The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved part of what Ameren Illinois had requested in rate hikes for its natural gas delivery service. 

The utility had asked for a $71.57 million increase. The ICC disallowed $36.34 million, or about 50%. In addition, the ICC approved a 9.44 percent return on equity (ROE), a reduction from Ameren’s proposed 10.3 percent ROE. Citizen’s Utility Board spokesman Jim Chilsen says the ICC held Ameren Illinois and the other utilities requesting rate hikes accountable.

The decision also establishes a new low-income discount rate for eligible customers whose incomes are up to 300 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. If you are already enrolled in the state’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), you will automatically qualify for the newly-established low-income discount rate.