With temperatures shifting unpredictably as Missouri moves between heating and cooling seasons, Ameren Missouri is urging eligible customers to take advantage of available energy assistance programs and flexible payment options designed to provide financial stability throughout the year. As many households continue to manage rising costs, the utility is highlighting several resources aimed at easing the burden of monthly energy bills during this transitional period.
One of the key programs currently available is Dollar More, which has more than $1.5 million in remaining funds. The program provides up to $600 per household each calendar year for customers who meet the income criteria. Eligibility was recently expanded to include households earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level—for example, a family of four with a monthly income of $8,250. The company emphasized that combining Dollar More assistance with federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funding can significantly increase the level of support customers receive.
“We understand our customers are facing tough times. We are here to help,” said Joe Solari, vice president of customer experience at Ameren Missouri. Solari encouraged customers who are worried about their bills to reach out early and explore all available resources. Local Community Action agencies partner with the utility to administer the Dollar More program and can also assist with applications for LIHEAP and Weatherization services. The deadline to apply for LIHEAP Energy Assistance is May 31.
Beyond direct financial aid, the company offers several programs designed to give customers more control over how and when they pay. My Energy Manager, available to customers with upgraded meters, allows households to track energy use by appliance, giving greater visibility into consumption patterns. Budget Billing offers another layer of predictability by spreading costs evenly across the year, helping customers avoid seasonal bill spikes.
Ameren Missouri also encourages customers to explore energy efficiency tools that can reduce long-term usage. For instance, pairing a smart thermostat with the Peak Time Savings program provides a $50 enrollment incentive and a $25 annual bonus for ongoing participation. Customers with past-due balances can also enroll in payment agreements that allow them to spread payments out over time.
Several other targeted programs remain available, including Keeping Cool, New Start Energy Relief, Veterans Energy Assistance, and additional seasonal or income-based options. As temperatures continue to fluctuate, the utility is urging customers to be proactive and to contact their local assistance agencies or Ameren Missouri directly to determine the best combination of support for their household.
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