PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) -- Ameren came to the Peoria city council on Tuesday to talk about the recent increase in energy bills.

The utility company's prices across Illinois have gone up an average of $46 per month since June 1, according to the Illinois Environmental Council.

Councilors listened to an hour-long presentation by Ameren, with members asking questions along the way.

The company said there is an issue with supply and demand, with data centers demanding more energy, and Illinois cutting energy supply by shutting down coal power plants.

At-Large Council Member John Kelly said the Bartonville coal power plant should never have been shut down.

"[They were] award-winning on the basis of pollution they were the cleanest places around," he said.

Kelly also took a jab at the reasonin

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