic, and they're leading the way in the future with their net-zero carbon emissions goal. The Urban League is dedicated to serving the African American and other underserved members of our community. By Investing in clean energy, creating jobs, continuing to build and develop diverse business suppliers, Ameren is showing the leadership needed to bridge the inequalities that exist in our communities." – Michael P. McMillan, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc.

"I am delighted to see Ameren step up and put the pedal down on their switch to clean energy.  More people than ever before are hurting due to the pandemic. This plan, and their continued support of community-based efforts to reduce the energy bills of our seniors and neighbors, come at the time when we need it most. I encourage Ameren to continue these efforts, with a continued focus on diversity of thought, equitable sharing of burdens and resources, and the intentional inclusion of those whose voice is often not heard."  – Rev. Earl E. Nance, Jr., Heat-Up St. Louis, Inc.

"I applaud Ameren's leadership in committing to a net-zero carbon emissions goal. Ameren is with us every step of the way as we work to get St. Louis County government on 100% renewable energy. Clean energy also means new jobs in St. Louis County. As a direct result of Ameren's investments, residents will benefit from cleaner air, an even stronger grid and a stronger economy." – Dr. Sam Page, St. Louis County Executive

The IRP is filed with and reviewed by the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) every three years. Major aspects of the plan, including construction of new renewable energy generation resources, customer energy efficiency programs, and renewable and demand response programs, will require separate PSC approval. Where necessary, Ameren Missouri will also need to obtain federal and local approvals and interconnection agreements so that it can use transmission services to connect renewable energy resources with Ameren Missouri customers.

About Ameren Corporation

St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric service generation, transmission and distribution services, as well as natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops, owns and operates rate-regulated electric transmission projects. For more information, visit Ameren.com, or follow us on Twitter at @AmerenCorp, Facebook.com/AmerenCorp, or LinkedIn.com/company/Ameren.

Forward Looking Statements

Statements in this release not based on historical facts are considered "forward-looking" and, accordingly, involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed. Although such forward-looking statements have been made in good faith and are based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance that the expected results will be achieved. These statements include (without limitation) statements as to future expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, strategies, objectives, events, conditions, and financial performance. In connection with the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, we are providing this cautionary statement to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. The following factors, in addition to those discussed under Risk Factors in Ameren's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020, and elsewhere in this release and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations suggested in such forward-looking statements:

