Unreasonable. Ridiculous. Unacceptable.
Those are just a few of the words used in testimony at a virtual public hearing for Ameren Missouri’s proposed 15.77% rate hike.
About 30 St. Louis residents came together at the Southside Wellness Center on Park Avenue in St. Louis, MO, on January 24 to participate in a virtual hearing for the electric rate case before the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC).
Most of those in attendance were seniors, who live on a fixed income and worry about how they’ll find enough money to pay higher utility rates if this increase is approved. Some came to listen and learn.
“What can I let go of to pay for my utilities?” said Carrie Head. “You would think as seniors, you’d be settled, but no.”
Anita Davis says she is already getting assistance from Ameren to pay her utility bills. “So if they increase the rate, how will that affect us?”
Others represented church communities, young families, and nonprofit organizations. Rev. Kevin Kosh of Beloved Community United Methodist Church says the median annual income in his church is $38,000. “Our seniors are spending 10 to 25% of their income on increases or taxes of some kind. Some seniors cannot afford the increases. Our young families cannot afford a rate increase.”
Regina Sanguinette is retired and living on a fixed income. “Most people on fixed incomes don’t have much discretionary income, so we have to make hard choices every month,” Sanguinette wrote in testimony presented by Mallory Hill. “Can I refill all my prescriptions this month? Should I splurge on that carton of eggs? Can I afford to heat my home above 60 degrees? My shoes/winter coat is worn out and can’t be repaired or mended any more. Can I afford to replace it?”
Along with their concerns about how to pay for the proposed increase, those testifying at this virtual hearing wove another common thread: There’s a huge imbalance between the average Ameren customer and the profits of the Ameren Corporation.
“It (the rate increase) is unreasonable when we consider that Ameren has a profit margin of $1 billion,” Rev. Kosh said. “Would they consider it reasonable if their employees received a 15.77% increase? I think what they are proposing is totally unreasonable to seniors, our young families, and our not-for-profits.”
“Ameren, examine your expenses closer,” Sanguinette testified. “We all have hard choices to make in a difficult economy so we can meet our responsibilities by doing more with less. Considering our current circumstances, this shameful proposal is so tone deaf to the needs of the community that it shouldn’t have been presented.”
The Rev. Ken McKoy from Progressive AME Zion Church says the rate increase would have a domino effect on vulnerable communities. “I’d like to think I’m not just speaking to a commission, but to individuals who are living in this world with us. I want to appeal to your heart, as a human being. This is absolutely unacceptable. We are vehemently opposed to this increase.”
Ameren filed a request with the PSC in June 2024 for a $446 million increase, which would mean an additional $17.45 per month for the average Ameren customer. This public hearing was one of several held throughout the state in January to give customers a chance to tell the PSC what they think about the proposed increase. The commission is expected to make its final decision on the case in May 2025.
Learn more about Ameren’s customer assistance plans at amerenmissouri.com/energyassistance.
