One of Illinois's largest natural gas providers is seeking a $50 million rate increase for its 813,000 customers.
Ameren Illinois filed the paperwork requesting the rate case with the Illinois Commerce Commission today. The company says it needs the additional revenue to recoup infrastructure investments and cover the rising costs of delivering natural gas.
Ameren Illinois senior vice president, Craig Nelson said in a statement that the increase was needed to make sure the company remains financially able to "provide a safe and reliable energy delivery system that will accommodate future economic growth and development."
By state law, the new rates would not take effect before December. If approved in full by the Commerce Commission, typical Ameren Illinois customers would pay between $2.50 and $4.00 more a month.
The utility last raised its rates on Jan. 20 of last year.
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