Delivery rates will be going up in January for Ameren gas and electricity customers in Illinois.
The Illinois Commerce Commission approved the increases on Wednesday.
They're slightly lower than what Ameren had requested - but too high for the Citizens Utility Board, according to Jim Chilsen, a spokesman for the consumer watchdog group.
"And that's we're filing a petition for rehearing. We think that the company can continue to make upgrades and maintain its system, without charging customers as much money."
Ameren is emphasizing the upgrades to their delivery system that the increases will pay for. The I-C-C determined the rate increases according to state laws that determine delivery rates for specific improvements -- like more reliable electric power poles and lines, and new and higher-capacity gas pipelines.
Ameren says the delivery rate increases will add 2 to 6 dollars a month to the typical home gas bill, and 2 to 7 dollars a month to the typical home electric bill -- depending on which of Ameren's three service zones you live in.
