The second 2005 application period for Ameren Power Up grants opens Sept. 1 and continues through Oct. 15. During that time teachers can apply on-line for the three educational programs, valued annually at $900,000. For all grant programs, educators must be affiliated with schools that are electric and/or natural gas customers of AmerenCILCO, AmerenCIPS, AmerenIP or AmerenUE to be eligible to apply.

Through the Ameren Power Up Fuel Cell Kit Program, Ameren is providing self-contained solar hydrogen fuel cell energy systems --- kits that high school science teachers can use to build awareness of renewable energy sources through hands-on experiments --- and a curriculum that reinforces Amerenn's commitment to the environment and explains energy generation through renewable resources. In 2005, Ameren will donate fuel cell kits totaling $150,000 to teachers. Teachers must teach at public or private high schools in Ameren company service areas. Here are details on the two other Power Up programs:

     -- Offered last spring and again this fall, Ameren Power Up SMART
        Board(TM) Interactive Whiteboards provide a touch-sensitive display
        about the size of a standard whiteboard. Hooked up to a computer and
        projector, this interactive whiteboard operates like a giant computer
        screen students and teachers simply touch to operate. Students can
        also write over applications in digital ink, then save their work for
        future study and review. The whiteboard engages students with diverse
        learning styles by providing both immediate access to a wide range of
        digital materials and a common focus for the entire class. With this
        program, the company became the first in the nation to supply grant
        money for SMART Boards in schools. In 2005, Ameren will donate more
        than 200 Ameren Power Up SMART Boards to area classrooms through a
        program valued at $600,000. The funding covers the costs of the
        boards, the software, connecting cables and training. Ameren Power Up
        SMART Boards go to public or private K-12 schools.

     -- Ameren Power Up Teacher Grants:  In 2005, the company is awarding $250
        Ameren Power Up Teacher Grants -- totaling $150,000 -- directly to
        teachers.  Half of those grants were awarded in the first half of
        2005. This flexible grants program is for individual classroom
        teachers, who can use the funds for everything from calculators to
        basic supplies. Ameren Power Up Teacher Grants may be used for any
        classroom-related project that has an academic focus to improve
        student achievement. Teacher grants must fund projects or materials in
        public or private K-12 schools.
 

"These programs came in response to survey results from Ameren customers who said they care most about improving education," says Gary L. Rainwater, Ameren chairman, president and chief executive officer. "We care about our customers -- and the communities where we provide electricity and natural gas. These three distinct programs are aimed at supporting education throughout Ameren's 64,000-square-mile service area in Illinois and Missouri --- where school systems face some tough financial pressures."

For more information and to apply, educators should visit http://www.ameren.com/education .

Ameren through its subsidiaries, serves 2.3 million electric and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area of Illinois and Missouri.