Natural Gas

Researchers say if state officials don’t curb utility spending, “Illinois is on course to maintain its entire gas system indefinitely.”

Fifteen years after the EPA said greenhouse gasses are dangerous to public health, the agency finalized rules to limit climate-warming pollution from existing coal and new gas power plants.

The plant would be located on the site of a former coal plant in south St. Louis County. Proponents of renewable energy say more transparency is needed as the utility plans an $800 million investment in a fossil fuel energy source.

The drop in gas rates and rise in electrical rates follow separate decisions from the Illinois Commerce Commission in late 2023. Ameren Illinois customers will notice the changes in the first billing cycle of the new year.

With company profits cut, low-income customers in Illinois are set to receive new discounts on the utilities.

The final decision on rate increases for Illinois customers is expected before the end of the year.

In its petition, Illinois said Spire broke state law by failing to comply with a consent order from 2021 requiring that it place proper measures against erosion.

“The productivity will never be what it was,” said one landowner whose farmland has been significantly damaged by the construction project.

Ameren Missouri plans to buy a solar power plant in Bowling Green, Missouri, that could produce energy by 2024. The announcement comes days after it shared plans to open a natural gas plant. Both facilities need approval from Missouri’s Public Service Commission.

Spire officials say another rate hike is needed to cover the cost of employee salaries, after state regulators revised long-standing policies last year.