• regulatory, judicial, or legislative actions, and any changes in regulatory policies and ratemaking determinations, that may change regulatory recovery mechanisms;
• the length and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts on our business continuity plans and our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity, including but not limited to changes in customer demand resulting in changes to sales volumes, customers' payment for our services and their use of deferred payment arrangements, future regulatory or legislative actions that could require suspension of customer disconnections and/or late fees, among other things, for an extended period of time, the health and welfare of our workforce and contractors, supplier disruptions, delays in the completion of capital or other construction projects, which could impact our planned capital expenditures and expected planned rate base growth, Ameren Missouri's ability to recover any lost revenues or incremental costs, our ability to meet customer energy-efficiency program goals and earn performance incentives related to those programs, increased data security risks as a result of the transition to remote working arrangements for a significant portion of our workforce, and our ability to access the capital markets on reasonable terms and when needed;
• the effect and duration of Ameren Illinois' election to participate in performance-based formula ratemaking frameworks for its electric distribution service and its participation in electric energy-efficiency programs, including the direct relationship between Ameren Illinois' return on equity ("ROE") and the 30-year United States Treasury bond yields;
• the effect on Ameren Missouri of any customer rate caps pursuant to Ameren Missouri's election to use the plant-in-service accounting, including an extension of use beyond 2023, if requested by Ameren Missouri and approved by the Missouri Public Service Commission;
• the effects of changes in federal, state, or local laws and other governmental actions, including monetary, fiscal, and energy policies;
• the effects of changes in federal, state, or local tax laws, regulations, interpretations, or rates, including as a result of amendments or technical corrections to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, and challenges to the tax positions taken us, if any;
• the effects on demand for our services resulting from technological advances, including advances in customer energy efficiency, electric vehicles, electrification of various industries, energy storage, and private generation sources, which generate electricity at the site of consumption and are becoming more cost-competitive;
• the effectiveness of Ameren Missouri's customer energy-efficiency programs and the related revenues and performance incentives earned under its Missouri Energy Efficiency Investment Act programs;
• Ameren Illinois' ability to achieve the performance standards applicable to its electric distribution business and the Illinois Future Energy Jobs Act electric customer energy-efficiency goals and the resulting impact on its allowed ROE;
• our ability to align overall spending, both operating and capital, with frameworks established by our regulators and to recover these costs in a timely manner in our attempt to earn our allowed ROEs;
• the cost and availability of fuel, such as low-sulfur coal, natural gas, and enriched uranium used to produce electricity; the cost and availability of purchased power, zero emission credits, renewable energy credits, and natural gas for distribution; and the level and volatility of future market prices for such commodities and credits, including our ability to recover the costs for such commodities and credits and our customers' tolerance for any related price increases;
• disruptions in the delivery of fuel, failure of our fuel suppliers to provide adequate quantities or quality of fuel, or lack of adequate inventories of fuel, including nuclear fuel assemblies from the one Nuclear Regulatory Commission-licensed supplier of Ameren Missouri's Callaway Energy Center assemblies;
• the cost and availability of transmission capacity for the energy generated by Ameren Missouri's energy centers or required to satisfy Ameren Missouri's energy sales;
• the effectiveness of our risk management strategies and our use of financial and derivative instruments;
• the ability to obtain sufficient insurance, including insurance for Ameren Missouri's nuclear and coal-fired energy centers, or, in the absence of insurance, the ability to recover uninsured losses from our customers;
• the impact of cyberattacks on us or our suppliers, which could, among other things, result in the loss of operational control of energy centers and electric and natural gas transmission and distribution systems and/or the loss of data, such as customer, employee, financial, and operating system information;
• business and economic conditions, which have been affected by, and will be affected by the length and severity of, the COVID-19 pandemic, including the impact of such conditions on interest rates;
• disruptions of the capital markets, deterioration in our credit metrics, or other events that may have an adverse effect on the cost or availability of capital, including short-term credit and liquidity;
• the actions of credit rating agencies and the effects of such actions, including any impacts on our credit ratings that may result from the economic conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic;
• the inability of our counterparties to meet their obligations with respect to contracts, credit agreements, and financial instruments;
• the impact of weather conditions and other natural phenomena on us and our customers, including the impact of system outages;
• the construction, installation, performance, and cost recovery of generation, transmission, and distribution assets;
• the effects of failures of electric generation, electric and natural gas transmission or distribution, or natural gas storage facilities systems and equipment, which could result in unanticipated liabilities or unplanned outages;
• the operation of Ameren Missouri's Callaway Energy Center, including planned and unplanned outages, and decommissioning costs;
• Ameren Missouri's ability to recover the remaining investment, if any, and decommissioning costs associated with the retirement of an energy center, as well as the ability to earn a return on that remaining investment and those decommissioning costs;
• the impact of current environmental laws and new, more stringent, or changing requirements, including those related to New Source Review provisions of the Clean Air Act, carbon dioxide and the implementation of the Affordable Clean Energy Rule, other emissions and discharges, cooling water intake structures, coal combustion residuals, and energy efficiency, that could limit or terminate the operation of certain of Ameren Missouri's energy centers, increase our operating costs or investment requirements, result in an impairment of our assets, cause us to sell our assets, reduce our customers' demand for electricity or natural gas, or otherwise have a negative financial effect;
• the impact of complying with renewable energy standards in Missouri and Illinois and with the zero emissions standard in Illinois;
• Ameren Missouri's ability to acquire wind and other renewable energy generation facilities and recover its cost of investment and related return in a timely manner, which is affected by the ability to obtain all necessary project approvals; the ability of developers to meet contractual commitments and timely complete projects, which is dependent upon the availability of necessary materials and equipment, including those that are affected by the disruptions in the global supply chain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, among other things; the availability of federal production and investment tax credits related to renewable energy and Ameren Missouri's ability to use such credits; the cost of wind and solar generation technologies; and Ameren Missouri's ability to obtain timely interconnection agreements with the MISO or other regional transmission organizations at an acceptable cost for each facility;
• labor disputes, work force reductions, changes in future wage and employee benefits costs, including those resulting from changes in discount rates, mortality tables, returns on benefit plan assets, and other assumptions;
• the impact of negative opinions of us or our utility services that our customers, investors, legislators, or regulators may have or develop, which could result from a variety of factors, including failures in system reliability, failure to implement our investment plans or to protect sensitive customer information, increases in rates, negative media coverage, or concerns about environmental, social, and/or governance practices;
• the impact of adopting new accounting guidance;
• the effects of strategic initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures;
• legal and administrative proceedings; and
• acts of sabotage, war, terrorism, or other intentionally disruptive acts.

