ICC Ruling Will Bring Rate Relief For Ameren Customers

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Sep 21, 2012, 11:31 ET

AARP Commends ICC for Standing Up for Consumers

Statement from AARP Illinois Associate State Director, Scott Musser

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Sept. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Yesterday's ruling by the Illinois Commerce Commission signals a win for Illinois consumers who are tired of playing second fiddle to the profit interests of major corporations like Ameren. The ICC ruled in favor of consumers in a decision that will provide a $48 million rate reduction for Ameren customers. AARP commends the Commerce Commission for their decision.

"The ICC exists to balance the interests of consumers with that of utility companies like Ameren and ComEd. Ameren's review of their own rate case determined that consumers were owed only a $19 million rate reduction. However, AARP, the Illinois Attorney General's Office and other consumer advocacy groups intervened in the case, arguing that consumers were owed a $52.7 million reduction. At the end of the day, the ICC relied on several of the recommendations from AARP and the Attorney General and determined that a $48 million rate reduction was owed.

"Ameren customers have seen their rates increase by over $200 million since 2008. These rate increases are combined with a 2011 law (Public Act #97-0616) that will allow Ameren to increase rates every year for the next decade. Although it may seem small in comparison, a $48 million refund will help consumers who regularly struggle to afford their Ameren bill.

"AARP commends the decision by the Illinois Commerce Commission and we will continue to advocate for fairer utility rates and to ensure that the voice of the consumer is not silenced in the rate making process."

SOURCE AARP Illinois