A rate-hike request to make power grid improvements by Ameren Illinois will be challenged by the Citizen’s Utility Board. CUB says Ameren’s proposed grid improvement has the potential to benefit all customers, but that doesn’t mean customers should have to pay exorbitant rates.

Even customers with an alternative electricity supplier will pay a higher rate because the rate hike affects delivery charges.

CUB also says they will conduct yearly reviews of Ameren’s spending, and protest what it judges to be unjustified capital and operational expenses.