Watchdog plans to oppose Ameren rate hike

Posted on February 10, 2015

Ameren Illinois is proposing a $53 hike in natural gas rates. (WJBC file photo)

By Metro News Service

SPRINGFIELD – An Illinois utility watchdog group is planning to fight a request from Ameren Illinois to raise its annual rate for natural gas delivery. 

Jim Chilsen with the Citizens' Utility Board said Ameren has received $90 million worth of natural gas rate hikes since 2008.

"That's why we intend to go over every detail of Ameren's rate hike request," Chilsen said. "We plan to challenge every penny the company can't justify."

Ameren said last month it filed a request with the Illinois Commerce Commission for the increase, which the company says would add an average of three to six dollars to customer bills. 

The ICC has until December to make a decision.

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