Ameren says it is adding $10 million in funding to replenish and relaunch programs that help eligible customers across Illinois and Missouri manage their energy bills, the utility announced Oct. 14.

The company said the money can help eligible residential and small business customers reduce past-due balances, manage high bills or avoid falling further behind at a time when many households are facing higher costs. Customers can learn more and find out how to apply at Ameren.com/Assistance.

"At Ameren, we know our strength is tied to the strength of the communities we serve," said Gwen Mizell, Ameren senior vice president and chief sustainability officer. She said the company's commitment includes protecting the reliability of the energy system, supporting economic development and "standing with our customers and communities when needs arise."

"Many families are facing real financial pressures, and keeping energy costs as low as possible remains one of our most important responsibilities," said Joe Solari, vice president of customer experience at Ameren.

Ameren Illinois programs getting more funding

  • Warm Neighbors Cool Friends — a matching grant program that provides additional bill payment assistance to income-qualified households
  • Non-Residential Hardship Program — a relaunched program that assists small businesses and nonprofits in financial hardship
  • Ameren Illinois Military Program — a relaunched program providing assistance grants to active-duty military members and veterans

"Every customer deserves access to safe, reliable energy, especially during difficult financial moments," said Kim Bond, manager of customer assistance for Ameren Illinois. "This assistance will help Illinois families stay connected to an essential service and give them room to get back on more stable footing."

Ameren Missouri programs getting more funding

  • Dollar More — assists thousands of customers each year through partner agencies
  • Energy Relief Grant — a relaunched program offering qualified customers one-time energy assistance grants
  • Ameren Missouri Military & Veterans Support — provides grants to active-duty military members and veterans
  • Non-Residential Hardship Program — a relaunched program for small businesses and nonprofits in financial hardship

"We understand that many customers are balancing competing financial priorities, and reliable energy remains a basic necessity," said Page Selby, manager of customer advocacy for Ameren Missouri.

Through September 2026, Ameren customers have received more than $107 million in total energy assistance, the company said. Ameren also offers energy efficiency and weatherization programs to help customers manage their energy use.

Background

According to Ameren Illinois' website, Warm Neighbors Cool Friends is a year-round heating and cooling assistance program for customers who generally do not qualify for other government or nonprofit aid, such as the federal LIHEAP program. The company's website says eligible households can receive up to $500 for the heating season.

St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation serves 2.5 million electric customers and more than 900,000 natural gas customers across a 67,700-square-mile area through its Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois subsidiaries.

Source: the original release