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From: Rep. Ron Stephens [mailto:ron@repstephens.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 14, 2007 4:58 PM
To: ron@repstephens.com
Subject: Electric Rates update


Recently, the Illinois House of Representatives passed HB 1750, a measure that would return electric rates to the level before the rate freeze expired. The bill would also require Ameren to return overpayments, with interest, made by electric customers to the company following the expiration of the rate freeze. I voted YES for this bill, and I will continue to demand that Senate President Emil Jones act responsibly, and call HB 1750 for a vote in the Senate in order to give relief to electric customers that so desperately need it.


The residents of southern Illinois are shouldering the burden of high electric rates due to Illinois’ top two legislative leaders’ inability to come together to push for an immediate solution to this problem. In 1997, the General Assembly passed legislation that brought on a 10 year freeze on electric rates in the hopes of sparking true competition into Illinois’ energy market. Unfortunately, the kind of competition lawmakers were looking for never came about, and the shock of massive electric rate hikes has rippled throughout southern Illinois.


During a recent House hearing specifically on the electric rate issue, I railed against Ameren CEO Scott Cisel and demanded to know why the company continued to push consumers towards all electric heating options when the company knew the discounts they provided these customers were g <<clip_image002.jpg>> oing to be eliminated. I was not provided with an acceptable answer as to when the decision was made by Ameren to deliberately deceive an unknowing and trusting public.


Thank you for your recent letter. Please know that I hear your voice on this issue, and I understand and sympathize with the situation you face. Also, be assured that I am fighting every day to return your electric rates to an acceptable and reasonable level. If you are in need of further assistance on this or any other matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.


Sincerely,



Ron Stephens

Assistant Republican Leader

State Representative – 102nd District