Nov. 3--DECATUR -- Even though the Ameren Illinois utilities have reduced the amount of its proposed rate increase by $64 million, it did little to alleviate the concerns of citizens who attended a meeting Monday to voice their opinions about paying more on their utility bills.

The utilities -- AmerenIP, AmerenCIPS and AmerenCILCO -- now project an additional $162 million in revenue is needed, a decrease from $226 million when it filed the request in June.

About 150 people packed into the Madden Auditorium at the Decatur Public Library with most opposing the proposed increase. The meeting was the last but most attended of four public hearings throughout the state on the issue.

More than 25 people spoke out against the proposal, saying now is not the time for an increase citing reasons such as the economy and the high Decatur area unemployment rate. The unemployment rate was 12.4 percent in both August and September.

"Another rate increase is just plain wrong," said Decatur resident Nancy Funk, representing the AARP. "This will devastate the finances of families and seniors who are struggling to put food on the table. The last thing they need is higher utility bills."

Other groups that oppose the rate increase, including the Illinois Attorney General's Office and Citizens Utility Board, had representatives at the meeting.

Ameren officials said the rate increase is necessary in order for it to efficiently continue to serve 1.2 million electric and 840,000 natural gas customers.

"We didn't have a choice," said Jackie Voiles, Ameren's manager of regulatory affairs. "As we saw increasing costs, we just didn't have a choice but to file at the commission."

Voiles said the utility's rates compare favorably with others throughout the country.

State Rep. Bob Flider, D-Mount Zion, had urged the commission to hold a hearing in Decatur. Flider is asking the commission to not only reject the rate increase but reduce the costs on current rates.

"Ameren does not need an economic stimulus package from the ICC," Flider said.

Flider said the turnout at the meeting showed how much opposition there is to the proposal and that the ICC should take the opinions into consideration when it makes its decision. If approved, the increase would go into effect in May.

State Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth, had a simple message for the commissioners.

"I'm urging the commerce commission to just say no," Mitchell said.

The economy is making things tough on everybody, and consumers said Ameren should be no exception to belt tightening.

"Ameren and no other company need a raise, not even the guy building your house or fixing your car," said Shannon Walters of Decatur. "No one at this time, until things get better, needs a raise."

Consumers want their voice to be heard.

"It seems like the ICC is taking a lot of things we say here and not acting on them," Bill Horve said.

After formal testimony ended, Ameren officials took questions and heard concerns from the audience. Ameren spokesman Leigh Morris said the company wanted to get the feedback.

"That is what this is all about, giving residents the opportunity to voice their opinions," Morris said. "The way it worked demonstrated that all opinions deserve to be heard."

clusvardi@herald-review.com 421-7972

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