Ameren Rate Increase Public Hearings Start Today, Do You Support the Increase?

Ameren Missouri wants to raise their rates by 14.6 percent, but first they must hear the public’s opinion.

The increase, according to an Ameren pamphlet regarding the increase, would increase the company’s revenues by approximately $376 million. Ameren cites higher fuel costs and infrastructure improvements as some of the reasons for the rate increase, according to an Ameren press release.

“Our customers have consistently told us that reliability is their highest priority and that they also want cleaner air,” said Ameren Missouri Chairman, President and CEO Warner Baxter, in a press release. “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.”

Back in February, Ameren asked the Missouri Public Service Commission, which oversees electricity and telecommunications, to approve the rate increase -- the fifth rate increase in six years.

The commission will be hosting the meetings throughout Missouri to ask for input over whether or not to approve the increase. The commission has until January of 2013 to make a decision.

For a list of locations and dates of the public hearings see Ameren’s pamphlet in the PDF section of this story.

So what do you think? Should the Missouri Public Commission approve the rate increase? What would you say to Ameren officials about the rate increase? Tell us in our comments.