Ameren Illinois and Missouri is mobilizing manpower and assets to head to West Virginia to help get the lights back on. About 350 people are heading that way - 12 crew members/staff from the Metro East - as the Edison Electric Institute's (EEI) National Response executive committee declared a Level 1 National Response Event requesting any available resources in support of Hurricane Helene.

Ameren Illinois spokesman Brian Bretsch says AEP Appalachian Power in Charleston, West Virginia– the company that powers that region – has requested crews prepare for a 7 to 10-day deployment.

Ameren Illinois and Ameren Missouri are voluntary members of the electric power industry's mutual assistance network through the Edison Electric Institute. When called upon, a company will send either company employees, contractors, or both, along with specialized equipment to help with the restoration efforts of a fellow company.