Ameren customers who are behind on their utility bills are being urged to take advantage of a payment plan that starts with a 10% down payment.
The utility is offering the plan through March 31st.
Eligible customers can pay 10 percent of their outstanding balances, then finish paying in monthly installments.
Next month, however, customers will be required to pay 25% before they can start on a monthly payment plan for past-due bills.
Residential customers with old bills who don't start a payment plan will be subject to service disconnection beginning in April.
Some customers may be eligible to receive help with bill payment from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
For information about the assistance program, call the Energy Assistance Hotline at 1-877-411-9276.