Senator Mike Henderson Addresses Ameren Rate Increases

JEFFERSON CITY — Hearing from several constituents concerned about soaring electric bills, State Sen. Mike Henderson, R-Desloge, issued the following statement following discussions with Ameren and the Missouri Public Service Commission: 

“These rate increases are deeply troubling, and I am concerned they are not sustainable for Missouri families. I want to understand what is driving these increases, whether they are justified and what options exist for families who don’t have the overhead to cover the costs.”

“I believe the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and large-scale data centers across the country are driving the extraordinary demand for electricity. Tech companies are investing tens of billions of dollars to build new facilities, which require enormous amounts of power.”

“Utilities in Missouri and other states are debating how to fund the infrastructure upgrades needed to meet this demand. Whatever that investment looks like, we must ensure Missouri families and small businesses are not left footing the bill for massive corporate projects.”

Senator Henderson says he will continue to monitor the situation closely, advocate for ratepayer protections and press for more transparency from both utility companies and the PSC. 

If families have concerns or are unable to pay utility bills, there are resources available. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally funded program that provides eligible households with financial help to pay for energy costs. Visit the Missouri Department of Social Services’ website at mydss.mo.gov/utility-assistance/liheap to apply. Other local resources may include the East Missouri Action Agency and the United Way of St. Francois County.