Ameren donating $25,000 to Hurricane Florence relief

By the Associated Press

Ameren Corporation announced Monday it plans to donate $25,000 to the American Red Cross to assist in Hurricane Florence relief efforts.

Hurricane Florence swept through the North Carolina and South Carolina in September. The storm killed 48 people in three states, according to the Associated Press. More than 1,500 people in North Carolina remain in hurricane shelters and more than 500 are enrolled in a program to stay in hotels while long-term housing is arranged, the AP reported.

Ameren CEO Warner Baxter said in a news release the utility company's thoughts and prayers are with family members as they clean up from the storm.

"As an energy company responsible for providing safe and reliable power to millions of customers, we understand the importance of coming to the aid of other communities following severe weather," Baxter said.

Ameren also provided assistance last year when Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, when Hurricane Irma hit Florida and when Hurricane Harvey hit Texas, according to the news release.