Notice to Residents Economically Impacted by the #Coronavirus or Victims in Missouri and Southern Illinois

While we and others wait to see the potential numbers of those impacted by the #Coronavirus we are urging seniors, the physically disabled and low-to-moderate income people not to wait until things get outrageously busy. Regardless of the call by public officials asking Missouri and Illinois utilities, not to disconnect and wave fees, etc., we’re asking you to become proactive and come forward now under the Cold Weather Rules (CWR) where certain budget billing and other utility options are available, as you may be eligible for help now.

Please go to Heatupstlouis.org or Heatupmissouri.org online today. For those without computers or mobile internet access you should call either 314-657-1599 or 314-241-7668 (automated hotlines) and we will see if you are qualified, etc. While we help with many utility bills that deal with natural gas, propane, home heating oil, we partner “directly” throughout the state of Missouri with Ameren Missouri. We and our partners have some other limited energy funds for non-electricity clients in need in Illinois and Missouri through us and our 35 partnerships.

Also, at some point, if you will be encouraged to be self-quarantined due to the #Cornoavirus or at some point soon the #Cornoavirus has economically impacted you, due to employment layoffs, etc. we will make every effort to help you, if we haven’t already.

Keep in mind that everything is based on availability of funds. That’s why if you are in one of those aforementioned economic categories already and you are having an affordability problem in general with utilities, please reach out sooner than later.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO COMMUNICATE WITH US ON FACEBOOK OR TWITTER. YOU MUST GO THROUGH OUR SECURED WEBSITES, OR AUTOMATED HOTLINES. YOUR PRIVACY IS IMPORTANT TO US.

Finally for those local, state and federal leaders asking local utilities to change some temporary policies, we encourage you to join us in obtaining for Missouri and Illinois neighbors in need federal dollars through any upcoming Congressional acts or the White House’s National Emergency. We need programs targeted to remove red tape and to fund energy assistance programs. It takes a village of all entities to keep our Missouri and Illinois neighbors safe. We welcome you to join the neighborhood.

Federal government can’t do it all, but when they can, they should. In this case emergency dollars are needed beyond donations, local government and utility entities’ support. Keeping needy people’s utilities on this winter and summer and keeping their rents paid, and groceries on the table is a Federal Government responsibility, as well.