Missouri utility assistance program sees spike in applications as winter approaches
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Mid-Missouri residents struggling to make ends meet may be able to meet utility assistance program requirements.
Cities across Missouri are increasing energy prices as high inflation rates continue to impact the area.
Natural gas rates changed for Ameren Missouri Customers on Nov. 1 to primarily reflect estimated changes in the wholesale cost of natural gas, according to Missouri Public Service Commission.
Prior to the increase Ameren residential customers paid $0.93 per hundred cubic feet of natural gas. Natural gas users are now paying 2 cents more, at $0.95 per hundred cubic feet.
On Jan. 31, 2023, Missouri Public Service Commission will hold a public meeting to receive customer comment for a potential case filed by Union Electric Company doing business as Ameren Missouri. The case could result in a potential increase of $12 a month for Ameren's 1.29 million electric customers in Missouri.
Columbia's City Council approved to increase it's energy budget by millions of dollars in August.
Ameren's Missouri manager of customer advocacy Page Selby said the increase in price is affecting more than just Mid-Missouri.
"Natural gas prices have risen throughout the country," Selby said. "The recent, you know, natural gas rate that Amaren was a part of, was due to the fact that you know, that was a pass through. You know, that's what we pay for it, so that get's passed along."
Selby said Ameren has multiple utility assistance programs available for its customers.
"The message is that, for anybody that needs assistance with your energy bill this winter there is help available there are a number of programs from government programs to Ameren specific programs."
Ameren offers a clean slate program, that helps customers get caught up on their past due bills. Budget billing offers a fixed rate for energy. This option allows customers to pay the same amount per month to spread out the months where the bill may be larger.
With budget billing, customers can also earn credit for staying up to date on payments.
"We are seeing more assistance available and more assistance being used than ever before," Selby said.
North East Community Action Corporation offers rent and utility assistance for families and individuals living in Missouri as well.
NECAC spokesman Brent Engel said the corporation is seeing an increase in applications for rental and utility assistance programs from elderly and disabled people. The application for utility assistance will open to the broader public on Thursday.
"We have seen an increase in the number of rental assistance and utility assistance requests in the last few months," Engel said. "Particularly, as the economy has tightened and inflation has gotten worse."
Engel said the department has plenty of funding available for rental and utility assistance. However, he said it is harder to get rental assistance at this time.
"We have closed the waiting list throughout our 12 counties," he said. "And right now, it's virtually impossible to get a rental assistance voucher."
Engel is unsure how long it will take to reopen the waitlist.
Other local assistance programs include LIHEAP, MVCAA and MOCA.
