St. Louis – October 14, 2026 -- Ameren is putting $10 million in additional funding into programs that help eligible customers in Illinois and Missouri reduce past-due energy balances, manage high bills and avoid falling further behind.
Some of the programs are being relaunched. They cover income-eligible households, small businesses, nonprofits, active-duty military members and veterans.
Ameren Illinois funds three programs
Warm Neighbors Cool Friends is a matching grant program that provides additional bill payment assistance to income-qualified households. The Non-Residential Hardship Program, relaunched, assists small businesses and nonprofits in financial hardship. The Ameren Illinois Military Program, also relaunched, provides assistance grants to active-duty military members and veterans.
Kim Bond, manager of customer assistance for Ameren Illinois, said the aid should help Illinois families stay connected to an essential service and give them room to get back on more stable footing.
Ameren Missouri funds four programs
Dollar More assists thousands of customers each year through partner agencies. The relaunched Energy Relief Grant offers qualified customers one-time energy assistance grants. Ameren Missouri Military & Veterans Support provides grants to active-duty military members and veterans. A relaunched Non-Residential Hardship Program serves small businesses and nonprofits in financial hardship.
Customers have received more than $107 million so far
Through September 2026, Ameren customers have received more than $107 million in total energy assistance. Beyond bill payment support, the company offers programs and resources on energy efficiency and weatherization to help customers understand and manage their energy use.
Joe Solari, vice president of customer experience at Ameren, said the company's approach also includes protections against emerging cost pressures and continued grid investments.
Customers can find application details for available funding at Ameren.com/Assistance.