Ameren Illinois "Fresh Start" program
will help those impacted by COVID-19
Providing $8 million in bill payment
assistance for qualified customers
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[August 12, 2020]
Ameren
Illinois has allocated $8 million in bill payment assistance to help
qualified residential customers reduce or eliminate a past-due
account balance. Under the "Fresh Start" program, up to $700 is
available for customers struggling to pay energy bills as a result
of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the program opened on July 9, nearly
5,000 Ameren Illinois customers have received bill payment
assistance.
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"This has been a very difficult stretch for many
of our customers," said Richard J. Mark, Chairman and President,
Ameren Illinois. "While we're seeing some indications that the
economy is improving and people are getting back to work, the need
for assistance remains high. We're glad to be in a position to
provide additional financial support and offer a fresh start for
customers who are most in need."
The Fresh Start program is designed to help those customers impacted
most by the coronavirus. Income-qualified Ameren Illinois customers
with past-due account balances may be eligible for funding. For
example:
• A family of four with a monthly income of up to $4,367 may be
eligible to receive up to $400 for electric bills and up to $300 for
natural gas bills. Customers in this income range must first
receive assistance from the Illinois Low Income Home Energy
Assistance Program (LIHEAP) before applying for Fresh Start
funding. To apply for LIHEAP, visit HelpIllinoisFamilies.com or call
877-411-9276.
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If a past-due balance remains after LIHEAP assistance
is received, apply for Fresh Start by calling Ameren Illinois at
1.800.755.5000, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
• A family of four with a monthly income between
$4,367 and $7,642 may be eligible to receive up to $200 for electric
bills and up to $150 for natural gas bills. Fresh Start funds for
past-due customers in this income range are administered by the
Energy Assistance Foundation. See the list of participating agencies
and apply by visiting WarmNeighborsCool
Friends.org.
Income Guidelines are on a sliding scale based on family size. Visit
Ameren
Illinois.com/Recovery for detailed income eligibility guidelines.
Customers with an outstanding balance can work with Ameren Illinois
to establish an extended payment schedule. Repayment terms may be
extended up to 24 months. Call 800.755.5000 for details.
[BRIAN BRETSCH
Communications Executive
Ameren Illinois] |