Residents in Southern and Central Illinois that receive power from Ameren will soon notice a 30-percent increase in electricity supply rates.

The price spike is due to a rise in capacity costs, which are what consumers pay to ensure power plants are able to deliver electricity on the highest-demand days of the year. The increase has left many wanting answers, including the Citizens Utility Board.

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Chilsen said the numbers don't add up.

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Chilsen added that residents must now cut back on their energy use to save money.