COLLINSVILLE, Ill., June 19, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Ameren Illinois today announced it is expanding relief measures to customers who have been financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. 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.
"The package of economic relief we're announcing today is another example of what can be accomplished when stakeholders work together to benefit the 1.2 million customers Ameren Illinois serves in 1,200 Downstate communities," said Richard J. Mark, Chairman and President, Ameren Illinois. "Fortunately, Illinois has one of the most customer-centric and progressive energy frameworks in the country. The groundbreaking Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act (EIMA) – or Smart Grid Law – has made Illinois a national leader in smart grid development and energy innovation. It also established a cost-recovery mechanism through performance based formula ratemaking that has kept rates low, created thousands of jobs, and most importantly during this COVID-19 pandemic, is allowing us to develop creative payment programs and offer direct financial assistance to our customers."
"Ameren Illinois customers from all walks of life are facing unprecedented economic hardship and we're fortunate to be in a position to support them," Mark said. "I was glad to see that the Citizens Utility Board (CUB), the Attorney General's office, and other consumer groups also recognize the benefits of performance-based ratemaking and advocated alongside us for this vital COVID-19 assistance."
Key provisions woven into the Ameren Illinois COVID-19 Hardship Recovery program include:
External Funding
Ameren Illinois' Fresh Start Program
Service Reconnections – 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. Call 800.755.5000.
"Along with this special COVID-19 assistance, we continue to invest in our communities, put people to work, open doors for more minority suppliers to do business with us, and build the clean energy future in our service territory," Mark said. "Illinois is a great state, and what makes it so great is that we have diverse communities, diverse economies and diverse needs. Ameren Illinois will continue to work for fair, reasonable energy policies that deliver real, measurable benefits for everyone in Downstate Illinois."
Information on the funding and assistance programs under the COVID-19 Economic Hardship Recovery program can be accessed at AmerenIllinois.com/Recovery.
About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and more than 800,000 natural gas customers in Illinois. Our mission is to power the quality of life. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com, find us on Twitter @AmerenIllinois or Facebook.
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SOURCE Ameren Illinois