PR-10-117 -- PSC Denies AmerenUE Interim Rate Request

Contact: Kevin Kelly (573) 751-9300

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- JANUARY 13, 2010

JEFFERSON CITY---The Missouri Public Service Commission has denied a request filed by Union Electric Company d/b/a AmerenUE to implement an interim electric rate increase, subject to refund, of approximately $37.3 million.  The interim rate increase would have amounted to an approximate 1.67 percent increase for AmerenUE’s customers.  The Commission’s vote was 3-2.

The Commission determined that AmerenUE did not meet its burden of proving that it is facing extraordinary circumstances and the electric company failed to demonstrate a compelling reason to implement an interim rate increase.

“Granting a rate increase without benefit of a full audit on questions of disputed facts sends the wrong message to the rate paying customers who may also be facing challenging financial circumstances,” said PSC Chairman Robert M. Clayton III.

On July 24, 2009, AmerenUE filed an electric rate case with the Missouri Public Service Commission seeking to increase annual electric revenues by approximately $402 million.  The electric company also filed an interim rate increase request of approximately $37.3 million. 

Today’s decision addresses the interim rate request.  The rate case which seeks to increase annual electric revenues by approximately $402 million is pending before the Commission.  The Commission continues to take testimony from customers at local public hearings across AmerenUE’s service territory.  Formal hearings are scheduled to begin in this case in March and a Commission decision is expected in June of this year.

AmerenUE serves approximately 1.2 million electric customers in Missouri. 

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Case No. ER-2010-0036