Electric Rate For Noranda To Be Denied

The Missouri Public Service Commission has indicated that it will deny a request by Ameren Missouri’s largest customer for a rate decrease of nearly $50 million dollars a year. Sources say all five members of the commission oppose lowering the special rate paid by Noranda Aluminum even though the company says it could be forced to close without the reduction. However, the fight may not be over. Thursday, the Missouri office of Public Counsel submitted a proposal to the commission that would reduce the Southeast Missouri aluminum smelter’s rate by 16 percent instead of the 25 percent originally sought.