Spire expands two customer assistance programs

Programs build upon more than $27 million in assistance funding available in FY22

ST. LOUIS (Dec. 5, 2022) — To provide help to more customers who are struggling with inflation and rising costs, Spire is enhancing two assistance programs, following a Nov. 30 approval from the Missouri Public Service Commission.

Earlier last month, Spire expanded the eligibility criteria for its DollarHelp program. These efforts build upon the more than $27 million in federal, state and Spire energy assistance funding Spire helped customers access during fiscal year 2022.

“We are focused on the challenges inflation creates for our customers,” says Scott Carter, Spire Missouri President. “In addition to budget billing and our energy assessment programs that we have in place to help all of our customers manage their energy use, we have a number of funding programs available for customers who are struggling.

"We’re committed to actively engaging with our customers and the agencies and organizations that are dedicated to helping them secure assistance funding,” said Carter. “These changes are based on customer and advocate feedback. And they help us help more people.”

Expanded access to assistance includes the following changes:
Payment Partner Program
The Payment Partner Program provides a monthly bill credit and matches payments toward past due amounts for individuals who qualify. Spire is expanding eligibility so that customers with household incomes up to 300% of the federal poverty level may qualify; this is up from the current eligibility level of 200%. The expansion of the program is anticipated to go into effect later this month.

Critical Medical Needs Program
The Critical Medical Needs Program will assist customers experiencing a medical emergency and suspend potential disconnection of their service for up to 30 days. Spire will provide financial support for this assistance network along with other utilities in partnership with the United Way. The program requires certification from a health care provider or case worker and is targeted to launch in March of next year.

Spire’s recent changes to the DollarHelp program mean customers whose household incomes are up to 300% of the federal poverty level are now eligible for assistance. The maximum total annual pledge amount has also increased from $700 to $1000 per household.

And for those who qualify, Spire customers in Missouri are now eligible for an 18-month payment plan. This special arrangement was last available to Missouri customers to help ease financial hardship impacts caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Spire’s team of customer support specialists are here to help Spire customers access tools and programs to manage their energy use and bills, including budget billing, payment arrangements and Spire’s energy assessment tool, as well as programs such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federally funded program that assists vulnerable customers with their immediate energy needs. 

For a complete of programs to help you manage your bill, or to learn more about Spire assistance programs and options, visit SpireEnergy.com/ManageMyBill.