Ameren Illinois customers face 50% electricity rate hike from June 1 due to new pricing

Heads up, Ameren Illinois customers – your electricity bill is about to go up for the summer.

The Citizens Utility Board says Ameren Illinois is set to raise its electricity rates by an estimated 50 percent starting June 1.

The watchdog says the regional power grid operator’s new methodology for pricing “reserve power” raised consumer costs by a level that’s unacceptable.

CUB Director of Communications Jim Chilsen says to stop these high prices, customers need to advocate for better policies at the regional level.

“MISO needs to fix its methodology for pricing capacity in the auction. That methodology was used for the first time this auction, and it unfairly and unacceptably compromised affordability for consumers,” Chilsen said.

Chilsen says you can help lower your bill by weatherizing windows and doors to keep cool air in and warm weather out.

And you can also contact your utility provider to ask about special programs – like year-round budget billing.

The spike will occur from June 1 until Sept. 30.