By Adam Allington, St. Louis Public Radio
St. Louis – Some AmerenUE customers spoke out against a possible rate hike at a special Public Service Commission hearing Tuesday in St. Louis.
The utility wants to raise electric rates 18 percent. That request comes on the heels of another increase last year.
Craig Mershon uses a wheelchair to get around, and he says higher utility bills are a problem because he's not able to work.
"It's not an easy job living as a person with a disability, because it is a job," Mershon said. "You could go to bed at night and wake up the next morning suffering with a stroke, and then you'll be like one of us, and then you'll want someone to help you."
Ameren has said it needs the extra money to pay for rising fuel costs and infrastructure improvements.
The PSC is expected to make a final decision in March.