Ameren Illinois is extending an offer to help qualified customers who have fallen behind on paying their energy bills. The company says those customers can establish a 12 month payment plan by making a 10-percent down payment. Ameren is extending the deadline for customers to apply for that program to July 31st.
‘’The decision to extend the 10-percent 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 costs,’’ said Joe Solari, Vice President of Customer Experience for Ameren Illinois. ‘’We want to make sure that our customers have every avenue of support available to maintain essential energy services,’’ said Solari.
After July 31st, most customers with outstanding balances will be required to pay 25-percent of the amount they owe before then can establish a monthly payment plan.
In addition to the repayment plans, approximately $150-million dollars in utility bill assistance is available through the state-administered Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Customers whose income is at or below 200-percent of the Federal Poverty Level are eligible for assistance.
‘’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,’’ he added.
Information on Ameren’s bill payment options, including payment agreements, LIHEAP, and Warm Neighbors Cool Friends program, is available at www.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 www.AmerenIllinoisSavings.com.