New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all of such factors, nor can it assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained or implied in any forward-looking statement. Given these uncertainties, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements. Except to the extent required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information or future events.

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SOURCE Ameren Corporation

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Ameren employees and its Board of Directors came together to donate more than $800,000 for the AmerenCares "Power of Giving" COVID-19 Community Response Fund, which will help people who have been severely impacted by the pandemic.

The funds will be allocated to 10 nonprofit organizations serving customers throughout the company's 64,000-mile service territory in Missouri and Illinois.

Ameren launched the fundraising effort in June. Donations directly support a variety of needs among customers and businesses, from providing food and other basic necessities for families to ensuring childcare centers have proper cleaning supplies to reopen.

"COVID-19 has significantly impacted our customers and families in the communities we serve," said Warner Baxter, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Ameren Corporation. "In keeping with our mission to power the quality of life, our co-workers and board members chose to step-up in a big way and personally make an impact in the communities where we serve. These funds will help those with significant needs during this unprecedented period of time."

The Power of Giving fund is one of many ways Ameren has rallied to help customers weather the challenges that have come with COVID-19. Throughout the past several months, the company provided $14 million in energy assistance funds for customers in Illinois and Missouri experiencing hardship. The Ameren Corporate Charitable Trust has also donated $2 million to nonprofit COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts on top of the funds raised through the Power of Giving campaign.

Ameren's $800,000 in contributions will benefit the following nonprofit organizations' COVID-19 relief and response efforts in Missouri and Illinois:

• Community Foundation of the Ozarks: Support for pandemic meal programs, transportation, childcare and mental well-being services. The Foundation helps fund several nonprofit organizations in Ameren Missouri's service territory.
• Dream Center: Increased staffing and safety protocols to ensure its homeless shelter remains a safe place for kids, women and families in Illinois. Funding a remote learning site for youth who would normally be in an after school program.
• Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis: Large-scale, drive-through food and toiletry distribution for the St. Louis and Metro East communities, and leveraging the nonprofit's St. Louis County Outreach Center as a COVID-19 testing site.
• Feeding Missouri: Emergency assistance through a coalition of food banks to help curb increased demand at food pantries in Ameren Missouri's service territory.
• Jackie Joyner Kersee Foundation: Food for families in need, virtual education and mentoring resources in the Greater East St. Louis area.
• Neighborhood House: Providing meals-on-wheels for seniors in need and Critter Meals-on-wheels for pets in need in the Peoria, IL, area.
• Poshard Foundation: Support for abused, abandoned and neglected children in southern Illinois counties through a network of dozens of different agencies.
• The Salvation Army Midland Division: Support for regional pandemic meal distribution in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Rent and mortgage assistance, hotline support for emotional care and food assistance.
• Senior Services Plus: Providing meals-on-wheels and curbside meal pick-up for seniors in the Ameren Illinois service area.
• United 4 Children: Supporting the early childhood industry in communities throughout Ameren Missouri's service territory as daycares and early learning centers assist families with returning to work.

