Ameren Illinois Empowers Customers Through Community Workshops Offering Education and Assistance

More than 5,000 customers received $300 financial relief

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. (October 15, 2025) - More than 5,000 Ameren Illinois residential customers are better equipped to lessen the household impact of rising electric supply prices after attending Community Development Workshops the company held across its service territory. At events in Decatur, East St. Louis, Carbondale, and Peoria, Ameren Illinois' experts provided attendees with practical strategies and tools to make their homes more energy efficient and save money. For participating in the educational sessions, each eligible attendee was provided a $300 credit to be applied to their monthly energy bill.

"This first-of-its-kind workshop series was about more than just providing financial assistance-it was about helping our customers take control of their energy future," said Keyla Ward, manager, clean energy transition for Ameren Illinois. "We're proud to deliver immediate relief and promote long-term energy resilience."

Launched under the company's Market Development Initiative (MDI), the workshops were designed to bring innovative, community-driven solutions directly to customers in underserved communities who experienced the strain of higher-than-normal electric bills this summer. Supply and demand imbalances, hot and humid conditions, and an uptick in demand led to a spike in electric capacity prices that increased summer energy costs for residents and businesses. Approximately $1.5 million in credits were applied to customer accounts at the four events.

Attendees of the workshops also received information on available bill payment programs, renewable energy resources, and clean energy job and training programs. The MDI has three primary goals to support the Clean Energy Transition: Access and Education, Inclusive Vendor Opportunities, and Workforce Development.

Ameren Illinois is also reminding customers that LIHEAP enrollment began October 1. Customers can identify their local LIHEAP agency and determine their eligibility for funding by visiting HelpIllinoisFamilies or calling 833-711-0374 while funds are available. In addition to LIHEAP, customers may qualify for an additional $150 bill credit that they can receive from their LIHEAP agency. Year to date, Ameren Illinois has connected over 150,000 customers to various energy assistance programs which have provided more than $61 million in energy bill relief.

For more information about energy assistance programs offered through Ameren Illinois, visit www.AmerenIllinois.com/PathToSavings.

About Ameren Illinois
Ameren Illinois delivers energy to 1.2 million electric and more than 800,000 natural gas customers throughout central and southern Illinois. Our service territory covers more than 1,200 communities and 43,700 square miles and our mission is to power the quality of life. For more information, visit AmerenIllinois.com. Follow us at @AmerenIllinois or Facebook.com/AmerenIllinois.