By WJBC Staff

COLLINSVILLE – Ameren Illinois residential customers who have fallen behind on their utility bill may benefit from programs and assistance being offered by the energy company.

For a limited time, eligible Ameren Illinois customers with past due balances can establish a repayment plan by making a 10 percent down payment. Beginning Saturday, most customers with outstanding balances will be required to pay 25 percent of the amount owed before they can establish a monthly payment plan.

“We understand some of our customers are facing tough economic times. We’re offering this payment plan to help our customers to get back on track,” said Shirley Stennis, director of Customer Service for Ameren Illinois.

To establish a payment plan or discuss a utility bill, customers can call Ameren Illinois Customer Service at 1-800-755-5000, select ‘billing and payment’ from the menu, and follow the voice prompts. Customers may also set up an agreement by visiting AmerenIllinois.com.

Residential customers with past due amounts who do not establish a payment plan or break an existing payment agreement will be subject to service disconnection beginning April 1.

“We encourage our customers to take advantage of this 10-percent down offer so they can avoid having their service disconnected,” Stennis said. “Disconnection of service is always a last resort.”

Some customers may be eligible to receive payment assistance through programs such as Warm Neighbors Cool Friends, a program of the Energy Assistance Foundation, which is funded primarily through the contributions of Ameren employees and customers. The program is designed to help those who generally do not qualify for federal or state heating assistance. Detailed information is available on the program website WarmNeighborsCoolFriends.org.

In 2017, Ameren Illinois has allocated $750,000 in low-income energy assistance grants for qualified Ameren Illinois customers. In addition, the energy company will provide $1 million in grants to assist non-profit organizations, seniors and military customers with their utility bills.

Ameren Illinois also offers rebates and incentives on measures to make a home more energy efficient. Through Ameren Illinois’ programs, customers can gain greater control over their energy bills. The program provides free advice, as well as rebates and financial incentives. For more information on residential energy efficiency, visit amerenillinois.com/programs or call 1-866-838-6918.