West Central Reporter

Ameren Illinois’ “Fresh Start” program has reduced or eliminated past-due account balances for qualifying residential customers.

The utility company earmarked $8 million for bill payment assistance, Ameren said in a July 28 press release. Ameren Illinois provided up to $700 for accounts that have dealt with financial hardships because of COVID-19, making paying utility bills difficult. 

"This has been a very difficult stretch for many of our customers," Richard Mark, chairman and president of Ameren Illinois, said in the press release. "While we're seeing some indications that the economy is improving and people are getting back to work, the need for assistance remains high.” 

Ameren Illinois president and chairman Richard Mark. | Photo Courtesy of Ameren Illinois

The program began July 9 and has helped approximately 5,000 customers.

“We're glad to be in a position to provide additional financial support and offer a fresh start for customers who are most in need,” Mark said in the release.

Designed to help customers impacted by the coronavirus, the Fresh Start program focuses on funding income-qualified customers with past-due account balances.

“A family of four with a monthly income of up to $4,367 may be eligible to receive up to $400 for electric bills and up to $300 for natural gas bills,” the release states. “Customers in this income range must first receive assistance from the Illinois Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program before applying for Fresh Start Funding.”

A four-person family earning between $4,367 and $7,642 a month might be eligible for at most $200 in assistance for electric bills and a maximum of $150 for gas, the release said. The program is administered by the Energy Assistance Foundation. 

The Fresh Start program income guidelines are based on family size and customers with a past-due account can work with the utility provider to create an extended payment plan. 

Information on funding and other assistance provided by Ameren Illinois’ COVID-19 Economic Hardship Recovery program can be found at AmerenIllinois.com/Recovery.