A recent Ameren filing with the Illinois Commerce Commission could lead to an electricity-rate increase, but the utility said other factors will actually lead to an overall decrease on your power bill starting in January.
Ameren spokeswoman Marcelyn Love said the company last week filed its annual reconciliation of costs related to infrastructure upgrades. If approved, it would mean a "slight" rate increase, although Love did not provide an exact figure.

But Love said overall, starting next year, monthly power bills will drop by an average of $3.50.

"Not only has Ameren Illinois helped to keep delivery rates relatively stable over the last eight years, we've also intervened on behalf of our customers to establish a fairer process for establishing these supply rates," Love said.

"Therefore, customers will benefit from lower supply costs.
"In addition, Ameren Illinois customers are already benefitting from savings due to the federal tax cut that went into effect. We petitioned the ICC to pass those savings onto customers."

The commerce commission could rule on the rate-hike request by December.

The Chicago-based Citizens Utility Board watchdog group said it is reviewing Ameren's request and is prepared to fight "excessive spending."

94.1 WGFA