Ameren UE is asking for a rate increase to cover debt

Intro:	The mild summer may have saved you money on air conditioning, but a utility rate increase could cancel out those savings. Allison Blood has more from Jefferson City.
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Wrap: The cooler summer did not only affect agriculture this year,but also energy companies.

Ameren UE is asking the Public Service Commission for permission to increase electric rates to help pay off their debt.

Ameren Spokesman Mike Cleary said the company was forced to take out loans to pay for maintenance and loss of revenue.

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Description: "We requested a total of 402 million dollars, or 18 percent electric rate increase."

They asked for a temporary rate increase of one point seven percent, to help defer interest until the permanent rate increase of 18 percent comes through.

They filed for the rate increase in July, and the temporary increase was supposed to begin October 1.

The PSC put the decision off until the 10th and then ultimately until December 7.

PSC Spokesman Kevin Kelly said the hearing will give all sides a voice on the issue.

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Description: "Those parties that wish to participate in that then will appear before the commission and present evidence to the commission with regards to the interim rate request."

Kelley said it's necessary to give all parties time to gather evidence rather than rushing into a hearing.

But Cleary said the sooner the rate increase occurs, the less the rates have to increase.

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Description: "If we're able to reduce our borrowing costs, that means lower costs for our customers over the long run."

If the permanent increase is not approved, the rate payers will be refunded the additional 1.7 percent they paid under the temporary increase.

Missouri Public Council member Lewis Mills said he's not sure if the rate increase is necessary.

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Description: "You don't want a utility that's simply alleging 'we're not making as much profit as we'd like to,' to be able to short circuit all the procedurals."

Mills said while it's important for utilities to be protected financially, the rates should not increase unless it's an emergency.

From Jefferson City, I'm Allison Blood, KSMU News.

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Intro:	Ameren UE is asking rate payers for 402 million dollars to recover from debt, but they could wait months before seeing a dime. Allison Blood has more from Jefferson City.
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Wrap: The Missouri Public Service Commission has postponed the hearing of an interim rate increase from October to December.

PSC Spokesman Kevin Kelly said they put off the hearings so that both sides could present evidence to the commission.

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Description: "Those parties that wish to participate in that then will appear before the commission and present evidence to the commission with regards to the interim rate request."

Kelly said they would begin hearings for the permanent rate increase of 18 percent will begin in March.

From Jefferson City, I'm Allison Blood, KSMU News.

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