FAIR ELECTRICITY RATE ACTION FUND VICTORIOUS AGAINST AMEREN LAWSUIT IN FEDERAL COURT

Ameren Lawsuit Sought to Suppress 1st Amendment Rights and Prevent FERAF from Telling Missourians the Truth about Ameren’s Proposed Rate Hike Plan

St. Louis, Mo. - Today the Fair Electricity Rate Action Fund (FERAF) was victorious against AmerenUE's last ditch effort in federal court seeking a temporary restraining order in order to block a television commercial about Ameren's rate-hike plan. Ameren failed in its emergency attempt to block the consumer group from airing commercials during the Missouri NCAA tournament basketball game.

This morning Ameren filed its emergency Temporary Restraining Order in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern Division to block the commercials. FERAF has aired television ads in several markets urging Missourians to contact their legislators and urge them to oppose Ameren’s rate hike plan. Watch the ad here: www.fairelectricityrates.com or here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUhYJJq2uNM. Judge Perry rejected Ameren's allegation that the public would be "confused" by the ads. Judge Perry also found that it was in the public interest for the ads to remain on the air. Judge Perry's ruled from the bench at 11:45 a.m., ensuring that Missourians would not be prevented from seeing the commercials during today's Mizzou game.

“We are gratified that the court agreed with us on this important issue and that we can continue to communicate directly with Missourians regarding Ameren’s proposed rate hike plan,” said FERAF spokesman Gregg Keller. “Ameren’s rate hike plan will cause Missourians’ monthly utility bills to go up by as much as 40% and is guaranteed to cost Missouri jobs during difficult economic times and our advertisements accurately reflect these facts.”

“FERAF is going to continue fighting on behalf of Missouri consumers and employers against Ameren’s rate hike plan, regardless of Ameren’s bullying tactics and attempts to shut down 1st Amendment rights. We are encouraging all Missourians to visit website, www.fairelectricityrates.com and use our website to contact their state representatives and state senators and tell them to vote against Ameren’s unfair rate hike plan,” Keller said.