Reliability investments in natural gas system improve safety and supply for Ameren Missouri customers

Company files request to adjust natural gas rates next fall reflecting system upgrades

ST. LOUIS (Sept. 30, 2024) - Today Ameren Missouri filed with the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) a request to adjust its natural gas base rates next year. The new rates would take effect in the fall of 2025 to recover the costs of major infrastructure improvements and the expanded natural gas supply line that provides residential and commercial customers with safe and reliable energy. The request also includes the replacement of 20-year-old technology with upgraded modules on existing natural gas meters that provide detailed information to help customers manage their energy usage.

"The improvements we are making to our natural gas system are making a real difference for our customers," said Pam Harrison, senior director of gas operations at Ameren Missouri. "Our focus is ensuring the natural gas system remains safe and dependable for families and businesses while making prudent investments to better serve our customers. We are also providing our customers with energy usage information and enhanced service with upgraded module technology on the meter."

Ameren Missouri's natural gas delivery service rates have remained relatively stable over the last decade, growing at a compound annual rate of only 0.5% since 2014 and well below the consumer price index. The last natural gas rate adjustment occurred in 2022, with a slight increase of about 6%. Before that, the company decreased rates in 2019.

Ameren Missouri also periodically files Purchase Gas Adjustment (PGA) requests before the PSC to reflect the cost of natural gas that the company purchases from suppliers and then delivers to its customers. The cost can be adjusted throughout the year and is always passed to the customer dollar for dollar with no markup. The cost of natural gas is not part of this rate review request.

Over the next 11 months, the rate adjustment filing will be carefully reviewed by the PSC and other stakeholders. If the request is approved by regulators, the rate adjustment next fall would cost an average residential natural gas customer about $16 more a month based on approximately 48 ccf of usage per month.

Key components of the rate adjustment request include:

• Improving our existing natural gas infrastructure by installing equipment to ensure the safe delivery of natural gas.
• Expanding and modernizing the natural gas supply lines that provide residential and commercial customers in the region with safe and reliable energy.
• Upgrading natural gas modules to existing meters for all customers to provide them with detailed information they can use to manage their energy usage.

Customers can also visit AmerenMissouri.com/AdvancingMissouri for more information about the filing.

"Our customers can depend on us to deliver safe and reliable natural gas service day in and day out," said Steve Wills, senior director of regulatory affairs for Ameren Missouri. "While new rates will not go into effect until late next year, we encourage any customer in need of bill assistance to contact us today. We have several energy assistance programs available for customers who need help."

As the communities we serve manage current economic conditions, Ameren Missouri has made even more energy assistance available. The company offers flexible payment options and connects customers with government and community assistance funding programs through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Clean Slate program. Customers can view which options are available to them at AmerenMissouri.com/EnergyAssistance.

About Ameren Missouri
Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than 100 years, and the company's electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. Ameren Missouri's mission is to power the quality of life for its 1.2 million electric and 135,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. The company's service area covers 64 counties and more than 500 communities, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit Ameren.com/Missouri or follow us at @AmerenMissouri or Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri.

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