Governor Renews Call for Utility to Pay for Taum Sauk Collapse

Governor Matt Blunt maintains his claim that AmerenUE is fully responsible for December’s collapse of the Taum Sauk Reservoir. And, while he says the utility has responded as a good corporate citizen, he insists the state will hold Ameren’s feet to the fire as various state agencies work to ensure Missourians are appropriately compensated for damages to one of the state’s most popular recreation areas. As for the possibility that Ameren will request rate increases to compensate for its Taum Sauk costs, Blunt says that is a possibility. But he hopes the Public Service Commission will keep consumers in mind when considering the justification of any requests. The comments were made at the Governor’s Capitol office as he honored members of the Lesterville Fire Department for their quick response to the collapse, calling the response selfless and courageous.