The Battle Is Not Over,
Say Ameren Rate-hike Foes
Wednesday, September 24, 2008—Facing a busload of Ameren customers, several
state legislators, Citizens Utility Board (CUB) representatives, and a swarm of
media, state regulators today granted Ameren a rate hike of about $160 million
a year.
Say Ameren Rate-hike Foes
David Kolata, the executive director of the Citizens Utility
Board, was in Springfield for the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) ruling. He
said the decision spells bad news for consumers who already face a struggling
economy and high energy prices.
“This rate increase is going to be devastating for large parts of central and southern Illinois,” Kolata said. “This is going to make a bad situation that much worse.”
Before this morning’s hearing, dozens of Ameren customers rallied in front of the ICC building, voicing opposition to the increase.“Why are they raising rates, particularly when times are so bad?” asked Ameren customer Amy Paschedas, of Marion.
Martin Bryns traveled from Marion to take part in the protest, saying, “I’ve
got a tough heart and I’m young enough to fight.” Carrying a sign that said,
“When are those fat cats ever satisfied,” Bryns joined other protestors as
they marched into the ICC hearing room, filling it beyond capacity.
State. Rep. John E. Bradley of Marion organized the rally, saying he wanted regulators to see the faces of the people their decision would affect. “The people of Illinois are begging you not to approve this increase,” Bradley told the ICC.
While the mood was somber following the decision, CUB’s Kolata vowed to appeal the increase and continue the fight. “The battle is not over,” Kolata said.