Ameren Missouri Helps Local Soldiers Pay Electric Bills

Soldiers and Airmen of the Missouri National Guard are being offered some assistance with their electric bills, courtesy of Ameren Missouri. 

Dave Wakeman, vice president of the St. Louis-based utility company, announced Monday at historic that Ameren is pledging $200,000 toward its 2012 Military Energy Assistance Program for servicemen and women living in its service territory. Wakefield was joined by Lt. Col. Christopher Mickan, of the Guard’s 70th Troop Command, by Lt. Col. Kevin McGhee, a chaplain from National Guard Joint Force Headquarters and by two Guard families that took advantage of the program last year. 

Under the program, servicemen and women from all branches of the military who apply may be eligible for a $500 credit on their utility bill, a real benefit considering the recent heat wave across the Midwest.

“This is our way of giving back to the servicemen and women who are protecting our nation,” Wakeman said. “It’s something we feel we need to do to support them and it's satisfying to know that we’re able to relieve some of the burden that can sometimes come with military service.”

“Ameren Missouri has reached out during sluggish economic times by providing a program that will have a positive impact on the Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen of the Missouri National Guard,” Mickan said. “This program will help many military families in need.”

Sgt. 1st Class Drew Ishmael, of Shrewsbury, was among the National Guardsmen who took advantage of the program last year. 

“The benefits of the Military Energy Assistance Program were great,” Ishmael said. “I was able to use the money I saved to help buy energy efficient windows and doors for my house. It also allowed my family to help offset the cost of childcare, so I’m pretty impressed with Ameren for doing this.” 

Ishmael praised the application process and encouraged younger servicemen and women to take advantage of the program.

“One form is all you have to fill out,” he said. “I can’t wait for younger servicemen and women to take advantage of this program; service people who don’t have the benefits that I now have. That’s where the majority of this benefit should go.”

To determine eligibility requirements and to acquire an application, contact the Missouri National Guard Family Program Office at 573-638-9500, ext. 7681. 

Ameren Missouri provides electric service to about 1.2 million customers in 63 counties in central and eastern Missouri. The company also provides natural gas service to 127,000 customers. For more information about Ameren, visit AmerenMissouri.com.