ST. LOUIS, Jan. 16, 2026, 08:52 CST
- Ameren is stepping up promotion of bill-assistance programs in Illinois and Missouri, aiming to ease the burden on households grappling with rising winter energy expenses.
- Illinois’ Warm Neighbors Cool Friends program provides up to $500 to certain customers who aren’t eligible for federal assistance.
- Eligibility and funding differ across programs, and assistance may be limited.
Ameren is pushing Illinois customers to seek up to $500 in bill-payment aid via its Warm Neighbors Cool Friends program. The new phase of winter assistance has launched amid utility warnings about continued pressure on household finances.
U.S. electricity prices continue their upward climb, hitting residential customers harder than many big commercial users. According to The Washington Post, prices have surged roughly 40% since February 2020. Residential rates alone jumped 10% between 2022 and 2024, while commercial rates crept up just 3% over the same period.
Federal aid remains part of the equation. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families disbursed roughly $3.6 billion in routine Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds, along with an additional $100 million linked to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, according to the American Public Power Association.
Warm Neighbors Cool Friends targets households earning too much to qualify for LIHEAP but still facing challenges with energy bills. “Warm Neighbors Cool Friends acts as a critical lifeline for hardworking families,” said Susan Sams, executive director of the Energy Assistance Foundation, in an Ameren statement. Ameren MediaRoom
Ameren’s assistance portal outlines income brackets for LIHEAP and Warm Neighbors Cool Friends, guiding customers to nearby agencies that process applications. The utility also highlights alternatives like payment plans, weatherization aid, and bill-credit programs.
Ameren in Missouri is pushing customers to enroll in its Dollar More program, which provides qualified households with up to $600 annually. The income limit for eligibility goes up to 300% of the federal poverty level, the company noted. “Don’t wait to ask for help,” urged Joe Solari, Ameren’s vice president of customer experience. PR Newswire
Ameren Missouri is urging customers to get help early, warning that delaying could limit their options when bills stack up. “We really want to encourage customers to reach out as soon as you realize that you may be needing some additional assistance,” said Page Selby, the utility’s manager of customer advocacy, in an interview with KTVO. KTVO
Prices have been climbing steadily. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, retail electricity costs have outpaced inflation since 2022 and are expected to continue rising through 2026.
Illinois customers have an extra layer of protection: utilities are barred from cutting off heat during winter. The Illinois Commerce Commission’s winter weather rule restricts disconnections from Dec. 1 through March 31 whenever forecasts predict temperatures below freezing. Commission chairman Doug Scott emphasized it “protects customers who might otherwise struggle to stay warm.” Jacksonville Journal-Courier
That said, there’s no certainty this aid will fully bridge the gap. Several programs rely in part on voluntary donations, while grants may dry up fast during cold snaps. As a result, some customers will remain ineligible and continue to rack up arrears.
Illinois residents looking for LIHEAP assistance can turn to the state Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, which offers help to eligible low-income households to cover home energy costs, mainly heating during winter. Eligibility is set each year based on available funding and capped at 60% of the state median income. The agency points applicants toward local providers and operates a Help Illinois Families call center.
Warm Neighbors Cool Friends, operated by the Energy Assistance Foundation, offers grants up to $500 to moderate-income families facing financial struggles. The program depends entirely on donations to support these efforts.
