In a difficult summer of spiking electricity prices, Ameren Corp.–the parent of Ameren Illinois–has announced that income qualified customers who have fallen behind on their energy bills can apply to receive a one-time $150 grant, while funds are available.
This support is coming from an Ameren program that is providing $4 million in assistance to agencies in Illinois and Missouri. Ameren customers who qualify for LIHEAP can apply for the $150 grant from Ameren through their local Illinois LIHEAP agency.
“We encourage customers who have fallen behind on their bills to reach out to a local LIHEAP agency to determine their eligibility and apply for funding,” said Joe Solari, vice president of customer experience at Ameren.
Ameren Illinois’ summer electricity price shot up about 50 percent on June 1, increasing the average monthly bills of a typical residential customer by 18 percent to 22 percent, or roughly $38 to $46 per month, over the summer. Ameren’s price is expected to decrease from more than 12 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to about 8-9 cents per kWh on Oct. 1. Read CUB’s Q&A and visit CUBHelpCenter.com for more information.
To identify your local LIHEAP agency and determine your eligibility for a grant, visit Help Illinois Families or call 1-833-711-0374 while funds are available.
Ameren listed other financial and energy-saving opportunities:
- Events: In September and October, Ameren Illinois will host events to connect customers to available funding and provide consultation on in-home energy saving strategies.
- Energy Efficiency: Learn about energy-saving opportunities, including an income-qualified Home Energy Assessment, at AmerenIllinoisSavings.com/SaveMoney.
- Energy Assistance: LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Income qualified customers can apply for financial help through LIHEAP when the new season begins on Oct 1. Ameren says: “In addition to receiving a onetime benefit on your energy bill, LIHEAP eligible customers will automatically be approved for a credit on their monthly gas bill through the Natural Gas Service Discount program. Also, deposit and late payment charges will be waived.”
For a comprehensive list of energy assistance programs, bill payment options and money-saving resources, visit AmerenIllinois.com/PathToSavings.
