More information can be obtained by calling 1-877-411-WARM (9276) or visiting. Blessing said more natural gas generation could be a salve for lowering soaring energy prices, but he claims mixed signals are sent by the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, or CEJA, signed into law last year. 2023. The law, which CUB opposed, used a formula to determine delivery rates, and it opened the door to multiple rate hikes, including ComEd's $199 million increase and Ameren's $61 million hike that both took effect Jan. 1. It is a valid concern that Illinoisans might have electricity disruptions this summer, likely by planned brownouts. Beginning in 2024, the states newly passed Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) will replace formula rates with a new rate-setting system designed to give state regulators more authority in the process and put greater emphasis on affordability, reliability and sustainability. . In addition, Ameren Transmission earnings were negatively impacted by the absence of the benefit from the May 2020 Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) order addressing the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) allowed base return on equity and the impact of a March 2021 FERC order addressing the historical recovery of materials and supplies inventories. For example, Ameren Missouri has accelerated smart technology upgrades, which are delivering up to 40% improvement in reliability on circuits with the new technology. Set your refrigerator to keep your food at 38 degrees. No. A $580 a year price hike will lead some Ameren customers to . Look, there's no question that that's a difficult situation," Kolata said. Many utility companies offer budget billing programs, which set monthly bill amounts at predictable amounts for which customers can financially plan. regulatory, judicial, or legislative actions, and any changes in regulatory policies and ratemaking determinations, that may change regulatory recovery mechanisms, such as those that may result from the impact of a final ruling to be issued by the United States Court for the Eastern District of Missouri regarding its September 2019 remedy order for the Rush Island Energy Center, the July 2020 appeal filed by Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois, and Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois (ATXI) challenging the refund period related to the FERC's May 2020 order determining the allowed base return on common equity (ROE) under the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) tariff, and the July 2020 appeal filed by Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois, and ATXI challenging the FERC's rehearing denials in the transmission formula rate revision cases; the length and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impacts on our business continuity plans and our results of operations, financial position, and liquidity, including but not limited to: changes in customer demand resulting in changes to sales volumes; customers' payment for our services and their use of deferred payment arrangements; the health, welfare, and availability of our workforce and contractors; supplier disruptions; delays in the completion of construction projects, which could impact our expected capital expenditures and rate base growth; changes in how we operate our business and increased data security risks as a result of remote working arrangements for a significant portion of our workforce; and our ability to access the capital markets on reasonable terms and when needed; the effect of Ameren Illinois' use of the performance-based formula ratemaking framework for its electric distribution service under the Illinois Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act, which will establish and allow for a reconciliation of electric distribution service rates through 2023, its participation in electric energy-efficiency programs, and the related impact of the direct relationship between Ameren Illinois' ROE and the 30-year United States Treasury bond yields; the effect and duration of Ameren Illinois' election to either utilize traditional regulatory rate reviews or Multi-Year Rate Plans for electric distribution service ratemaking effective for rates beginning in 2024; the effect on Ameren Missouri's investment plan and earnings if an extension to use PISA is not sought by Ameren Missouri or approved by the Missouri Public Service Commission (MoPSC); the effect on Ameren Missouri of any customer rate caps pursuant to Ameren Missouri's election to use the plant-in-service accounting (PISA), including an extension of use beyond 2023, if requested by Ameren Missouri and approved by the MoPSC; the effects of changes in federal, state, or local laws and other governmental actions, including monetary, fiscal, and energy policies; the effects of changes in federal, state, or local tax laws, regulations, interpretations, or rates, and challenges to the tax positions we have taken, if any, as well as resulting effects on customer rates; the effects on energy prices and demand for our services resulting from technological advances, including advances in customer energy efficiency, electric vehicles, electrification of various industries, energy storage, and private generation sources, which generate electricity at the site of consumption and are becoming more cost-competitive; the effectiveness of Ameren Missouri's customer energy-efficiency programs and the related revenues and performance incentives earned under its Missouri Energy Efficiency Investment Act (MEEIA) programs; Ameren Illinois' ability to achieve the performance standards applicable to its electric distribution business and electric customer energy-efficiency goals and the resulting impact on its