Ameren UE announced its Clean Slate program Tuesday which will give $3 million to people struggling with their utility bill payments.

The program is geared toward the elderly and low income disabled.  With the economic downturn state agencies said they are seeing more people struggle to pay their bills including people who have never used government agencies for help before.

Disabled UE customer Lois Crowley said she struggles to pay her bills because of her illness.  "My bills are like two and three hundred dollars," she describes that the program would help her. " And it would get me to buy gas and stuff that ordinarily I have to stay home because I can't walk."

The program covers seven counties in Mid Missouri: Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Cole, Cooper, Howard, and Monteau.  A total of 80 thousand dollars will be given to the accepted applicants. 

Customers can apply through local state agencies such as the Central Missouri Community Agency.  In order to apply you much send proof of your income and a utility bill.