Ameren Missouri customers can apply for a utility assistance program due to pandemic

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

An additional $1.5 million is now available by Ameren Missouri for families struggling to pay their utility bills due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ameren is directing $1.2 million to its Clean Slate program to support moderate-income customers who do not qualify for low-income programs. The company is also directing $300,000 to support local agencies that administer these funds.

"We continue to see people struggling with the effects of the pandemic, with loss of income, or illness in the family and we continue to see many families impacted by that, so that's why it was so important to us to offer this program." Paige Selby, manager of customer advocacy with Ameren Missouri.

Due to the impacts of COVID-19, Ameren wants to ensure as many customers as possible take advantage of energy assistance options.

Clean Slate will help eligible customers with up to $750 per account after paying 25% of the past-due balance.

To be eligible for Clean Slate, customers must meet the following requirements:

• Household income up to 300% of the federal poverty level. For example, customers in a four-person household making up to $79,500 are eligible to apply.
• Pay 25% of the past-due balance.
• Self-declared hardship due to COVID-19.
• Have an active Ameren Missouri electric account that is past due, on a payment agreement or in need of reconnection.
• Customers who received Clean Slate funding in 2020 are eligible to reapply.

"People can apply through any of the community action agencies; it would be Central Missouri in the Columbia/Jeff City area," Selby said.

Colita Harvey with Central Missouri Community Action said to apply for the Clean Slate program; two applications are needed to be filled out. This includes the regular energy application (Low Income Home Energy application) and the other being the Weatherization application if your home has not been weatherized within the last five years.

Harvey said both applications are available in the lobbies of the eight CMCA service areas across the state.

"Those agencies cannot only help you with this program, but there are probably other programs that customers might qualify for as well. Those agencies are pros at knowing how to help customers with as many programs as they can," Selby said.

Heat Up St. Louis is also helping to give out the funding for Ameren's Clean Slate program.

Customers are encouraged to apply as soon as possible before their outstanding balance becomes unmanageable.

Energy assistance is also available for customers with lower incomes. Missouri's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is currently accepting applications from customers with an income at or below 60% of the state median income level. For example, customers in a four-person household making up to $51,021 are eligible to apply.