FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Consumers Council of Missouri Commends Spire for Promoting DollarHelp Program; Urges Ameren Missouri and Missouri American Water to Strengthen Outreach for Similar Assistance Programs.

ST. LOUIS, MO – The Consumers Council of Missouri (CCM) applauds Spire for its proactive and visible promotion of the DollarHelp program – an essential resource that supports Missouri households struggling to keep up with gas bills. By actively encouraging donations, Spire helps ensure that community contributions fill critical gaps in winter heating assistance when other funding sources fall short.

“Spire’s commitment to making DollarHelp more widely known is a model for Ameren and Missouri American Water,” said Sandra Padgett, Executive Director of the Consumers Council of Missouri. “When people know how to donate to help their neighbors, fewer families face the threat of shutoffs, and more can keep their homes heated during the winter.”

CCM urges Ameren Missouri and Missouri American Water to follow Spire’s lead by more prominently promoting contributions to their own voluntary donation-based customer assistance programs:

• Ameren Missouri’s “Dollar More” program
• Missouri American Water’s “H2O Help” program

“Many community supporters simply don’t know about Ameren’s Dollar More and Missouri American Water’s H2O Help programs,” Ms. Padgett noted. “By more openly and consistently marketing these resources, utilities can make it easier for Missourians who want to help their neighbors to know where to donate.” CCM calls on all Missouri utilities to recognize the importance of accessible, well-publicized consumer assistance programs. Greater visibility not only supports families in crisis but also strengthens our community by ensuring that no household is left behind when temperatures drop.

Contact:
Sandra Padgett, Executive Director, Consumers Council of MO
314-323-8760
spadgett@moconsumers.org
St. Louis, MO November 12, 2025

Media Advisory from Consumers Council of MO
November 11, 2024
News Media Contact:
Sandra Padgett: spadgett@moconsumers.org

On November 12th, the Missouri Public Service Commission will hold a local public hearing at University of Missouri-St Louis (“UMSL”) to receive customer comments in a rate increase case filed by Missouri-American Water Company (“MAWC”).

This case includes a +40% rate increase for residential customers.

Hearing Details:

·      When? 6:00 pm on Tuesday, November 12th at UMSL, Millennium Student Center, Century Room C, 17 Arnold B. Grobman Dr.

·      A public information/question and answer session will begin at 6:00 pm followed by the Commission receiving testimony from the public.

·      Members of the public are advised to wait until the Q & A session is completed before providing testimony on their personal experience regarding the affordability of MAWC water rates and the proposed rate increase.