Through the Ameren Illinois Warm Neighbors Cool Friends program, low to moderate income customers are able to qualify for assistance on their power bills. Executive Director of the Energy Assistance Foundation Susan Sams has more:
“What we try to do is target moderate income or middle income folks, Ameren Illinois customers who make too much to qualify for the government funding, which is the LIHEAP Program, the Low Income Energy Assistance Program. These are generally seniors who have social security and small pensions or families with mom and dad working and they have some children. Our website is warmneighborscoolfriends.org.”
On top of the Warm Neighbors Cool Friends program, Sams states additional funds are available for assistance on past due balances through their Fresh Start Program:
“This is for moderate income customers and you just have to have a past due balance, even if it is one day past due. We can help with up to $200 on your electric bill and $150 on your gas bill. This is for Ameren Illinois customers only. The way our winter program works is we match anything the customer pays up to $350. If you are moderate income and have a temporary financial crisis, and even if you only owe $100 or $200, but are able to pay $350, we match that $350.”
Locally, contact Jamieson Community Center for assistance and qualification in the Ameren Illinois Warm Neighbors Cool Friends and Fresh Start Programs, 734-4251.