Ameren co-workers served as donor advisors to help the St. Louis Community Foundation determine where the Power of Giving funds would be distributed. The Foundation connects corporate and individual philanthropic resources and focus areas with regional needs to create a more equitable and vibrant St. Louis community.

"Partnering with Ameren on the Power of Giving fund has allowed the St. Louis Community Foundation to honor and advance Ameren employees' generosity," said Amelia Bond, president and CEO of the St. Louis Community Foundation. "We are confident that Ameren donor advisors and employees are supporting organizations that will ensure the neediest families and communities obtain the help they desperately need during this time of crisis."

About Ameren Corporation

St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric service generation, transmission and distribution services, as well as, natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops, owns and operates rate-regulated electric transmission projects. For more information, visit Ameren.com, or follow us on Twitter at @AmerenCorp, Facebook.com/AmerenCorp, or LinkedIn.com/company/Ameren.

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SOURCE Ameren Corporation

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 14, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The board of directors of Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) today declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock of 49.5 cents per share. This dividend is payable Sept. 30, 2020, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Sept. 9, 2020. 

Separately, the board of directors of Union Electric Company, doing business as Ameren Missouri, declared regular quarterly cash dividends on all classes of Union Electric Company's preferred stock. These preferred stock dividends are payable Nov. 15, 2020, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Oct. 16, 2020.

In addition, the board of directors of Ameren Illinois Company declared regular quarterly cash dividends on all classes of Ameren Illinois Company's preferred stock. These preferred stock dividends are payable Nov. 2, 2020, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Oct. 12, 2020. 

About Ameren Corporation

St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric generation, transmission and distribution service, as well as natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops, owns and operates rate-regulated regional electric transmission projects. For more information, visit Ameren.com, or follow us at @AmerenCorp, Facebook.com/AmerenCorp, or LinkedIn.com/company/Ameren.

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SOURCE Ameren Corporation

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 6, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) today announced second quarter 2020 net income attributable to common shareholders of $243 million, or $0.98 per diluted share, compared to second quarter 2019 net income attributable to common shareholders of $179 million, or $0.72 per diluted share.

Second quarter 2020 results reflected earnings on increased infrastructure investments made across all business segments driven by solid execution of the company's strategy. The earnings improvement also resulted from lower Ameren Missouri operations and maintenance expenses due to the absence of a refueling and maintenance outage at the Callaway Energy Center compared to the year-ago period when there was such an outage, as well as disciplined cost management. Earnings at Ameren Missouri were also positively impacted by new electric service rates effective April 1, 2020 driven, in part, by earnings on increased infrastructure investments. In addition, Ameren Missouri experienced higher earnings from electric retail sales due to near-normal temperatures in the second quarter of 2020 compared to milder-than-normal temperatures in the year-ago period. This benefit offset lower electric retail sales due to the impacts of COVID-19. Finally, earnings increased at Ameren Transmission resulting from the impact of the May 2020 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) order addressing the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) allowed base return on equity. These favorable factors were partially offset by a lower allowed return on equity at Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution.

"We continue to effectively manage through an unprecedented time in our country's and company's history due to COVID-19. We remain relentlessly focused on the safety of our co-workers, customers and communities, as well as delivering safe, reliable and affordable electric and natural gas services," said Warner L. Baxter, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Ameren Corporation. "While COVID-19 has presented certain financial challenges, we are executing on all elements of our strategy, including significant investment in energy infrastructure and disciplined cost management in each of our business segments. As a result, we remain on track to deliver within our 2020 earnings per share guidance range of $3.40 to $3.60."

Ameren recorded net income attributable to common shareholders for the six months ended June 30, 2020, of $389 million, or $1.57 per diluted share, compared to net income attributable to common shareholders for the six months ended June 30, 2019, of $370 million, or $1.50 per diluted share.

