Show-Me State Times

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) has sent a letter to Ameren Corporation President and CEO Martin Lyons, raising concerns about recent utility bill increases, power shut-offs, and deals with large corporate users such as data centers. Hawley’s letter questions Ameren’s current request before the Missouri Public Service Commission, which seeks to raise electric bills for residential customers by approximately fifteen percent.

“Families across Missouri are struggling to pay their bills. But I am concerned Ameren is seeking dramatic rate increases in order to supply massive data centers and industrial users. Recent reporting indicates that Ameren cut electricity to thousands of Missouri households in September while simultaneously pursuing lucrative arrangements with corporate users,” Hawley wrote.

He added, “Missourians deserve affordable and reliable electricity. They should not be forced to subsidize corporate projects while struggling to keep their lights on.”

Hawley’s letter requests detailed information about the justification for the proposed rate increase, including whether it is connected to the power demands from new data centers. He also asks for information about how Ameren evaluates the impact of disconnections on vulnerable customers and what steps are taken to prevent shut-offs during extreme weather.

The senator seeks analysis from Ameren regarding how contracts with industrial users might affect residential prices and what measures are in place to ensure that infrastructure costs for large industrial clients are not passed on to residential customers. He also questions whether Ameren has considered prioritizing rate stability for households before approving discounted contracts for data-center clients.

Hawley has requested a response from Ameren by October 29, 2025.