ELECTRIC CUSTOMERS TO RECEIVE BILL CREDIT

AmerenUE will see a welcome turn of events in May.

The electric company will pay its customers.

The anticipated $10.70 credit on customer's bills that month is the result of an unusual relationship between the company and the Missouri Public Service Commission. AmerenUE is the only regulated electric utility under a special rate plan first started nearly six years ago and regularly renewed since.

Under the plan, customers receive the benefit of AmerenUE's efficiency. If the company manages its resources well and makes a healthy profit, customers see a refund.

Tim Fox, AmerenUE's St. Louis spokesman, said Friday the company constantly strives to keep costs low.

"We've had strong earnings and have been controlling our costs very effectively," he said. "When we have these benefits, we can pass them on to our customers."

He said cost-controlling efforts include efficient fuel use at power plants and eliminating unnecessary paperwork. And he said the company is serving more customers, thus earning more profit.

Missouri customers will receive $28 million in refunds from AmerenUE, which serves 1.1 million customers in the state, compared to $21 million in refunds last year.

The company saw record earnings of $457 million, or $3.33 per share, in 2000, compared to $385 million in 1999. Officials estimate earnings of $3.30 to $3.45 per share in 2001.