PSC Approves Rate Increase for Ameren Customers

JEFFERSON CITY (AP) - Electricity rates will be going up for customers of Ameren-UE. The state Public Service Commission today granted a roughly $43 million rate increase for the St. Louis-based utility. For an average residential customer, that should mean about $2.33 more each month, or about 3.3% An Ameren spokesman expressed disappointment. The company had sought a $361 million rate increase. The utility says the money is needed partly to make infrastructure improvements. But others said the increase is too much. Staff for utility regulators had sought a $168 million dollar reduction. Attorney General Jay Nixon says he will appeal the decision on behalf of the state. He also wants a rate cut.