(WAND) — The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) cut $55.8 million from Ameren Illinois' rate request for its natural gas delivery services Wednesday.

The ICC said the decision reduces Ameren's $128.8 million request by about 43% and approves a 9.6% return on equity (ROE) a reduction from the company's requested 10.7% ROE.

"The ICC's responsibility is to balance the interests of Illinois' utilities and their consumers," said ICC Chairman Doug Scott. "We recognize that any decision impacting Illinoisans' bills is not a small one, and after careful review of Ameren's proposed investments, the Commission opted to strike excess charges and approve necessary and justified projects."

The ICC issued its decision after "closely scrutinizing" Ameren's filings, along with various other added mater

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