Ameren could cut charitable donations
Threat would hit some local groups hard
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
PEORIA - Each year 10 students apiece from Manual High School and Central High School are picked for a program that could pay their tuition and fees at Illinois Central College.The program, funded each year by a $60,000 grant from a foundation bankrolled by AmerenCILCO, is among those the utility is threatening to end if its electric rates are frozen.
"That program would cease to exist," said Robin Ballard, the executive director of ICC's educational foundation. "It was the intent of Ameren to increase the number of at-risk students who looked at college as an opportunity."
Ameren Illinois utilities President Scott Cisel said in a statement that the utility's community donations would be one of the cutbacks the utility would make if the rate hikes aren't approved. In January, the utility's customers are expected to face increases of 40 to 55 percent in their bills.
"Even with these drastic measures and our best efforts to keep the lights on and the gas flowing, the Ameren Illinois utilities will very quickly run out of cash and be unable to borrow," Cisel said.
In 2005, Ameren and its Illinois utilities contributed approximately $2.3 million in 2005 to charitable organizations and projects in Illinois. Ameren and its Illinois utilities are expected to give about $2 million this year to charitable organizations and projects in Illinois.
Area beneficiaries in 2005 included the Junior League of Peoria, which received $100,000, and Peoria NEXT, which received $50,000.
Peoria NEXT is using its grant for the Innovation Center, a $12 million technology incubator being built in the 800 block of West Main Street.
"The money we've received has been very helpful to support and reduce the capital costs for that building," said Ryan Spain, the project manager for the Innovation Center.
This year, the utility's beneficiaries have included the Tri-County Urban League ($15,000), Heart of Illinois United Way ($108,000), Easter Seals ($35,000), St. Jude ($8,000) and the Peoria Symphony ($5,000).
"CILCO has been a strong supporter of the Urban League for a number of years," said Executive Director Laraine Bryson. "If they were not able to, it would have a devastating impact on our organization because we rely on their corporate support. We wish there was some way to find a happy medium because (electric rate) hikes will have a devastating impact on our clients."
Sarah Okeson can be reached at 686-3251 or at sokeson@pjstar.com