Small businesses in need of energy assistance can look to Ameren Missouri.
The company's $500,000 program is aimed at small businesses and nonprofit organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We understand the hardship that many of our small businesses are facing today to keep their doors open and provide valuable goods, services and jobs in communities throughout the state," Ameren Missouri vice president of customer experience Tara Oglesby said. "That's why we created this program in partnership with the United Way to help small businesses and nonprofits with their energy costs."
To qualify for $250 credit, businesses must be:
An active Ameren Misosuri gas or electric customer for the past 6 months
A small business or non profit 503(c)(3) with 50 or fewer employees
Registered with the Missouri Secretary of State
Locally owned and non-franchised in Missouri
Experiencing hardships due to COVID-19
"The Ameren Missouri energy assistance program to help small businesses and nonprofit organizations launched last week, so most of the funds allocated for that program are available," stated an email from Ameren Missouri Communications.
The application for the business relief fund can be found online at AmerenMissouri.com/SmallBusinessRelief.
Energy assistance is also available for Ameren residential customers through the Clean Slate Program. If eligible, residential customers can clear out their past due utility bill balance.
Applicants must:
Be a residential electric customer
Put 25% down on the balance due
Be at 175% or lower than the federal poverty rate
More information can be found at: bit.ly/3ex3fJK
"The Clean Slate program to help residential customers with their energy costs launched in early June and less than half of those funds remain," Ameren stated.
Ameren Missouri has 5,085 electric customers in Callaway County.
"We encourage customers needing help with their energy bills to apply for these programs today as we process applications daily," Ameren added.
Other groups, like Callaway County and Central Missouri Community Action, have partnered to provide utility assistance for others who might be struggling.
Applications for the utility assistance through the county, which can be used on electric, water, sewer, gas, trash and internet bills, are available through the Callaway County Family Resource Center at 610 Collier Lane in Fulton.