Ameren Reminds Missouri And Illinois Customers About 2026 Energy Bill Support, Including LIHEAP And $140M In Assistance

Ameren is reminding residential customers in Missouri and Illinois that a variety of resources are available to help qualifying households manage their energy bills in 2026. In addition to programs funded by the company, Ameren partners with the United Way of Greater St. Louis, the Energy Assistance Foundation, and hundreds of Community Action Agencies to ensure customers can access funds, including support through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Joe Solari, Ameren’s vice president of customer experience, encouraged customers to seek help early, saying, “As we start the new year, we’re encouraging customers in need to make one simple resolution: don’t wait to ask for help. Applying early for energy assistance prevents small challenges from becoming big burdens after the cold weather passes. Our teams are here to support you the moment you need it.”

Ameren also invites customers who are able to give back to their communities to join its programs by making one-time or recurring contributions. Missouri residents can participate in the Dollar More program, while Illinois residents can contribute to Warm Neighbors Cool Friends. The Dollar More program, funded through voluntary donations, provides support to eligible households across Ameren’s Missouri service area. Ameren works closely with the United Way of Greater St. Louis and local Community Action Agencies to manage the program.

In response to growing needs, the company contributed an additional $2 million in December 2025. Eligible households can receive up to $600 per calendar year, and program qualifications have been expanded to households with incomes up to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. Michelle D. Tucker, president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis, said, “Dollar More remains one of the most meaningful examples of neighbors helping neighbors. We see the impact every day, and we’re proud to partner with Ameren to ensure that anyone facing a difficult moment can access the help they need, exactly when they need it.”

In Illinois, Ameren collaborates with the Energy Assistance Foundation to operate Warm Neighbors Cool Friends, also funded by voluntary donations. The program provides bill payment assistance to eligible households across the state. In December 2025, Ameren contributed an additional $2 million to meet the rising demand. Warm Neighbors Cool Friends offers up to $500 in assistance per household, with a matching customer payment required within the last 45 days.

Eligibility includes customers with incomes between 200% and 300% of the Federal Poverty Level or at 80% of the county’s Area Median Income. Susan Sams, executive director of the Energy Assistance Foundation, said, “Warm Neighbors Cool Friends acts as a critical lifeline for hardworking families who may not qualify for federal assistance but are still struggling to keep their homes safe and comfortable. We’re proud to partner with Ameren so its customers have somewhere to turn when they need support the most.”

Throughout 2025, Ameren worked with hundreds of Community Action Agencies to provide more than $140 million in energy assistance and LIHEAP support to customers in Missouri and Illinois. This total includes a $250,000 grant made by Ameren in December to Heat Up St. Louis, a nonprofit that supports seniors, people with disabilities, and income-eligible families. Ben Turec, board president of Heat Up St. Louis, said, “Our longstanding collaboration with Ameren strengthens our ability to serve the region’s most vulnerable neighbors. If you are experiencing difficulty with your energy bill, please reach out for assistance at HeatupStlouis.org.”