Ameren seeks rate increase

Ameren Missouri, filed an electric rate increase request with the Missouri Public Service Commission (MPSC). Ameren Missouri is committed to providing its customers with safe, reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible energy. To achieve these objectives, the company has made significant investments in its energy infrastructure, some of which are not currently included in its electric rates. Ameren Missouri is now seeking to be reimbursed for these investments and other operating costs in its rates.  Ameren Missouri’s average electric rates are approximately 25% below the national average and the lowest of any investor-owned utility in Missouri.

“Our customers have consistently told us that reliability is their highest priority and that they also want cleaner air,” says Ameren Missouri Chairman, President and CEO Warner Baxter.  “Over the last several years, we have made significant investments in our infrastructure that are producing results. Over the last five years, distribution system reliability and sulfur dioxide emissions at our power plants have improved significantly for the benefit of customers.”

Ameren Missouri’s rate increase request is approximately $376 million, which is a 14.6% increase in customer rates. If approved, the average residential electric bill would increase about 46 cents a day (based on approximately 1,100 kilowatt-hours of usage per month).

Key components of the company’s request are:

• Investments made primarily to improve the reliability of Ameren Missouri’s aging infrastructure and to comply with environmental and renewable energy regulations comprise approximately $85 million (about 23%) of the increase request.
• Higher net fuel costs for power plants account for approximately $103 million (about 27%) of the request.
• Higher costs for the company’s recently proposed energy efficiency programs comprise approximately $81 million (about 22%) of the request. These programs are expected to provide approximately $500 million in total customer benefits over the next 20 years.
• Additional cost increases, including those to meet renewable energy requirements, material costs and employee benefits.