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ST. LOUIS (AP) -- The St. Louis-based utility company Ameren Corp. is changing the names of its subsidiaries in Missouri and Illinois.

The company said Wednesday that effective Oct. 1, AmerenUE will become Ameren Missouri. On that same day, Ameren utilities in Illinois -- AmerenCILCO, AmerenCIPS and AmerenIP -- will merge into one entity, Ameren Illinois Co.

The company is also updating its bill format in an effort to make it more clear for customers.

Ameren Corp. CEO Thomas R. Voss said the name changes seek to make it clear that each company is focused on the specific needs of customers in that state.

Ameren officials said there will be no advertising campaign to accompany the name changes. Customers began receiving letters on Wednesday.