Ameren Missouri is seeking permission from state regulators to lower the amount charged its electric customers for energy efficiency investment.
The fee, displayed as the Energy Efficiency Investment Charge (EEIC) on monthly bills, was established by state law to encourage utility companies to implement various energy efficiency programs.
Ameren Missouri filed an application with regulators at the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) seeking to adjust the charge starting Feb. 1. For a typical residential customer, the EEIC will drop from approximately $4.64 a month to approximately $3.80 a month.
According to the company's application, the proposed adjustment reflects the actual and projected costs of the company's approved energy efficiency programs.
The PSC must review and approve the request for it to take effect. Applications to intervene and participate in the case must be filed no later than Dec. 10 with the Secretary of the Missouri Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102, or by using the commission's Electronic Filing and Information System at www.psc.mo.gov.
Individual citizens wishing to comment on the case should contact either the Office of the Public Counsel or the PSC staff.
The Office of Public Counsel can be reached at Governor Office Building, 200 Madison St., Suite 650, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-2230, or by calling 1-866-922-2959, or sending e-mail to [email protected]. This is a separate state agency that represents the general public in matters before the PSC.
The Public Service Commission staff can be reached at P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102, or by calling 1-800-392-4211 or by sending e-mail to [email protected].
Ameren Missouri serves approximately 1.28 million electric customers in the state. Its energy efficiency programs for homes and businesses -- some of which promote freezer and refrigerator recycling, peak time savings, demand response and energy efficient devices -- are outlined at AmerenMissouri.com/ActOnEnergy.
The PSC approved a previous EEIC adjustment request which lowered the average Ameren Missouri customer's monthly charge in January 2018 by about 22 cents.