New funds available for Ameren customers
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By TRAVIS MORSE
tmorse@morningsentinel.com
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS — Ameren is reminding residential customers across Illinois and Missouri that a wide range of resources remain available to support qualifying households with their energy bills in 2026.
In addition to programs funded by the company, Ameren partners with United Way of Greater St. Louis, the Energy Assistance Foundation, and hundreds of Community Action Agencies to ensure that customers can apply for funds, including the Low Income Home Emergency Assistance Program or LIHEAP, states an Ameren news release.
“As we start the new year, we’re encouraging customers in need to make one simple resolution: ‘Don’t wait to ask for help,’” said Joe Solari, vice president of customer experience for Ameren. “Applying early for energy assistance prevents small challenges from becoming big burdens after the cold weather passes. Our teams are here to support you the moment you need it.”
Ameren also invites customers who are able to give back to their communities to partner with the company by making a one-time or recurring contribution to either the Warm Neighbors Cool Friends program in Illinois or the Dollar More program in Missouri. For more information on available resources, visit Ameren.com/Assistance.
Illinois Assistance: Warm Neighbors Cool Friends
Ameren partners with the Energy Assistance Foundation for Warm Neighbors Cool Friends, a program also funded by voluntary donations that provides customers with funds across Ameren’s Illinois service territory. The company recognized a greater need for assistance and in December, contributed an additional $2 million for Illinois customers, the news release states.
Warm Neighbors Cool Friends provides eligible households with up to $500 in bill payment assistance through the Energy Assistance Foundation. A matching customer payment is required within the last 45 days.
Eligibility includes customers with incomes between 200% and 300% of the Federal Poverty Level or at 80% of the county’s Area Median Income.
“Warm Neighbors Cool Friends acts as a critical lifeline for hardworking families who may not qualify for federal assistance but are still struggling to keep their homes safe and comfortable,” said Susan Sams, executive director of the Energy Assistance Foundation. “We’re proud to partner with Ameren so its customers have somewhere to turn when they need support the most.”
Missouri Assistance: Dollar More Program
For Missouri customers, Ameren partners with United Way of Greater St. Louis and local Community Action Agencies to offer the Dollar More program. This is funded by volunteer donations and offered to customers across Ameren’s Missouri service territory. The company recognized a greater need for assistance and in December, contributed an additional $2 million for Missouri customers, the news release states.
Dollar More provides eligible households up to $600 per calendar year. Qualifications for the program have increased up to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Throughout 2025, Ameren partnered with hundreds of Community Action Agencies to make more than $140 million in energy assistance and LIHEAP support available to customers across both states. This amount is inclusive of a $250,000 grant made by Ameren in December to Heat Up St. Louis (heatupstlouis.org). The nonprofit serves seniors, people with disabilities, and income-eligible families across Missouri and Illinois, the release states.
“Our long-standing collaboration with Ameren strengthens our ability to serve the region’s most vulnerable neighbors,” said Ben Turec, board president of Heat Up St. Louis. “If you are experiencing difficulty with your energy bill, please reach out for assistance to HeatupStlouis.org.”
For more information on these programs, contact Ameren or visit Ameren.com.
