The cost of everything seems to be rising—and for Ameren customers, electricity prices will go up again beginning June 1.
According to a press release, Ameren cites inflation, the war in Ukraine, increased consumption and the closure of coal-fired electric generation facilities have caused a shortage in energy availability.
The typical Ameren Illinois residential customer will see a $626 annual increase on the power supply side of the bill, or an average of $52 or more per month throughout the year.
Electric bills have two parts: delivery and supply. Supply rates cover the costs of the actual electricity. Unlike delivery charges, the utilities are not allowed to profit off the supply rate. They must pass onto customers what they pay for the electricity with no markup. Delivery rates cover the utilities’ costs of sending electricity over their wires to our homes–and this rate is where companies profit. .
In a statement the Illinois Commerce Commission said:
There are several factors contributing to rising costs, but the Illinois Commerce Commission continues to monitor wholesale gas and electricity prices and remains dedicated to ensuring that Illinois residents continue to receive public utility services at the lowest rate possible. We are having thorough conversations with statewide utility companies, and our annual summer preparedness session in June will give us a greater opportunity to confirm they are also working diligently to maintain affordability for their customers.
According to Ameren’s website, they provide electricity to 1.2 million homes in 1,200 communities throughout central and southern Illinois.
The Citizens Utility Board put together delivery and supply costs for Ameren in 2022:
Delivery
Ameren:
Meter Charge: $4.76/month (formerly $4.66/month)
Monthly Customer Charge: $7.51/month (formerly $6.63/month)
EDT Cost Recovery Charge: 0.12484¢/kWh (formerly 0.11732¢/kWh)
Distribution Delivery Charge Summer:
5.550¢/kWh (formerly 5.274¢/kWh).
Distribution Delivery Charge Non-Summer:
3.249¢/kWh for the first 800 kWh used (formerly 3.087¢/kWh)
1.724¢/kWh for usage over 800 kWh (formerly 1.639¢/kWh)
Supply
Ameren Price to Compare:
0-800 kWh: 5.478¢/kWh (formerly: 5.407¢/kWh)
Above 800 kWh: 5.280¢/kWh (5.209¢/kWh).
