Ameren offers energy bill assistance to veterans, active-duty military members

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CARBONDALE, Ill. (KBSI) – Ameren is encouraging veterans and active-duty military members struggling to pay their energy bills to apply for financial assistance through its Military Assistance Fund.

The city of Carbondale shared information about the program during Military Appreciation Week to help eligible residents learn about available resources.

The Military Assistance Fund provides grants to qualifying Ameren Illinois and Ameren Missouri residential customers who are veterans or active-duty military members experiencing financial hardship.

Grants are available once every 12 months and are applied toward qualifying energy bill balances.

“When our veterans and military families are facing a financial hardship, we want them to know they are not alone,” said Joe Solari, Ameren’s vice president of customer experience.

Solari encouraged military families with past-due energy bills to seek assistance before falling further behind on payments.

Ameren Illinois customers can review eligibility requirements and apply online at AmerenIllinois.com/Assistance.

Ameren Missouri customers can apply by calling United Way at 211 and providing proof of military status.

Ameren said customers may also qualify for additional energy assistance programs to help reduce their utility costs.

More information about available assistance programs, payment options and money-saving resources is available at Ameren.com/Assistance.