The year-over-year six month earnings comparison benefited from increased infrastructure investments made across all business segments. Earnings increased at Ameren Missouri due to the absence of a nuclear refueling and maintenance outage at the Callaway Energy Center compared to the year-ago period when there was such an outage and from new electric service rates effective April 1, 2020. Ameren Transmission earnings also benefited from the impact of the May 2020 FERC order addressing the MISO allowed base return on equity. These favorable factors were partially offset by lower Ameren Missouri electric retail sales, due in part to the impacts of COVID-19, and the absence of energy efficiency performance incentives. Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution earnings also decreased due to a lower allowed return on equity compared to the year-ago period.  Finally, Ameren Missouri's operations and maintenance expenses were comparable as disciplined cost management offset changes in the cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance driven by unfavorable market returns.

Earnings Guidance

Today, Ameren reaffirmed its 2020 earnings guidance range of $3.40 to $3.60 per diluted share. Earnings guidance for 2020 assumes normal temperatures for the last six months of the year and is subject to the effects of, among other things: the impacts of COVID-19; 30-year U.S. Treasury bond yields; regulatory, judicial and legislative actions; energy center and energy distribution operations; energy, economic and capital market conditions; severe storms; unusual or otherwise unexpected gains or losses; and other risks and uncertainties outlined, or referred to, in the Forward-looking Statements section of this press release.

Ameren Missouri Segment Results

Ameren Missouri second quarter 2020 earnings were $152 million, compared to second quarter 2019 earnings of $107 million. The year-over-year comparison reflected lower operations and maintenance expenses due to the absence of a nuclear refueling and maintenance outage at the Callaway Energy Center, as well as disciplined cost management and changes in the cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance driven by favorable market returns. Earnings also increased due to new electric service rates and the positive impact on electric sales from near-normal temperatures in the second quarter of 2020 compared to milder-than-normal temperatures in the year-ago period. These favorable factors more than offset lower electric retail sales due to the impacts of COVID-19.

Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution Segment Results

Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution second quarter 2020 earnings were $36 million, compared to second quarter 2019 earnings of $37 million. The year-over-year comparison reflected increased earnings on infrastructure investments that were more than offset by a lower allowed return on equity due to a lower projected average 30-year U.S. Treasury bond yield in 2020 compared to 2019.

Ameren Illinois Natural Gas Segment Results

Ameren Illinois Natural Gas second quarter 2020 earnings were $9 million, compared to second quarter 2019 earnings of $1 million. The year-over-year comparison reflected increased earnings on infrastructure investments and lower other operations and maintenance expenses.

Ameren Transmission Segment Results

Ameren Transmission second quarter 2020 earnings were $59 million, compared to second quarter 2019 earnings of $42 million. The year-over-year improvement reflected increased earnings on infrastructure investments and the impact of the May 2020 FERC order addressing the MISO allowed base return on equity.

Ameren Parent Results (includes items not reported in a business segment)

Ameren Parent results for the second quarter of 2020 reflected a loss of $13 million, compared to a second quarter 2019 loss of $8 million. The year-over-year comparison reflected increased interest expense primarily due to higher long-term debt.

Analyst Conference Call

Ameren will conduct a conference call for financial analysts at 9 a.m. Central Time on Friday, Aug. 7, to discuss 2020 earnings, earnings guidance and other matters. Investors, the news media and the public may listen to a live broadcast of the call at AmerenInvestors.com by clicking on "Webcast" under "Q2 2020 Earnings Conference Call," where an accompanying slide presentation will also be available. The conference call and presentation will be archived for one year in the "Investor News & Events" section of the website under "Events and Presentations."

About Ameren

St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.4 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois rate-regulated utility subsidiaries. Ameren Illinois provides electric transmission and distribution service and natural gas distribution service. Ameren Missouri provides electric generation, transmission and distribution service, as well as natural gas distribution service. Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois develops, owns and operates rate-regulated regional electric transmission projects. For more information, visit Ameren.com, or follow us on Twitter at  @AmerenCorp, Facebook.com/AmerenCorp, or LinkedIn/company/Ameren.

