To the delight of consumer groups, the Illinois Commerce Commission has granted utility company Ameren just a small portion of the original $226 million rate increase the provider asked for 11 months prior. After the company recorded big profits in 2009, AARP state director Robert Gallo called Ameren's proposal "exorbitant" and said it would create "an unfair financial burden on consumers across the state." The new rates are expected to go into effect by early May.