Ameren Payment Plans and Complaints: Illinois and Missouri Guide

Ameren serves approximately 2.4 million electric and 900,000 natural gas customers across Illinois and Missouri. Because these are two different states with two different regulators, your rights and options depend on which side of the border you live on.

Ameren payment options (both states)

Deferred Payment Arrangement (DPA)

Both Ameren Illinois and Ameren Missouri offer payment arrangements for past-due balances. Call 800-755-5000 to set one up.

Budget billing

Averages your annual costs across 12 equal monthly payments.

Ameren Illinois — ICC regulated

Illinois protections

• Winter moratorium: December 1 through March 31 — no disconnection of residential heating customers
• DPA terms: Up to 12 months, with extended plans up to 24 months for income-eligible customers
• Winter DPA: Down payment capped at 10 percent
• 2026 affordability program: Eligibility expanded to 300 percent of federal poverty level

ICC complaint

• Phone: 800-524-0795
• Online: icc.illinois.gov/complaints

Ameren Missouri — MO PSC regulated

Missouri protections

• Cold Weather Rule: Disconnection prohibited when temperatures are forecast to drop below 32 degrees within 72 hours
• Payment plans required before disconnection
• 21-day notice period for disconnection

MO PSC complaint

• Phone: 800-392-4211
• Online: psc.mo.gov

Assistance programs

• LIHEAP: Available in both states through local Community Action Agencies
• Ameren CARES: Emergency assistance for qualifying customers
• Dollar More: Ameren's customer contribution fund for emergency assistance

Quick action checklist

1. Call Ameren at 800-755-5000 for a DPA
2. In Illinois, cite winter moratorium rights (Dec 1 - Mar 31)
3. In Missouri, cite the Cold Weather Rule during freezing weather
4. Apply for LIHEAP and Ameren CARES
5. File an ICC (IL) or MO PSC (MO) complaint if refused

Bottom line

Ameren customers have solid protections in both states. Illinois has the stronger winter moratorium and DPA terms. Missouri's Cold Weather Rule provides temperature-based protection. The regulator complaint works in both states.

Sources

• Ameren — Payment Options
• Illinois Commerce Commission
• Missouri PSC