By Matt Sepic, KWMU
St. Louis, MO – Members of the Missouri Public Service Commission heard yesterday (Tuesday) from North St. Louis County residents affected by the July power outage.
Parts of North County were some of the worst hard hit. Some people there were without electricity for more than a week following two major storms.
As part of its investigation into Ameren's storm preparation and response, the PSC is taking public testimony.
Beverly Smith, who lives in Glasgow Village, echoed the comments of many at the hearing when he said Ameren has been lax in its tree trimming program. "Where we live, the trees were not cut on the back of the houses," Smith said. "We were without power for seven days. After they took care of the initial problem, the trees are still in the lines. I have not seen anybody."
However, Ameren has said more tree trimming probably would not have helped because winds during the July storm were so fierce.
The PSC plans to issue a report next month. The commission could force Ameren to make changes to its operations.
More hearings are scheduled for today and tomorrow (see below).
Hearing Schedule
- Wednesday October 4
- 11:30 a.m. St. Louis County Library Thornhill Branch; 12863 Willowyck Dr.
- 5:30 p.m.Wohl Community Center; 1515 N. Kingshighway
- Thursday October 5
- 11:30 a.m.Farmington City Hall; 110 W. Columbia
- 5:30 p.m.Trojan Intermediate School, Potosi; 367 Intermediate Drive