LINCOLN COUNTY – Just in time for the holidays, Ameren Missouri has filed a 15.77 percent rate increase request with the Missouri Public Service Commission.

The requested increase would generate about $446 million while costing the average customer about $17.45 per month.

Ameren Missouri has also a sked the PSC to continue the Fuel Adjustment Clause (FAC), allowing the electricity provider to adjust customers’ rates three times per year based on varying net energy costs.

The PSC will be holding public hearings where customers can ask questions and t estify about the rate request.

In-person public hearings are scheduled for: – Jan. 21, Osage Centre, Cape Girardeau, 6 p.m.; – Jan. 22, St. Charles County Administration Building, St. Charles, noon; – Jan. 22, St. Louis Community College-Forest Park, St. Louis, 6 p.m.; – Jan. 23, Governor Office Building, Jefferson City, noon; – Jan. 27, Sunset Hills Council Chambers, St. Louis, noon; Virtual public hearings are scheduled for Jan. 23 and Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. and noon, respectively. To participate in those, call 855718-6621. The meeting code for Jan. 23 is 2630 871 4245 and for the Jan. 24 meeting, the code is 2867 125 9125. The password for both meetings is 0319.

The virtual hearings can also be accessed online at www.webex.com.