ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Illinois' Citizens Utility Board or CUB, is a non-profit consumer advocate group, encouraging Ameren Illinois gas customers to attend Illinois Commerce Commission public forms to protest your opposition to a gas rate increase.
KMOX has told you about Ameren's electric bills doubling in some cases and now, Ameren Gas, which serves parts of Illinois, including the Metro East, wants a 131-million-dollar rate hike.
Jim Chilsen is the spokesman for the utility watchdog group CUB. and tells KMOX, in less than a decade, Ameren has received three gas rate increases, totaling 200-million dollars.
Chilsen tells KMOX, "They're rolling in profits and now they want more and our message to the Illinois Commerce Commission enough is enough, we urge to to slash this rate hike, Ameren has been treating its customers like an ATM."
Chilsen says it is very important that Ameren Gas customers get to one or both of the Illinois Commerce Commission forms and let your voice be heard.
"It is absolutely vital in these cases that consumers show up at these ICC public forums to let state regulators know that real people are affected by these rate increases."
There are two Illinois Commerce Commission public forms from 7:00 to 9:30. This Wednesday August 27th, at CMS Regional Complex 4800 Wabash Avenue Springfield, IL 62711.
This Thursday, August 28th, at New Life Community Church
1919 State Street East St. Louis, IL 62205