PEORIA, Ill. – The Citizens Utility Board is once again calling out Ameren as it makes another request for increased rates to the Illinois Commerce Commission.
The utility is asking for $160 million in gas rate hikes for one year, and $435 million in electric increases over four years.
The four year request, Ameren says, is part of a new process through the Commerce Commission.
CUB says it’s not right for Ameren to do.
“This is awful news for Ameren customers who already were suffering under some of the highest electric and gas supply prices in Illinois history as well as earlier Ameren rate hikes,” David Kolata, CUB’s Executive Director, said in a news release.
Ameren spokesperson Tucker Kennedy says the hike is necessary.
“As required by the new state energy law, Ameren Illinois…we did just recently file a multi-year plan,” said Kennedy. “That’s a plan to continue to build a more reliable and resilient energy grid. It’s also to prepare for the state’s transition to clean energy.”
As is usually the case with a rate hike request, the Illinois Commerce Commission will do an eleven month review to determine if the hikes are indeed necessary, prior to making a decision.
When it comes to energy hikes this past fall and winter, Kennedy says those are hikes Ameren just can’t help.
“Recent increases — dramatic increases — that our customers have seen in their energy bills, are primarily because of the skyrocketing cost of energy supply,” said Kennedy.
Kennedy says regarding energy supply, you pay for energy what Ameren pays for energy. Other potential increases are so that the energey CAN be delivered to your home.
“CUB will do a thorough review of Ameren’s rate cases, and we will challenge every penny Ameren can’t justify,” said Kolata, in CUB’s news release.
CLICK HERE for more information from the Illinois Commerce Commission.
