Missouri utility regulator updates increase for Ameren users

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- The largest electric utility in Missouri will be able to charge an additional $121.5 million to its customers starting May 12.

The Missouri Public Service Commission on Thursday released an updated estimate of the amount Ameren Missouri can charge customers following a rate increase.

Commission staff say the average residential customer will see an increase of $5.45 a month.

The $121.5 million increase is less than half the $264 million Ameren requested in July.

But it's higher than the $108 million estimate provided by staff Wednesday when the commissioners approved the increase.

The updated estimate incorporates other elements of that decision.

The commission also approved a reduced electric rate for a Noranda Aluminum Inc. smelter in Southeast Missouri. The company says it needed the rate cut to continue operations there.