By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, Mo. – The Missouri Public Service Commission has denied Ameren UE's request for another hearing on how much the utility is allowed to charge for electricity.
In May, the PSC voted to allow Ameren to raise its rates enough to make an extra $45 million. However, the company had asked for a rate hike that would've brought in an extra 361 million. Ameren spokesman Mike Cleary saidcompany leaders are disappointed.
"This modest increase was our first rate increase in 20 years in Missouri, and in fact our rates declined by 13 percent over that period, so, we face enormous increases in our operating costs. We have to be able to charge rates that allow us to recover those costs.'
Cleary said Ameren has made no decision yet on whether it will file a lawsuit against the state.
Meanwhile, State Attorney General Jay Nixon is on record as stating he'll push for a rate cut for Ameren.