"Ameren has recently had a series of rate increases. Additional rate increases will increase the energy burden for people who are already the most vulnerable: the low income, fixed income, and minority communities," LWVSTL Co-President Joan Hubbard told the Missouri Public Service Commission at a Jan. 22 hearing on Ameren’s proposed 15.77% electric rate hike.

If approved, the increase would add roughly $17 to the monthly electric bill for those using 1,011 kilowatts-hours of usage. Hubbard said recent rate increases approved by MPSC include two Fuel Adjustment Clauses and the Renewable Energy Standard Rate Adjustment Mechanism, resulting in additional costs for residential customers.