#United States #St. Louis #Ameren Missouri #Energy Assistance Programs #Cooling Relief

Enhanced Support for Ameren Missouri Customers

Ameren Missouri has stepped up to assist its customers facing energy payment challenges by introducing a new assistance program. Eligible customers may qualify for up to $1,400 in total assistance through various initiatives aimed at alleviating the burden of rising energy costs. This initiative comes in the wake of Ameren's generous $4 million donation to local community action agencies, enhancing the support network for those in need.

Ameren's efforts are particularly timely as the extreme summer heat continues to put pressure on household budgets and energy consumption. With temperatures soaring, many residents rely on air conditioning systems to maintain comfort, further increasing their utility bills. The energy assistance funds being made available can significantly ease these financial strains.

Who Qualifies for Assistance?

The program is designed specifically for Ameren customers who generally qualify for energy assistance. Joe Solari, the Vice President of Customer Experience at Ameren, emphasized the importance of partnerships with local agencies to deliver comprehensive support. He encourages customers uncertain of their eligibility to reach out, stating, “We’re here to help.”

Various community organizations will facilitate the distribution of these funds, including:

• - United Way
• - Cooldownstlouis.org
• - Urban League
• - Community Action Agency of St. Louis County (CAASTLC)
• - North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC)
• - East Missouri Action Agency (EMAA)
• - Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA)

Michelle Tucker, President, and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis, highlighted the success stories stemming from this collaboration. For instance, a mother of six, recently displaced from her home, was able to secure a new living arrangement with the help of bundled assistance programs.

Overview of Available Assistance Programs

Customers can take advantage of several energy assistance programs, each tailored to different needs. Here’s a brief overview:

• - Dollar More: Helps eligible households with up to $600 for past due bills during the calendar year.
• - Keeping Cool: Offers eligible customers credits totaling $250 during the summer months.
• - Summer Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP): Provides up to $300 for those in financial crisis from June to September.
• - Ameren Energy Relief Grant: A one-time grant of $150 for customers with past due balances of at least $150.

Additional programs include:

• - New Start Energy Relief: Forgiveness for past-due bills up to $1,000 for those seeking permanent housing.
• - Veterans Energy Assistance: Offers military members and veterans up to $600 when bills are overdue.

Maximizing Energy Management

As they implement energy assistance programs, Ameren Missouri is also rolling out tools to help customers manage their energy usage more effectively. The Energy Usage Dashboard allows customers to track consumption by appliance and time, offering bill projections and customized savings tips.

Key features include:

• - Off-Peak Awareness: Encouraging customers to use electricity during cheaper off-peak hours.
• - Budget Billing: Providing flexibility to manage seasonal bill spikes.
• - Alerts and Notifications: Keeping customers updated on outages and assistance alerts through text or email.

These digital services enhance the customer experience by offering personalized guidance based on their energy consumption, fostering better control and cost management.

How to Access Assistance

To explore the full spectrum of assistance programs and manage energy costs effectively, customers are encouraged to visit AmerenMissouri.com/EnergyAssistance. Those wanting quick assistance can access their accounts via the Ameren app or by calling 800.552.7583 to speak with customer service representatives who can assist even without an online account.

About Ameren Missouri

With over a century of service, Ameren Missouri caters to approximately 1.3 million electric and 135,000 natural gas customers across central and eastern Missouri. The company prides itself on its low electric rates and commitment to enhancing quality of life. More information is available at Ameren.com/Missouri and on their social media platforms.

In these challenging times, Ameren Missouri remains dedicated to empowering its customers with the resources and support necessary to manage their energy needs effectively.