Hearings set for cases challenging Ameren rates

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri utility regulators plan to hear evidence in June on a pair of cases challenging the electricity rates charged by Ameren Missouri.

The Missouri Public Service Commission scheduled a hearing to begin June 4 on a request by Noranda Aluminum for a 25 percent reduction in the rates it's charged at its aluminum smelter in New Madrid, Mo.

The commission set a hearing to begin June 23 on a separate case involving Noranda and Ameren. That complaint alleges Ameren is earning more than it is authorized to from its electricity rates.

The commission said it expects to make a decision by July 30 on the rates involving the Noranda smelter and by Aug. 20 on the case asserting Ameren is earning too much.