Some electricity customers in southern Illinois are seeing a big jump in their supply rates - and consumer advocates are asking people to take action.
The Citizens Utility Board says some rates are going up by almost 35%. Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is asking the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to look into the matter, and State Representative John Bradley says he's frustrated with the hike.
"It's ridiculous! We can't let this stand. So here we are: Citizens Utility Board, the Attorney General through her lawsuit, Representative Bradley and the people of southern Illinois - saying, 'Enough is enough. We've been through this before. The last time you did this to us, you had to pay us back a billion dollars. So get this fixed or we're coming after you again!'"
The increase is coming from companies like Dynegy and Exelon, which supply power to Ameren - the distribution company.
CUB says an annual auction to determine the price of energy has unfairly targeted Illinois - despite the fact that the state produces plenty of power in its multiple coal and nuclear power plants.
More information: www.stopIllinoisratehikes.org