PSC, Ameren get earful of public comment at hearing

Greg Ochoa of the Public Service Commission explains how the commission works at the public hearing of the Ameren Missouri rate hike Monday.
Greg Ochoa of the Public Service Commission explains how the commission works at the public hearing of the Ameren Missouri rate hike Monday.

As expected, the overwhelming response was "don't raise the rates."

About 100 people showed up for the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) public hearing on Ameren Missouri's electric rate increase case Monday night.

"Think about when you become a senior citizen and won't be able to get out and work and have to live on a fixed income," said Imagine Hajny, who lives in Hyder Apartments in Jefferson City.

Speaking to PSC commissioners, Hajny told commissioners, "Right now you have the luxury of making a living. I'd love to still be able to work, but I'm 78. They tell me I make too much money to qualify for help; they won't say I'm too old."

Ameren Missouri asked the PSC on Feb. 3 to increase the company's annual electric operating revenues by approximately $375.6 million. That would be a 14 percent increase, which would mean about a $14 a month increase for the average customer.