July 18, 2023 – The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is providing Ameren Illinois customers an additional opportunity to offer comments on the company’s proposed Multi-Year Rate Plan at a public hearing on Wednesday, July 19. The hearing will begin at 6 p.m. at the Decatur Civic Center and will focus on how Ameren can comply with Illinois’ clean energy goals while providing the best service to its customers.
In February, Ameren filed a petition for approval of a Multi-Year Rate Plan with the ICC that would result in a $148.9 million dollar hike in gas over a year and a $1.3 billion dollar hike in electricity over four years. According to the Citizen’s Utility Board, which opposes the plan, the expected cost to consumers would be about $5-$6 a month (62 therms in usage) for gas and $6.27 a month (833 kWh/month in usage) for electric, building to about $25 a month by 2027. The amounts are an estimate as rate hikes would affect customers differently, according to their usage.
Ameren has noted that its proposal is related to complying with the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The act was signed into law in 2021 and aims to make Illinois energy sources 100% carbon-free by 2050. Ameren’s petitions and other case filings can be found HERE.
The public can submit verbal or written comments at the hearing, which will be presided over by an ICC administrative law judge. Verbal comments will be limited to three minutes per person. Commission staff will be available to answer procedural questions following the comment portion of the meeting. For those unable to attend the hearing, public comments can also be left with the ICC by clicking HERE or calling toll-free 1-800-524-0795 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Representatives from Ameren Illinois and ICC staff will be present to answer questions. A proposed order summarizing the case and making recommendations is expected to be filed by the ALJs in the fall and a final order ruling by the Commissioners must be issued before the end of the year.
