Cape News

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, deals with data centers, and power shut-offs affecting Missouri residents.

In his letter, Hawley referenced reports that Ameren has pursued "dramatic rate increases in order to supply massive data centers and industrial users," while also cutting electricity to thousands of households in September. He stated, "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 continued, "Missourians deserve affordable and reliable electricity. They should not be forced to subsidize corporate projects while struggling to keep their lights on."

The letter requests detailed explanations from Ameren on several issues:

- The justification for Ameren’s request before the Missouri Public Service Commission to raise electric bills for residential customers by about fifteen percent, and whether the increase is related to the energy demands from new data centers.

- The company’s approach to power disconnections, including how it assesses the impact on vulnerable customers and any steps taken to prevent shut-offs during extreme weather.

- Analysis on how contracts with new data centers might affect residential prices, and a request for that analysis if it exists.

- Measures to ensure that the costs of new infrastructure for large industrial users are not shifted onto residential customers, and whether rate stability for households is prioritized over discounted contracts for data-center clients.

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