 And some Missouri nonprofit groups have teamed up to help those in need in the rural southeastern part of the state. Many households in these communities struggle to pay their electric bills as poverty rates are 10% higher than the state average. A local electric utility provider has been criticized for not doing more to help alleviate the financial burden. In response, Renew Missouri is partnering with churches and other nonprofits to help people get signed up for state and federal energy assistance programs.