Residents in several area counties may qualify for help paying their energy bills through a partnership between the Energy Assistance Foundation and CEFS Economic Opportunity.
Through the Warm Neighbors Cool Friends program, eligible Ameren Illinois customers in Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby counties can receive financial assistance to help cover heating and cooling costs.
Ameren Illinois recently contributed an additional two million dollars to the program to help Illinois households in 2026.
Qualifying households may receive up to $500 during the heating season and up to $400 during the cooling season. Applicants must have made a matching customer payment within the past 45 days. The program is designed for income-qualified households who may not qualify for federal assistance but still need help paying their energy bills.
Energy Assistance Foundation Executive Director Susan Sams says the program provides peace of mind for hardworking families who may be struggling to cover essential energy costs.
Funding is limited and applications are required. Residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. For more information or to apply, visit warmneighborscoolfriends.org or cefseoc.org.
