Utility storm-hardening and electrical grid upgrades underpin request to update rates in mid-2027, signaling infrastructure investment cycle.
Ameren Missouri has filed a request with the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) to recover the costs of electric system upgrades and construction of new power generation assets, providing significant reliability and economic benefits to Missouri families and businesses. The PSC will conduct an 11-month review before new base electric rates take effect in mid-2027.
"Our responsibility is to provide safe, reliable and affordable service for Missouri families and businesses," said Aaron Melda, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri, a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE). "Those customers expect the lights to come on every time they flip the switch, especially during the ever more frequent extreme weather. The investments we are making today are supporting reliability and strengthening storm resilience. The results are already showing up in fewer outages and better service for the communities we serve."
From January 2025 through May 2026, storm-resistant electric infrastructure and smart technology installations helped prevent more than 260,000 customer outages during major storms, reducing service disruptions. If approved, the mid-2027 adjustment would increase the average residential electric bill by approximately $13 per month for usage of 1,011 kilowatt-hours.
Residential rates for Ameren Missouri customers currently stand approximately 27% below Midwest and national averages and are the lowest among Missouri's investor-owned utilities. Even with rate approval, residential base rates are expected to remain well below those averages.
Ameren Missouri's approach to serving large load customers aligns with Missouri Senate Bill 4, one of the nation's strictest data center electricity laws. The company is not currently serving any large load data center customers, and projected base rate savings of $21 million over the next two years are expected to benefit other customers. New data center customers receive no rate discounts and pay 100% of connection costs upfront, with commitments expected to deliver approximately $11 million annually in base rate savings for other customers.
The company offers numerous customer assistance programs, including income-eligible discount rates, bill assistance grants up to $600 annually through partner Community Action agencies, summer bill credits for seniors and disabled customers, and on-time payment credits. Last year, Ameren Missouri provided $37 million in energy assistance. Additional support includes the Budget Billing Rollover plan, which smooths seasonal bill fluctuations through consistent monthly payments, and flexible rate options to help customers manage costs.