ILLINOIS (WAND) — The Citizens Utility Board (CUB), Illinois PIRG and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) announced the findings of expert testimony on Ameren Illinois’ $134 million gas rate-hike request. Consumer advocates argued that Ameren Illinois is wrongfully attempting to charge its customers triple what it can justify under utility regulation.

The advocates found more than $85 million in overcharges connected to issues in Ameren’s rate-hike request. 

Eric DeBellis, General Counsel for CUB broke down the numbers. 

"CUB has found more than $55 million in overcharges and Ameren's push for higher profits. And we are not alone." DeBellis explained. "The Illinois Attorney General's office found that combining the necessary disallowance that they have flagged with CUB's would lead to a total reduction of about $85 million. That's about two thirds of the rate hike."

This is Ameren’s fourth rate-hike request since 2018. In that time, the utility has raised gas delivery rates by $202 million, or 50 percent. 

After request for comment, Ameren Illinois responded with a statement attributed to Brad Kloeppel, the Senior Director of Gas Operations and Technical Services for Ameren Illinois.

"The investments we have proposed in our reliability plan will enable us to meet strict federal pipeline safety requirements, reduce leaks, and provide reliable and affordable natural gas to our residential and business customer... We evaluate all available methods to maintain compliance at the lowest possible cost based on operational feasibility and industry best practices."

Representatives from CUB say they have faith in the ICC to reduce the final rates when the commission meets for the final ruling in November.

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