Dive Summary:

• State regulators stopped Ameren Illinois from following through with the first version of a smart grid-oriented improvement plan that the company submitted in May, but Ameren has filed again and will have a new hearing.
• The $625 million project would deploy smart meter technology, but the Illinois Commerce Commission rejected Ameren's proposal the first time on the grounds that it would take too long and only cover 62% of Ameren's 1.2 million customers in the first 10 years.
• Ameren claims the installations will be sped up to hit the same 62% mark within eight years instead.

From the article:

Ameren Illinois is recharging its efforts to launch a $625 million package of improvements designed to give consumers a smarter electric grid.

The utility’s first attempt at the improvement package was short-circuited in May by state regulators who said it would take too long. And, among other complaints, the regulators also rejected the math calculating how promised cost savings for consumers would be achieved. ...