Ameren Illinois

A new report by state regulators projects energy shortfalls will begin in northern Illinois by 2029 and the rest of the state by 2031 if lawmakers and grid operators don’t act.

As Illinoisans use more natural gas to heat their homes with colder weather hitting the region, Ameren says changes to the company’s local natural gas storage fields in the Metro East will help make it more efficient and save customers money in the long run.

Following the ICC’s approval of a $73 million rate increase for Ameren last month, the company’s residential customers can expect to see an average $3.65 increase on their monthly bills starting in January.

The Illinois Commerce Commission approved a $73 million natural gas rate increase for Ameren on Wednesday. It’s not yet known how much bills will go up with the decision.

The final decision on Ameren Illinois’ $128.8 million rate hike request for natural gas delivery services will be made by the Illinois Commerce Commission.

Ameren said it was donating the $4 million to community organizations in response to extreme heat that is forecast to run through Monday.

Ameren Illinois, based in Collinsville, made the request to state regulators to increase its natural gas services by $8 to $10 per month for typical customers.

Two years ago, Ameren finished the first solar farm in East St. Louis. Company leaders hope the second facility’s completion will spark similar investments.

State regulators are once again considering massive electric utility spending plans that would affect the state’s climate goals – and 5.4 million electric customers’ monthly bills – after rejecting previous versions late last year.

The drop in gas rates and rise in electrical rates follow separate decisions from the Illinois Commerce Commission in late 2023. Ameren Illinois customers will notice the changes in the first billing cycle of the new year.