Ameren electric and gas is offering $10 million to help customers in Illinois and Missouri who are behind on utility payments, with $5 million being directed into assistance programs in Illinois.
Here's what to know
According to 25News Now, Ameren is boosting its bill-assistance funding.
For Illinois customers, assistance amounts depend on the group. Eligible households can get up to $500 through Warm Neighbors Cool Friends — a program that matches earlier bill payments. Qualifying veterans and military members can receive $400, and eligible nonprofits and small businesses can get up to $1,000.
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More background
Because the money will go out on a first-come, first-served basis, customers who already know they are falling behind may have a better chance of getting help before Illinois' share of the new $5 million pool runs out.
This assistance is separate from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the federal low-income heating and cooling bill program, meaning some customers may be able to receive support from both instead of relying on only one source for winter utility costs.
What can be done?
People can apply through Ameren Illinois' energy assistance page or call the company while funding is still available.
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Ameren Illinois manager of energy assistance Kim Bond said, "My advice is if you're having some trouble keeping up with your bills to contact us now and not to wait. There are other options outside of energy assistance programs that we may be able to offer to help manage that bill."
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