The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved Ameren's proposed advanced meters. Spokesman Leigh Morris says the new meters will report usage levels automatically, allow customers to track their energy usage, and tell whether problems are present that may cause an outage.

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Ameren plans to roll out its new advanced electric meters as part of its grid modernization plan, but more slowly than expected. The Illinois Commerce Commission approved the meters, but reduced the company's revenue further than expected. Morris addds that won't kill plans entirely.

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The meters are one component of Ameren's grid modernization plan. The ICC approved them, but reduced the utility's revenue further than expected. The legislature, in response, passed resolutions telling the ICC to follow rate-setting formulas outlined by state laws. Morris says the company will still move forward with the electric meters, just slowly and cautiously.