Through a recent press release, the Illinois Commerce Commission stated that Ameren Illinois’ AMI plan could not be approved because it would have to rely on either including gas meters or a compliance period longer than ten years, neither of which is allowed in the statute. Additionally, the Commission determined that the cost-benefit analysis presented by the company relied on incomplete or speculative calculations, referring to the plan as

vague and incomplete and bordered on not being a plan at all, but rather more of a general statement of intention to install smart meters in some parts of its service territory.

ICC Chairman Doug Scott said, “When and where the company meets its legal obligation it provided scant information. I am troubled by the inadequacy of the plan.” Commissioner John Colgan noted that while there are benefits to customers from a smart grid system, Ameren witnesses did not demonstrate any, leaving commissioners nothing to work with or modify. “I wish we had better information,” he said.