19 June 2020 - - Illinois, US-based utility operator Ameren Illinois is expanding relief measures to customers who have been financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, the company said.

Under the terms of a joint agreement with the Illinois Commerce Commission, other Illinois utilities, the Attorney General's office, and consumer groups, the Ameren Illinois COVID-19 Economic Hardship Recovery Program will offer flexible payment options and direct bill payment assistance to customers struggling to pay their energy bills.

This assistance comes as stakeholders and members of the Illinois General Assembly map out the state's energy future and look to stimulate economic recovery in Downstate Illinois.

Key provisions woven into the Ameren Illinois COVID-19 Hardship Recovery program include LIHEAP energy assistance from the State of Illinois for households with incomes at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.

Warm Neighbors Cool Friends customers not eligible for LIHEAP may qualify for a grant from this non-profit organization.

Eligibility is based on household size and 30-days household income at or below 300% of the federal poverty level.

Ameren Illinois will allocate up to USD8 m to help qualified residential customers to pay down an existing account balance. Award amounts will be determined by income, household size, and amount owed, with a maximum of USD700 applied to a customer's account. Program will be available in July.

Customers who still have a balance remaining after all applicable energy assistance has been applied can establish an extended payment schedule. Repayment terms may be extended up to 24 months.

Services for residential customers whose power was disconnected for non-payment up to one year prior to June 18, 2020, can request to have service reconnected at the same location. No reconnection fees will be required.

Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2m electric and more than 800,000 natural gas customers in Illinois.