The United Way of Greater St. Louis and Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis are among the area organizations that have partnered with Ameren Missouri to help keep residents cool during this torrid summer, which followed a devastating May 16 tornado.
Ameren says customers who typically qualify for energy assistance may now be eligible to receive up to $1,400 in bill payment assistance across various programs.
The utility is collaborating with several agencies “that can bundle our energy assistance programs and provide additional services for our customers,” said Joe Solari, vice president of customer experience for Ameren.
Las week, Ameren donated $4 million to community action agencies following the $1 million in support for victims of the tornado.
Michelle Tucker, president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis, said a mother of six recently contacted her organization for help after being displaced from her home.
“After bundling numerous energy assistance programs and funds from Ameren Missouri and more, her family was able to relocate and is now set up with a payment they can afford,” Tucker said Tucker.
“We know the power of connection, and we’ve seen significant success when our families reach out to seek available assistance. We are grateful for Ameren Missouri’s donation and remain ready to connect those in need with resources and support.”
Ameren Missouri’s partner agencies include United Way, Cooldownstlouis.org and Cooldownmissouri.org, the Urban League, Community Action Agency of St. Louis County, North East Community Action Corporation, East Missouri Action Agency, Central Missouri Community Action and more.
The energy assistance programs that can be bundled depending on eligibility include:
- Dollar More, which can provide eligible households with up to $600 per calendar year when their bill is past due.
- Keeping Cool, which provides up to five bill credits of $50 each (up to $250 per year) to eligible customers from May through September for two calendar years, which means customers could qualify for up to $350 under the program.
- Missouri’s Summer Energy Crisis Intervention Program, which offers those in financial crisis up to $300 from June through September.
- Ameren Energy Relief Grant, which provides a $150 one-time grant to eligible customers with a balance of at least $150.