Electric bill refunds sent

By: Kate Dalcamo

Posted: 9/17/07

Ameren has begun sending refund checks to more than 935,000 Illinois customers following a spike in electric rates at the beginning of the year.

Two weeks ago, a $1 billion rate relief program by the utility companies and state lawmakers was put into effect and signed into law by Gov. Rod Blagojevich. The Ameren refund plan is part of the rate relief program's assistance for Illinois customers.

"I lived in an apartment last school year and when the rates went up, that bill was pretty hard to manage on my budget," said senior business major Shaun Caufield. "I'm glad to see there will be some type of refund this year."

Refunds and bill credits will total $140 million. Customers are promised an initial $85 refund, which will be sent as a check along with Ameren's monthly billing cycle.

"Although $85 doesn't seem like a lot of money, I think it will definitely help everyone's electric bill. These refunds will probably help a lot of families and especially college students," said junior law enforcement and justice administration major Maria Zaragoza.

For the 133,000 customers who have late payments that are at least two months past due, their refund will be credited to their bill.

"I know a lot of people don't necessarily pay their bills on time," Zaragoza said. "I think it's great that these refunds will be credited to the late payments."

By the end of the year, customers will receive at least $100 back. After the initial $85 check, the subsequent refunds will be credited to each monthly bill.

Customers who use electric heat from Ameren will receive about $400 in refunds. Those who do not use electric heat will receive about $130. Ameren customers who use large amounts of electricity will receive at least $1,000 in refunds and credits.

Although the electric bill rate increased at the beginning of 2007 and hit many residents hard, the year will conclude with an easier Ameren bill to open.