(WSIL) -- Ameren Illinois has filed for an adjustment to its electric delivery service rates for next year. If approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), new rates will take effect in 2022.
Under Illinois' performance based ratemaking process, utilities are required to file an annual plan outlining investments that will be undertaken to upgrade the electric energy infrastructure, maintain reliability and improve services to customers and local communities.
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If approved by the ICC, the adjustment would add about $2.75 per month to delivery portion of residential customer bills next year.Â
"Our customers consistently tell us that they want reliable and affordable energy," said Richard J. Mark, Chairman and President, Ameren Illinois. "This plan will enable us to continue making prudent investments to strengthen the electric grid, reduce outages, and keep rates stable."Â
A decision by the ICC is expected in December, with new rates effective in early 2022. Â
Major investments planned for 2022 include:
- Installation of outage avoidance/detection technology.
- Integration of storm-hardening equipment and other updates to the electric grid (stronger wires and poles and new substations).
- Adoption of clean energy technologies, including transitioning portions of the Ameren Illinois fleet to electric vehicles to reduce the company's carbon footprint.
- Implementing new efficiency measures, including mobile-enhanced communications and assessment capabilities for electric field workers.Â