allowed ROE; our ability to control costs and make substantial investments in our businesses, including our ability to recover costs and investments, and to earn our allowed ROEs, within frameworks established by our regulators, while maintaining affordability of our services for our customers; the cost and availability of fuel, such as low-sulfur coal, natural gas, and enriched uranium used to produce electricity; the cost and availability of purchased power, zero emission credits, renewable energy credits, emission allowances, and natural gas for distribution; and the level and volatility of future market prices for such commodities and credits; disruptions in the delivery of fuel, failure of our fuel suppliers to provide adequate quantities or quality of fuel, or lack of adequate inventories of fuel, including nuclear fuel assemblies from the one Nuclear Regulatory Commission-licensed supplier of Ameren Missouri's Callaway Energy Center assemblies; the cost and availability of transmission capacity for the energy generated by Ameren Missouri's energy centers or required to satisfy Ameren Missouri's energy sales; the effectiveness of our risk management strategies and our use of financial and derivative instruments; the ability to obtain sufficient insurance, or in the absence of insurance, the ability to timely recover uninsured losses from our customers; the impact of cyberattacks on us or our suppliers, which could, among other things, result in the loss of operational control of energy centers and electric and natural gas transmission and distribution systems and/or the loss of data, such as customer, employee, financial, and operating system information; business and economic conditions, which have been affected by, and will be affected by the length and severity of, the COVID-19 pandemic, including the impact of such conditions on interest rates and inflation; disruptions of the capital markets, deterioration in our credit metrics, or other events that may have an adverse effect on the cost or availability of capital, including short-term credit and liquidity; the actions of credit rating agencies and the effects of such actions, including any impacts on our credit ratings that may result from the economic conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic; the inability of our counterparties to meet their obligations with respect to contracts, credit agreements, and financial instruments, including as they relate to the construction and acquisition of electric and natural gas utility infrastructure and the ability of counterparties to complete projects which is dependent upon the availability of necessary materials and equipment, including those that are affected by disruptions in the global supply chain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic; the impact of weather conditions and other natural phenomena on us and our customers, including the impact of system outages and the level of wind and solar resources; the construction, installation, performance, and cost recovery of generation, transmission, and distribution assets; the effects of failures of electric generation, electric and natural gas transmission or distribution, or natural gas storage facilities systems and equipment, which could result in unanticipated liabilities or unplanned outages; the operation of Ameren Missouri's Callaway Energy Center, including planned and unplanned outages, as well as the ability to recover costs associated with such outages and the impact of such outages on off-system sales and purchased power, among other things; Ameren Missouri's ability to recover the remaining investment and decommissioning costs associated with the retirement of an energy center, as well as the ability to earn a return on that remaining investment and those decommissioning costs; the impact of current environmental laws and new, more stringent, or changing requirements, including those related to the New Source Review and carbon dioxide, other emissions and discharges, Illinois emission standards, cooling water intake structures, coal combustion residuals, energy efficiency, and wildlife protection, that could limit or terminate the operation of certain of Ameren Missouri's energy centers, increase our operating costs or investment requirements, result in an impairment of our assets, cause us to sell our assets, reduce our customers' demand for electricity or natural gas, or otherwise have a negative financial effect; the impact of complying with renewable energy standards in Missouri and Illinois and with the zero emission standard in Illinois; Ameren Missouri's ability to construct and/or acquire wind, solar, and other renewable energy generation facilities, retire energy centers, and implement new or existing customer energy efficiency programs, including any such construction, acquisition, retirement, or implementation in connection with its Smart Energy Plan, integrated resource plan, or emissions reduction goals, and to recover its cost of investment, related return, and in the case of customer energy-efficiency programs, any lost margins in a timely manner, which is affected by the ability to obtain all necessary regulatory and project approvals, including certificates of convenience and necessity from the MoPSC or any other required approvals for the addition of renewable resources; the availability of federal production and investment tax credits related to renewable energy and Ameren Missouri's ability to use such credits; the cost of wind, solar, and other renewable generation and storage technologies; and our ability to obtain timely interconnection agreements with the MISO or other regional transmission organizations at an acceptable cost for each facility; advancements in carbon-free generation and