Published 1:47 pm Wednesday, October 14, 2026
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ST. LOUIS — Ameren has added $10 million in funding to replenish programs that help eligible customers in Missouri and Illinois manage their energy bills, the company said.
The money will help eligible residential and small-business customers reduce past-due balances, manage high bills, and avoid falling further behind. The company said several of the programs are being relaunched.
“Many families are facing real financial pressures, and keeping energy costs as low as possible remains one of our most important responsibilities,” said Joe Solari, vice president of customer experience at Ameren. He said the company’s efforts also include energy efficiency and weatherization support and investments to keep the grid reliable.
Ameren Illinois programs receiving additional funding are Warm Neighbors Cool Friends, a matching grant program that provides bill payment assistance to income-qualified households; the Non-Residential Hardship Program, a relaunched program that assists small businesses and nonprofits in financial hardship; and the Ameren Illinois Military Program, a relaunched program offering assistance grants to active-duty military members and veterans.
“Every customer deserves access to safe, reliable energy, especially during difficult financial moments,” said Kim Bond, manager of customer assistance for Ameren Illinois. “This assistance will help Illinois families stay connected to an essential service and give them room to get back on more stable footing.”
Ameren Missouri programs receiving additional funding are Dollar More, which assists customers through partner agencies; the Energy Relief Grant, a relaunched program offering qualified customers one-time energy assistance grants; Ameren Missouri Military & Veterans Support, which provides grants to active-duty military members and veterans; and a relaunched Non-Residential Hardship Program for small businesses and nonprofits in financial hardship.
“This additional funding underscores our commitment to being there for our Missouri customers and communities,” said Page Selby, manager of customer advocacy for Ameren Missouri.
Gwen Mizell, Ameren senior vice president and chief sustainability officer, said the company’s commitment includes protecting the reliability of the energy system, supporting economic development and job creation while protecting existing customers, and standing with customers and communities when needs arise.
Through September 2026, Ameren customers have received more than $107 million in total energy assistance, the company said. Customers can learn how to apply through Ameren’s website.
