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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Lee Enterprises

Wednesday, September 24, 2008 8:06 PM CDT
Panel's decision on Ameren rate hikes could come today

By MIKE RIOPELL, JG/T-C Springfield Bureau

SPRINGFIELD — State regulators met briefly Tuesday in advance of making a final decision on whether Ameren customers will have to pay more for electricity and natural gas.

The Illinois Commerce Commission plans to vote today on whether — and how much — Ameren’s Illinois utilities can raise delivery rates, but the vote could be pushed back to later in the month.

Ameren is asking for increased prices, it says, in order to boost its sunken bond rating and therefore be able to maintain its systems of power lines and pipes to deliver electricity and natural gas.

But in anticipation of today’s vote, dozens plan to rally, including a contingent from southern Illinois and AARP. Most won’t get to speak, but AARP spokesman Gerardo Cardenas said raising rates on senior citizens and others would be the “wrong thing to do at the wrong time” given the otherwise struggling economy.

Despite the protests, the commission members might not have much left to decide. Members’ questions Tuesday lasted just 15 minutes and focused on just one aspect of the complex case.

Commission spokeswoman Beth Bosch said most members may have already made up their minds.

“They may,” Bosch said. “They’ve had this record for six weeks.”

Six weeks ago, an administrative law judge suggested Ameren be allowed to collect about $163.5 million more from its gas and electric customers. Commissioners will consider that recommendation today.

Ameren first asked for $247 million last year, and since then the case has been involved in the lengthy process of review by the commission.

State Rep. Bob Flider, D-Mount Zion, said that process should have included oral arguments asked for by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office. The request was denied.

“I think it was a huge mistake,” Flider said.

“They felt they had all they needed to make a decision,” Bosch said.

It’s unclear exactly how the higher rates would affect individual power and gas bills, but it appeared that if approved, AmerenIP customers could see the biggest increases. AmerenCIPS customers could also see increases, while those under AmerenCILCO might actually see declines.

Contact Mike Riopell at mike.riopell@lee.net or 789-0865.

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krusayda wrote on Sep 24, 2008 9:25 AM:

" "Its unclear exactly how the higher rates would affect individual power and gas bills"
It is pretty %^$%^ clear to me! Our bills will be more expensive to pay along with gas, food, eduction and everything else. "

gringa wrote on Sep 24, 2008 11:12 AM:

" It's time for another (retroactive) rate freeze, for electric AND gas rates!!!!!!!!!! Enough is enough! "

Rockin Rotty wrote on Sep 24, 2008 12:26 PM:

" Amen, krusayda!

These idiots ought to have their heads examined.

Death by taxes?

Nope....

Death by an electric company with a stronghold.... around our necks, & on our pocketbooks! "