storage technologies, and the impact of constructive federal and state energy and economic policies with respect to those technologies; labor disputes, work force reductions, changes in future wage and employee benefits costs, including those resulting from changes in discount rates, mortality tables, returns on benefit plan assets, and other assumptions; the impact of negative opinions of us or our utility services that our customers, investors, legislators, regulators or other stakeholders may have or develop, which could result from a variety of factors, including failures in system reliability, failure to implement our investment plans or to protect sensitive customer information, increases in rates, negative media coverage, or concerns about environmental, social, and/or governance practices; the impact of adopting new accounting guidance; the effects of strategic initiatives, including mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures; legal and administrative proceedings; and. So we're very confident that we will be there and ready to deliver the energy," he said. CUB called for Cision Distribution 888-776-0942 Electric and gas customers will see an increase on their bills beginning Feb. 28, 2022, increasing Ameren's annual revenues for electric services by $220 million and gas by $5 million overall. There are several opportunities for individuals to seek out assistance with energy bills, both electric and gas, including the following: There are a variety of simple things you can do in your home to lower the cost of your bill this summer, including the following: Ameren Illinois has several videos on their websites with tools and tips: https://amerenillinoissavings.com/residential/energy-savings-center-tips-tools/, The U.S. Department of Energy recommends detailed energy-saving tips for spring and summer to use your windows to keep out heat, operate your thermostat efficiently, use fans and ventilation strategies to cool your home, keep your cooling system running efficiently and much more. Given these uncertainties, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements. However, all Illinois customers will see increased fees on electric bills due to Governor Pritzkers Energy Transition Tax. Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than 100 years, and the company's electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. "This will be a tough summer for many Illinois consumers, and we owe it to them to work togetherpolicymakers, utilities, advocatesto find relief for people dealing with the heat and high bills," CUB Executive Director David Kolata said. More information about the program can be viewedhere. Power supply prices are going up because of global market pressures, and recent public policy has prioritized renewable energy (solar and wind) which has resulted in many fossil fuel plants closing, creating a capacity shortage in the region that covers Ameren Illinois customers. She disputes Blessing's reasoning. "You're starting to see some real encouraging trends. Set your thermostat up by 5 degrees when leaving home for more than 3 hours. 1 - Electric Service Cancelling 70th Informational Sheet Effective May 2022 You together with NPR donors across the country create a more informed public. Be wary of low introductory rates that will skyrocket after a short period, and read the fine print for add-on fees that can raise the cost of the plan. But she doesn't see expanding production of another fossil fuel like natural gas as a good solution, either. Setting the water heater thermostat too high. Please read on below for more information on what municipal aggregation is, how it works, the potential benefits, and for information on expected Ameren rate increases . Those charges take up about a third to a half of the electric bill. Electric bills aren't likely to get cheaper soon. Whenever a light bulb burns out, replace it with a compact fluorescent light bulb. Blessing said consumers will get hit by both higher supply and delivery prices starting in June. A new non-summer supply rate, which has yet to be announced, will take effect Oct. 1. On April 20, 2022, Ameren Illinois received electric rate results from the regional grid operator (MISO), which include an increase from $5/megawatt to $236/megawatt and will now cause Ameren electric rates to increase significantly, more than 40 percent, beginning June 1. In the meantime, were still dealing with the current system, and in December ComEd received a $45.8 million formula rate hike and Ameren a $57.6 million increase. Your support truly makes a difference. The rate increase is a result of many factors, including power supply prices going up because of global market pressures and recent public policy that prioritized renewable energy (solar and wind)which has resulted in many fossil fuel plants closing, creating a capacity shortage in the region that covers Ameren Illinois customers. For Ameren Missouri's natural gas customers, largely located in central and southeast Missouri, the adjustment in base rates would cost about $4 a month for the average residential customer. "I'm definitely concerned about them, because the latest energy policy we passed, I think it's going to be hard for people to disconnect those things. JB Pritzkers Energy Transition Tax. Copyright 2021 Illinois Senate Republicans, Springfield OfficeB-Section Stratton Building, Office GSpringfield, IL 62706P: (217)782-3840, District Office1802 N Division St., Suite 314Morris, IL 60450P: (815)220-8720. Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Amortization of debt issuance costs and premium/discounts, Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net, Allowance for equity funds used during construction, Net cash provided by operating activities, Purchases of securities nuclear decommissioning trust fund, Sales and maturities of securities nuclear decommissioning trust fund, Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest holders, Redemptions of Ameren Illinois preferred stock, Employee payroll taxes related to stock-based compensation, Net cash provided by financing activities, Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash, Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year, Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year. The year-over-year increase in fourth quarter 2021 earnings was due to increased infrastructure investments across all of our business segments. Turn off the air conditioning and open your windows on cooler evenings or in mild weather. Please take a moment to donate now and fund the local news our community needs. Statements in this release not based on historical facts are considered "forward-looking" and, accordingly, involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed. The State of Illinois does not regulate supply rates, they are based on the market. We can help you get into touch with agencies that can see if you qualify for some assistance on your bill," Blessing said. Ameren Illinois Natural Gas Segment Results. The new rates would take effect in 2022 to reflect major upgrades to electric and natural gas system reliability and resiliency for customers, as well as investments to support the transition to cleaner energy for the benefit of customers and local communities. Ameren - Illinois Increase Delivery Charges. Customer billing cycles vary. This increase is unrelated to the increase in natural gas prices and different from what was experienced beginning in Fall 2021 when Ameren gas rates increased, causing heating bills to rise during the winter months. Ameren Illinois offers a program, and more information can be found on their website at the following: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that provides qualifying households with monetary relief for their energy bills. Illinois sets electric delivery rates for ComEd and Ameren according to the states 2011 Energy Infrastructure and Modernization Act. The law, which CUB opposed, uses a formula to determine delivery rates, and it opens the door to unfair rate hikes. Note: You can opt to pay an alternative supplier for these ratesbut most likely your best bet is to stay with your utility for supply. The value of these investments was also demonstrated by the company's system performance during the extremely cold weather in February that stressed the electric grid and natural gas systems in parts of the United States. Additionally, qualifying households can take part in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is the federally-fund program that provides monetary relief for energy bills. Those increases took effect on January 1. Ameren, an investor-owned utility (IOU) operating in both Illinois and Missouri, implemented a Base Delivery Rate increase effective January 1 st, 2022. Beware of alternative supplier rip-offs. You can opt to pay an alternative supplier for these ratesbut most likely your best bet is to stay with your utility for supply. He said that market pressure for more natural gas is driving prices up. These possible electric disruptions could have an impact on not just Ameren Illinois customers, but all residents whose energy is supplied from the MISO grid. The increased rates will go into effect in June, which will be payable by customers in late June/early July. Ameren Electric Rates Increasing On April 20, 2022, Ameren Illinois received electric rate results from the regional grid operator (MISO), which include an increase from $5/megawatt to $236/megawatt and will now cause Ameren electric rates to increase significantly, more than 40 percent, beginning June 1. Find out when the offer expires. from 8 AM - 9 PM ET. Fact by fact, story by story. So I think that's consistent. During a brownout, the system capacity is reduced, and the voltage is typically reduced by at least 10 to 25 percent. Finding the right balance is critical to meeting the needs of our customers today, while transitioning to a stronger, smarter, cleaner, more reliable and resilient grid for future generations.". For Ameren Missouri's natural gas customers, largely located in central and southeast Missouri, the adjustment in base rates would cost about $4 a month for the average residential customer. Blessing said much of the capacity gap created by retiring coal plants is currently filled by natural gas. CUB dived into the tariffs and here's what we found: Ameren's rates are first, followed by ComEd's rates. Lyons said Ameren Missouri's investments have made a difference for customers. Sign up for the District E-Newsletter below: Sen. Tracy working to help utility customers hit with higher bills, 2021 Legislation Approved by the General Assembly, https://www.ameren.com/illinois/account/customer-service/bill/budget-billing, https://www.ameren.com/illinois/residential/energy-assistance/liheap, https://amerenillinoissavings.com/residential/energy-savings-center-tips-tools/, https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/spring-and-summer-energy-saving-tips. Now and fund the local news our community needs this summer, by. June, which has yet to be announced, will take effect Oct. 1 will. For these ratesbut most likely your best bet is to stay with your utility for supply planned. Country create a more informed public supply rate, which will be payable by customers in late June/early.! Electric bill at least 10 to 25 percent hike will lead some Ameren customers.... Conditioning and open your windows on cooler evenings or in mild weather community needs to... 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