SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Ameren customers are guaranteed to get at least $100 off their electric bills this year under a new rate relief plan.

That’s the promise from the president of Ameren Illinois.

Scott Cisel says the $1 billion agreement with state lawmakers means the huge price increases that took effect in January will be scaled back. Overall, the average rate increase will drop from 45 percent to 19 percent.

A typical residential customer will get about $130 back this year. Owners of homes that use electric heat will get about $400 back.

Residents who use large amounts of electricity in the winter would get more than $1,000 back.

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