By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, Mo. – Missouri's Public Service Commission voted Tuesday to allow AmerenUE to raise its electric rates, but only by one-tenth of its original request.
Ameren had hoped to get $361 million extra dollars from electric customers by raising its rates.
Instead, the company will receive just $45 million more.
That translates to $2.40 more per month for the average residential customer.
Public Service Commission Chairman Jeff Davis said it has been 20 years since Ameren last raised its electric rates.
"It's also important to understand that reducing their rates would not improve reliability," Davis said "It would probably put a greater strain on the system."
A spokesman for Ameren said the utility will review the case and may ask for an appeal, though no formal decision has been made yet.
Attorney General Jay Nixon said he will appeal the decision and push for a rate cut.