An analysis by the staff of the Public Service Commission finds that under legislation pending in the Missouri General Assembly consumers would have to pay higher rates faster for electric utility infrastructure investments and would lose protections afforded under current law.
Since 2007 consumers have paid Ameren Missouri a cumulative total of more than $2.8 billion in higher rates and fuel surcharges. That means the average family is paying $400 more a year for electricity. Now Ameren and the other electric companies are asking Missouri lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 207 to give them yet another surcharge. Ameren's income will go up at least $350 million, and the average family will be paying $125 more.
On October 26st, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) began accepting consumer complaints about credit reporting, giving consumers individual-level complaint assistance for the first time at the federal level.
“Credit reporting companies exert great influence over the lives of consumers. They help determine eligibility for loans, housing, and sometimes jobs,” said CFPB Director Richard Cordray. “Consumers need an avenue of recourse when they feel they have been wronged.”
A loophole in federal law allows rental car companies to rent or sell vehicles that are under a safety recall, without fixing them first. Enterprise is the largest rental car company in the nation but admitted in a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrationm, that it continues to rent vehicles to the public, even after receiving notice they are under a safety recall.
If you’re looking for an easy way to stay on top of consumer information in Missouri, look no further than your favorite social mediums! CCM is now on Twitter and Facebook.
If you’re thinking about using a new company that you don’t know much about, you can now find out if the company has consumer complaints lodged against it. Attorney General Jay Nixon has a new website which will give you a history or pattern of consumer complaints eagainst individual companies. For more information, you can also call 1-800-392-8222.