Ameren’s proposal for new large data center rates could raise electric bills by an estimated $22 million per year, according to filings from Missouri’s utility regulator staff.

The huge demand for energy from these data centers will require expensive new power plants, and staff wrote that instead of protecting customers, Ameren’s proposal would raise rates while enriching Ameren’s shareholders.

“Captive ratepayers should not pay unreasonably for those upgrades nor should existing ratepayers be caught having to pay for any potential stranded or under-utilized resources built to serve anticipated large load customers,” wrote James A. Busch , director of the industry analysis division of the Missouri Public Service Commission.

The staff of the Missouri Public Service Commission said th

See Full Page