Those all-electric or space-heater customers of AmerenCIPS can expect to see a cash savings this winter when they receive their electric bills from the utility.

Spokeswoman Erica Abbett said Friday that a revised rate formula is structured to more evenly distribute increases that took effect in January.

What that means, she said, is that customers who aren't all-electric users will pay more this year to make up for the discrepancy. But she added that monthly rebates customers will be receiving should negate that increase in billing.

The revised rates should help to mitigate the impact of extremely large bill increases for Ameren residential electric and some commercial customers.

"Prior to January of this year, we had a special rate for all-electric users," Abbett said. "But when our new rates went into effect, the discount went away. We could no longer afford to give one class of customers a discounted rate."

The Illinois Commerce Commission approved implementation of the revised rate formula last month.

ICC Chairman Charles Box said he was pleased with the way all of the parties in the case worked together to resolve the impact of the January rate increases.

The new rate design goes into effect Jan. 1.

In related news, State Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, said earlier this week that he would push to strip the ICC of its power to regulate utilities if its members approve another rate increase for Ameren.

Bradley's proposal comes as Ameren is requesting an 8.6 percent increase in its delivery charge for customers, depending on where they live.

john.homan@thesouthern.com / 351-5805