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AARP Set to Fight Ameren's New Rate Increase Proposal

Volunteers Attend Hearing, Urge ICC to Reject $226 million Increase

COLLINSVILLE, Ill., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Barely one year after hitting consumers with a multimillion dollar rate increase, Ameren is back at the trough - asking the Illinois Commerce Commission to approve an even larger rate hike. On behalf of its 1.8 million Illinois members, AARP is set to fight the utility company's plans, urging the ICC to say "No Way!" to their request.

The ICC has asked the ICC for a $226 million increase on the delivery of electric and natural gas to its Illinois customers. The state will render a decision in 2010. For working families and older adults living on fixed incomes, Ameren's proposed rate hike comes at the worst possible time - with average annual increases estimated at nearly $125 for both services.

"The country is in a recession. Now is not the time for utility companies to seek rate increases," said AARP volunteer Amy Paschedag, who presented testimony during tonight's ICC public hearing in Collinsville. "We urge the ICC to do the right thing, and reject Ameren's proposal."

AARP is encouraging its members and the public to attend the hearings and voice their opposition, and if they cannot attend them to call the ICC directly at 1-800-524-0795 and provide a direct comment. Consumers can also go online to http://www.icc.illinois.gov/docket/comment, and provide comments.

Last year, Ameren got the go ahead from the ICC for a $162 million rate increase. Ameren is also seeking to apply a variety of new surcharges to Illinois consumers.

In the current economic downturn, utility bills are on the largest expenses individuals face every month. According to an AARP survey, older adults can spend nearly 20 percent of their income on utility costs, while almost half of people 50 and older said the recession has made it harder for them to pay their utility bills.

Public hearing schedule:

October 27th - Pekin, 7 pm

Pekin City Council Chambers, 111 S. Capitol St.

November 2nd - Decatur, 6 pm

Decatur Public Library, Madden Room, 130 N Franklin, 6 pm

SOURCE AARP Illinois