SPRINGFIELD - An Ameren Corp. executive said on Wednesday not to expect further assistance from the company, other than a proposal he outlined for state lawmakers earlier in the week.

Ameren Illinois President and CEO Scott Cisel told reporters that the company's proposal, if approved, would cost it an estimated $35 million. Cisel said the proposal is an effort to help customers affected by a rate increase that went into effect in January.

The investment would allow Ameren to maintain its credit rating, Cisel said.

"This is about the max we can do to assist our customers," Cisel said. "There might be a little movement within the $35 million. But thinking there's any sort of additional program or an expansion of what I've mentioned in any meaningful way, that room is just not there."

Ameren's plan is to provide up to $20 million in the form of a one-time credit on the bills qualifying customers will receive in March. The credit, which would range from $40 to $300 depending on use, would be applied to residential customers who use more than 1,250 kilowatt-hours of electricity in February, Cisel said.

The credit is subject to Illinois Commerce Commission approval.

Ameren hopes to eliminate all interest charges in its new Customer Elect plan to allow customers to defer payments. Cisel said customers who choose the program would see an average increase of 14 percent per year for three years. The company originally was going to charge a 3.25 percent interest rate to enroll in the program.

The elimination of interest charges also would be subject to commerce commission approval.

Additionally, Ameren plans to invest $15 million to support residential bill paying programs. Cisel said the company will delay disconnecting customers for nonpayment until April 1.

Some residents had been shocked to see their February electric bills jump much higher than the company had been projecting.

Cisel said original estimates projecting increases of 40 percent to 55 percent are accurate but included its entire residential base. Customers are broken down into groups, and some groups, including those who use electric heat, saw higher-than-expected increases to their bills.

Incentives that had kept electric heating bills low were eliminated.

"I clearly understand the frustrations and anxiety that has been presented to me and my colleagues about the early increases in 2007, especially those who use electricity to heat their homes," Cisel said.

Cisel said Ameren plans to look at ways to lower electric heating costs by the next heating season.

He said use was higher this winter as temperatures were colder than in 2006. The company based its 2007 cost projections on 2006 usage, Cisel said.

Chris Lusvardi can be reached at clusvardi@herald-review.com or 421-7972.