Forward-looking Statements 

Statements in this release not based on historical facts are considered "forward-looking" and, accordingly, involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed. Although such forward-looking statements have been made in good faith and are based on reasonable assumptions, there is no assurance that the expected results will be achieved. These statements include (without limitation) statements as to future expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, strategies, objectives, events, conditions, and financial performance. In connection with the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, we are providing this cautionary statement to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. The following factors, in addition to those discussed under Risk Factors in Ameren's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020, and elsewhere in this release and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations suggested in such forward-looking statements:

• regulatory, judicial, or legislative actions, and any changes in regulatory policies and ratemaking determinations, that may change regulatory recovery mechanisms, such as those that may result from a potential rehearing of the May 2020 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) order determining the allowed base return on common equity (ROE) under the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) tariff, the Notice of Inquiry issued by the FERC in March 2019 regarding its allowed base ROE policy, the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued by the FERC in March 2020, the July 2020 appeal filed by Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois, and ATXI challenging the FERC's rehearing denials in the transmission formula rate revision cases, Ameren Illinois' May 2020 annual electric energy-efficiency formula rate update, Ameren Illinois' April 2020 annual electric distribution formula rate update filing, and Ameren Illinois' natural gas delivery service regulatory rate review filed with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) in February 2020;
• the length and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impacts on our business continuity plans and our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity, including but not limited to changes in customer demand resulting in changes to sales volumes, customers' customers' payment for our services and their use of deferred payment arrangements, future regulatory or legislative actions that could require suspension of customer disconnections and/or late fees, among other things, for an extended period of time, the health and welfare of our workforce and that of our contractors, supplier disruptions, delays in the completion of capital or other construction projects, which could impact our planned capital expenditures and expected planned rate base growth, Ameren Missouri's ability to recover any lost revenues or incremental costs, our ability to meet customer energy-efficiency program goals and earn performance incentives related to those programs, increased data security risks as a result of the transition to remote working arrangements for a significant portion of our workforce, and our ability to access the capital markets on reasonable terms and when needed;
• the effect and duration of Ameren Illinois' election to participate in performance-based formula ratemaking frameworks for its electric distribution service and its participation in electric energy-efficiency programs, including the direct relationship between Ameren Illinois' ROE and the 30-year United States Treasury bond yields;
• the effect on Ameren Missouri of any customer rate caps pursuant to Ameren Missouri's election to use the plant-in-service accounting (PISA), including an extension of use beyond 2023, if requested by Ameren Missouri and approved by the Missouri Public Service Commission;
• the effects of changes in federal, state, or local laws and other governmental actions, including monetary, fiscal, and energy policies;
• the effects of changes in federal, state, or local tax laws, regulations, interpretations, or rates, including as a result of amendments or technical corrections to the TCJA, and challenges to the tax positions we have taken, if any;
• the effects on demand for our services resulting from technological advances, including advances in customer energy efficiency, electric vehicles, electrification of various industries, energy storage, and private generation sources, which generate electricity at the site of consumption and are becoming more cost-competitive;
• the effectiveness of Ameren Missouri's customer energy-efficiency programs and the related revenues and performance incentives earned under its Missouri Energy Efficiency Investment Act (MEEIA) programs;
• Ameren Illinois' ability to achieve the performance standards applicable to its electric distribution business and the FEJA electric customer energy-efficiency goals and the resulting impact on its allowed ROE;
• our ability to align overall spending, both operating and capital, with frameworks established by our regulators and to recover these costs in a timely manner in our attempt to earn our allowed ROEs;
• the cost and availability of fuel, such as low-sulfur coal, natural gas, and enriched uranium used to produce electricity; the cost and availability of purchased power, zero emission credits, renewable energy credits, and natural gas for distribution; and the level and volatility of future market prices for such commodities and credits, including our ability to recover the costs for such commodities and credits and our customers' tolerance for any related price increases;
