ICC asks for public comment on proposed Ameren gas rate hike

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The Illinois Commerce Commission is encouraging Ameren Illinois customers to give public comment on the utility's proposed natural gas rate increase.

A pair of public hearings will be held in Springfield and East St. Louis on Aug. 27 and 28.

The Springfield meeting will be from 7-9:30 p.m. Aug. 27 at the CMS Regional Complex, 4800 W. Wabash Ave.

The East St. Louis hearing will be from 7-9:30 p.m. Aug. 28 at New Life Community Church, 1919 State St.

Customers who can't attend the hearings can submit comments via the ICC website or call the Consumer Services Division at 1-800-524-0795 during regular business hours.

Ameren filed its petition with the ICC for a $134 million general rate increase in January 2025.

Under the Public Utilities Act, the ICC is responsible for scrutinizing rate case filings over the course of an 11-month legal proceeding.

The ICC Administrative Law Judge presiding over the case will open the hearings, followed by a brief presentation from Ameren. Verbal and written comments from consumers will be accepted and entered into the docket, and ICC staff will be available after the comment period for a Q&A. As the hearings are associated with a docketed rate case, ICC Commissioners will not be in attendance and must review the entire case at the close of evidence.