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(AP) -- Customers of Ameren Missouri would see their average monthly electric bills rise about $14 under a rate increase proposal filed Friday.

Ameren is asking Missouri regulators to raise electric rates by $376 million, or 14.6 percent, calling the increase is necessary for reimbursement of infrastructure upgrades, higher fuel costs and environmental improvements.

The company says customers have repeatedly called reliability their top priority, and infrastructure improvements have reduced the frequency of outages by 27 percent since 2006. Ameren says the upgrades have also reduced sulfur dioxide emissions and improved power plant performance.

The Missouri Public Service Commission approved a 7 percent rate increase for Ameren about six months ago. Ameren says regulatory review of the rate increase proposal could last into December.

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