There was an outpouring of opinion Monday night as officials and more than 100 Mexico and area citizens discussed changes in electric rates that could affect many Missourians, particularly the low-income and elderly.
The meeting, held in Mexico High School’s Emmons Hall, was one of more than a dozen public hearings the Missouri Public Service Commission is hosting across Missouri regarding the 18 percent electric rate increase being sought by AmerenUE.
The leading issues raised during a question and answer session were how utility officials expect electricity users on fixed incomes or those working families struggling to make ends meet, manage if rates are raised – and why the raise is posed while the company continues to turn profits.
"I'm on a steady income, and I don't see how we will be able to suffer such an increase we can't afford to pay," local resident Hazel Roberts told the commission judges. "It seems like to me such a large company as Ameren can make cuts."
Mexico resident Harlen Applebee believes "Ameren has other ways to get the money." He scolded officials for wasting money and manpower, and accused them of trying to take unfair advantage of the people who provide their paychecks.
Another member of the crowd commented, "It seems like Ameren should have to share the burden like the rest of us."
Ameren representatives say nearly half of the money requested is needed to do system wide reliability improvements – such as additional tree-trimming and conversions of overhead lines to underground in key areas – increases on other costs essential to generating and delivering electricity, and higher financing costs. The rest of the increase requested is due to higher net fuel costs, and fuel is essential to generate electricity.
Throughout the meeting, individuals from the crowd opposed the proposed hike, which is estimated to cost $402 million. Many of those who testified cited personal  financial reasons why the average consumer should not have to shoulder the burden.
Not many attending were in support of the rate hike, however, the majority of those speaking did commend Ameren's service.
By law, the commission is required to make a decision regarding the requested increase 11 months from the time it was first submitted, which was on July 24, 2009. The commission has scheduled three more public hearings. The next stop is Kirksville.
Consumers unable to attend the local public hearing and wishing to make written comments may contact the Office of the Public Counsel, P.O. Box 2230, Jefferson City, MO 65102-2230, telephone (866) 922-2959, or e-mail opcservice@ded.mo.gov or the Missouri Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, MO 65102, telephone 1-800-392-4211, e-mail pscinfo@psc.mo.gov.