Missouri appeals court upholds 2009 utility rate increase

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- A Missouri appeals court has upheld a 2009 decision by state utility regulators to approve a rate increase for Ameren Missouri.

The Missouri Public Service Commission in January 2009 approved a more than $160 million electric rate increase for Ameren customers. That was challenged by Noranda Aluminum Inc. and the public counsel, who represents ratepayers before the commission.

Missouri's Southern District Court of Appeals on Monday upheld the commission's decision. The appeals court said commissioners acted within their authority and that their findings were just and reasonable.

Since the 2009 rate case, Ameren has been granted two more rate increases. St. Louis-based Ameren is the state's largest utility and has about 1.2 million electric customers, mostly in eastern and central Missouri.