Communities Benefit from $5 Million Donation
Ameren Missouri is donating $30,000 to the Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation (DAEOC) to provide emergency energy assistance for limited-income customers in Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Scott and Stoddard counties in Southeast Missouri.
The donation to DAEOC is part of a $5 million donation from Ameren Missouri to non-profit groups announced in August. The company has partnered with several energy-assistance partners in Missouri to provide immediate funds to customers impacted by this summer's extreme temperatures.
"We know we have customers in Southeast Missouri struggling because we experienced a really hot summer,” said Russell Burger, director, SEMO Division, Ameren Missouri.
"Ameren Missouri cares about the well-being of these most vulnerable customers. With this donation to DAEOC's energy assistance program, we’ll be able to provide immediate relief to our limited-income neighbors,” Burger said.
Officials from the non-profit group credited Ameren Missouri for its effort to provide energy assistance to those in need.
“The Bootheel has some of the highest poverty rates in the state with considerable numbers of elderly and disabled residents. DAEOC’s clients are often faced with choosing among necessities,” explained Scarlett Loomas, director of Family and Community Development at DAEOC. “Over the years, Ameren Missouri has proven itself to be a dedicated partner in the well-being of its low-income customers who are struggling with heating and cooling costs. We view this donation as not just a charitable contribution to those in need, but as an investment in our Bootheel community.”
To see if they qualify for energy assistance funds, Ameren Missouri customers in the DAEOC service area can:
Contact DAEOC toll free at (800) 598.1818 or online at daeoc.com/contact.
Contact Heat-Up St. Louis and Heat-Up Missouri online by visiting heatupstlouis.org and heatupmissouri.org for immediate crisis energy assistance.
Contact their local weatherization agency or the United Way at 2-1-1 for new weatherization support and sustainability program assistance.
The gift is part of the company’s multiyear, statewide Energy Outreach program designed to help people struggling to make ends meet now and lower their energy bills for the months and years to come. The donation comes from corporate earnings and is not charged to customers.
Ameren’s statewide $5 million in contributions over a multiyear period include:
$2.5 million over three years to support Ameren Missouri customers throughout the entire service territory with crisis energy assistance to combat extreme temperatures, such as the heat wave that Missouri experienced this summer. Many of these programs will include expanded eligibility to reach even more customers in the moderate and limited income areas.
$2.5 million over three years for weatherization support and new sustainability programs, including subsidizing the cost for energy efficiency-related home improvement and equipment repairs.
To learn more about Ameren's Energy Outreach program and other energy assistance resources, visit AmerenMissouri.com/energyassistance.