Electric rates

Sometime next year, AmerenUE customers in Missouri will likely see another increase in the rates they pay for electricity. Ameren has filed a request with the Missouri Public Service Commission to raise rates 18 percent, which Ameren estimates would result in an increase of 50 cent in the average household bill.

Last year Ameren asked for a 12.1 percent rate increase and was granted a 7.8 percent increase that went into effect in March. Ameren officials say the PSC usually doesn't grant the full increases requested by utility companies.

In a current advertising campaign through its service area, Ameren makes the point that its rates are 40 percent lower than the national average and 20 percent lower than other investor-owned utilities in Missouri. In addition, the company has taken some aggressive measures to ensure fewer interruptions in service in the past three years -- which included two of the worst ice storms ever in Southeast Missouri.

Hearings on the rate request are set for next March. Local hearings will be held to listen to what customers have to say. The Office of the Public Counsel also will take comments by mail (P.O. Box 2230, Jefferson City, MO 65102-2230), telephone (866-922-2959) or e-mail (opcservice@ded.mo.gov).