Peoria, Ill., January 4, 2012 — Ameren Illinois, a unit of Ameren Corp., took initial action in the implementation of its modernization action plan that will provide customers with an improved, more reliable and modernized electric distribution system.
* Investing an additional $625 million in the Ameren Illinois electric delivery system over the next 10 years.
* Improving service reliability through measurable delivery system improvements, including greater use of advanced distribution system automation, the modernization and expansion of electric substations and the installation of new transformers.
* Benefitting customers by reducing the number of electric service outages as well as the shortening the length of outages that do occur.
* Providing new and expanded ways for customers to take greater control of their energy expenditures, including the deployment of about 750,000 automated smart meters and expanded energy efficiency initiatives.
* Failing to meet the goals will cause penalties to be assessed against Ameren Illinois.
The filing made with the Illinois Commerce Commission uses the performance-based formula rate-setting method. If approved by the ICC, the new rates are expected to take effect in October.
The performance-based formula rate-setting method was made possible when a supermajority of the Illinois General Assembly voted on Oct. 26, 2011, to enact the Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act. Ameren Illinois supported enactment of this legislation.
As a result of the filing, the electric delivery service rate case filed by Ameren Illinois on Feb. 18, 2011, was withdrawn.
The ICC will have 270 days for a complete review of the Ameren Illinois filing. As with previous filings, the ICC staff and other groups and individuals may participate in the ICC rate-setting process as set forth in the ICC’s rules.
