Flider Asks Community to Join Push Against Ameren Rate Request
At 1:00 pm on Monday, March 8, 2010, I will be joining the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and AARP at a press conference to continue our fight against Ameren’s latest request for a rate increase. I am inviting you to get involved in the fight by joining me at the Decatur Macon County Senior Center at 1430 N. 22 nd St., in Decatur, to show our area’s true opposition to this company’s request for more of our hard-earned dollars.
Recently, Ameren announced its profits from 2009 which showed an earnings increase of 150% in Illinois.
I have been fighting this rate request since last June by passing petitions, requesting an Illinois Commerce Commission hearing be held in Decatur, and taking members of our community to Springfield to testify before the ICC directly in opposition to the request. I do not believe that any increase, even a smaller one, is acceptable. In fact, I testified before the ICC that rates need to be rolled back.
In our current economy, it is incredibly difficult to imagine that a company that has posted record profits needs a rate increase. Consumers who are on fixed incomes and struggling to get by should not be asked to pay for higher rates. However, the best way to fight Ameren is to make your voice heard by passing petitions, sending comments, or providing testimony to make sure that the ICC hears you.
With the ICC decision expected next month, please join me on March 8, at the Senior Center at 1:00 pm and let the ICC know how you feel.
