COLLINSVILLE, IL (April 11, 2022) – Qualified Ameren Illinois customers who are behind on their energy bills can now establish a 12 month repayment plan by making a 10% down payment. The offering is available for customers who apply by July 31.
"The decision to extend the 10% down payment option was made in response to economic hardships some customers are experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of higher natural gas supply costs," said Joe Solari, VP of Customer Experience, Ameren Illinois. "We want to make sure that our customers have every avenue of support available to maintain essential energy services."
To establish a payment plan, customers can self serve through the Ameren Illinois website, by automated phone services, or by speaking with a customer service representative during normal business hours. Visit AmerenIllinois.com/EnergyAssistance or call 800-755-5000.
After July 31, most customers with outstanding balances will be required to pay 25% of the amount they owe before they can establish a monthly payment plan.
In addition to the repayment plans, approximately $150 million in utility bill assistance is available through the state-administered Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Customers whose incomes are at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level are eligible for assistance. The Federal Poverty Level is based on family size and an applicant's past 30 days of household income. For example, a family of four whose income is less than $4,417/month may be eligible for this assistance. Required documentation includes, but is not limited to: proof of past 30-day income and social security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers for all household members. Customers can apply for assistance through May 31, 2022.
"We cannot stress enough how important it is that eligible customers take action today to apply for LIHEAP funding," said Solari. "These resources are available and they need to be utilized. We want to ensure that every dollar available is provided to our customers in need."
Some customers may be eligible to receive payment assistance through Warm Neighbors Cool Friends (WNCF), an Energy Assistance Foundation program funded primarily through the contributions of Ameren employees and customers. Warm Neighbors Cool Friends provides energy bill payment support to those who generally do not qualify for federal or state heating assistance.
Information on bill payment options, including payment agreements, LIHEAP and WNCF, are available at AmerenIllinois.com/EnergyAssistance.
Customers are also encouraged to explore other solutions, like implementation of energy efficiency measures, to help them reduce future energy costs.
Energy and money-saving resources and tips are available at AmerenIllinoisSavings.com.
About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and more than 800,000 natural gas customers in Illinois. Our mission is to power the quality of life. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com, find us on Twitter @AmerenIllinois or Facebook.