Anyone in Ameren Missouri’s territory who wants a say in the company’s latest rate request has a formal route to take it, and the clock started when the utility filed on June 26. The Missouri Public Service Commission has 11 months to rule on a proposed $343 million net increase in annual electric base-rate revenue. If approved, new rates would begin in the middle of 2027.
For the average customer, using 1,011 kilowatt-hours, Ameren puts the change at about $13 a month.
How the review works
Utility increases in Missouri need the commission’s sign-off. Its five members are nominated by the governor and approved by the state Senate. Over the 11 months, staff will inspect Ameren’s books and facilities, and consumer advocates can challenge whether the spending should land on bills. Public hearings, detailed reviews and stakeholder consultations are the usual pieces.
Groups that want to be formal parties had until July 15. The Consumers Council of Missouri has already asked to intervene, and the Missouri Office of Public Counsel is expected to take part.
When the case was a few days old, no public hearings had been set. The commission says local hearings will come, with customers notified by Ameren and by the PSC through its website, social media and a press release.
Individuals do not have to wait. Comments can go to the PSC by email at [email protected], by phone at 800-392-4211, by mail to P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Mo. 65102, or through an online comment form. Use submission number ER-2026-0291.
What Ameren says it needs
In its release, the company said the money would recover the cost of electric system upgrades and new generation, delivering “significant reliability and economic benefits to Missouri families and businesses.” Rob Dixon, a vice president at Ameren Missouri, said the request covers infrastructure “that we’ve already made and that are already serving our customers.”
The list includes rebuilding distribution lines after the May 2025 tornado in north St. Louis and southeast Missouri, along with newer lines and utility poles meant to survive severe weather. Ameren also lists work at the Labadie and Audrain energy centers and an expected 400 megawatts from three new energy centers by the end of 2026.
A discount is part of the filing. Customers at 0%-150% of the federal poverty level would receive 20% off monthly bills, and those at 151%-200% would receive 10%, provided they meet enrollment requirements tied to assistance and budget billing programs.
Ameren also told customers who are struggling now that nothing changes for nearly a year. Dixon said the company has assistance programs and works with community action agencies.
Sources
- Missouri rate case could add $13 to power bills as data center demand keeps climbing
- Ameren Missouri customers’ bills could go up by $13 a month in 2027
- Ameren Missouri proposes rate hike, monthly bills could rise by $13
