By AP/KWMU
St. Louis, Mo. – Ameren-UE is asking the Missouri Public
Service Commission to approve a two-phase increase in natural gas delivery rates.
The proposal calls for a nine percent rate increase effective December 1, and another nine percent increase effective
November 1, 2004. If approved, Ameren officials say they won't seek additional delivery increases through November 1, 2006.
The average customer's bill would rise $16.26 after both increases.
The St. Louis-based utility company cites rising operating costs and significant investments in infrastructure. Ameren supplies natural gas to about 111,000 Missouri customers.