• disruptions in the delivery of fuel, failure of our fuel suppliers to provide adequate quantities or quality of fuel, or lack of adequate inventories of fuel, including nuclear fuel assemblies from the one Nuclear Regulatory Commission-licensed supplier of Ameren Missouri's Callaway Energy Center's assemblies;
• the cost and availability of transmission capacity for the energy generated by Ameren Missouri's energy centers or required to satisfy Ameren Missouri's energy sales;
• the effectiveness of our risk management strategies and our use of financial and derivative instruments;
• the ability to obtain sufficient insurance, including insurance for Ameren Missouri's nuclear and coal-fired energy centers, or, in the absence of insurance, the ability to recover uninsured losses from our customers;
• the impact of cyberattacks on us or our suppliers, which could, among other things, result in the loss of operational control of energy centers and electric and natural gas transmission and distribution systems and/or the loss of data, such as customer, employee, financial, and operating system information;
• business and economic conditions, which have been affected by, and will be affected by the length and severity of, the COVID-19 pandemic, including the impact of such conditions on interest rates;
• disruptions of the capital markets, deterioration in our credit metrics, or other events that may have an adverse effect on the cost or availability of capital, including short-term credit and liquidity;
• the actions of credit rating agencies and the effects of such actions, including any impacts on our credit ratings that may result from the economic conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic;
• the inability of our counterparties to meet their obligations with respect to contracts, credit agreements, and financial instruments;
• the impact of weather conditions and other natural phenomena on us and our customers, including the impact of system outages;
• the construction, installation, performance, and cost recovery of generation, transmission, and distribution assets;
• the effects of failures of electric generation, electric and natural gas transmission or distribution or natural gas storage facilities systems and equipment, which could result in unanticipated liabilities or unplanned outages;
• the operation of Ameren Missouri's Callaway Energy Center, including planned and unplanned outages, and decommissioning costs;
• Ameren Missouri's ability to recover the remaining investment, if any, and decommissioning costs associated with the retirement of an energy center, as well as the ability to earn a return on that remaining investment and those decommissioning costs;
• the impact of current environmental laws and new, more stringent, or changing requirements, including those related to the New Source Review, carbon dioxide and the implementation of the Affordable Clean Energy Rule, other emissions and discharges, cooling water intake structures, coal combustion residuals, and energy efficiency, that could limit or terminate the operation of certain of Ameren Missouri's energy centers, increase our operating costs or investment requirements, result in an impairment of our assets, cause us to sell our assets, reduce our customers' demand for electricity or natural gas, or otherwise have a negative financial effect;
• the impact of complying with renewable energy standards in Missouri and Illinois and with the zero emission standard in Illinois;
• Ameren Missouri's ability to acquire wind and other renewable energy generation facilities and recover its cost of investment and related return in a timely manner, which is affected by the ability to obtain all necessary project approvals; the ability of developers to meet contractual commitments and timely complete projects, which is dependent upon the availability of necessary materials and equipment, including those that are affected by the disruptions in the global supply chain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, among other things; the availability of federal production and investment tax credits related to renewable energy and Ameren Missouri's ability to use such credits; the cost of wind and solar generation technologies; and Ameren Missouri's ability to obtain timely interconnection agreements with the MISO or other regional transmission organizations at an acceptable cost for each facility;
• labor disputes, work force reductions, changes in future wage and employee benefits costs, including those resulting from changes in discount rates, mortality tables, returns on benefit plan assets, and other assumptions;
• the impact of negative opinions of us or our utility services that our customers, investors, legislators, or regulators may have or develop, which could result from a variety of factors, including failures in system reliability, failure to implement our investment plans or to protect sensitive customer information, increases in rates, negative media coverage or concerns about environmental, social, and/or governance practices;
• the impact of adopting new accounting guidance;
• the effects of strategic initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures;
• legal and administrative proceedings; and
• acts of sabotage, war, terrorism, or other intentionally disruptive acts.

New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all of such factors, nor can it assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained or implied in any forward-looking statement. Given these uncertainties, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements. Except to the extent required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect new information or future events.