AMEREN CORP, 10-K filed on 2/28/2020
Annual Report
v3.19.3.a.u2
Cover Page - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Jan. 31, 2020
Jun. 28, 2019
Entity Information [Line Items]      
Document Type 10-K    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2019    
Document Transition Report false    
Entity File Number 1-14756    
Entity Registrant Name Ameren Corporation    
Entity Tax Identification Number 43-1723446    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code MO    
Entity Address, Address Line One 1901 Chouteau Avenue    
Entity Address, City or Town St. Louis    
Entity Address, State or Province MO    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 63103    
City Area Code (314)    
Local Phone Number 621-3222    
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share    
Trading Symbol AEE    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Public Float     $ 18,378,774,986
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   246,231,712  
Documents Incorporated by Reference Portions of the definitive proxy statement of Ameren Corporation and portions of the definitive information statements of Union Electric Company and Ameren Illinois Company for the 2020 annual meetings of shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.    
Entity Central Index Key 0001002910    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
Union Electric Company      
Entity Information [Line Items]      
Entity File Number 1-2967    
Entity Registrant Name Union Electric Company    
Entity Tax Identification Number 43-0559760    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code MO    
Entity Address, Address Line One 1901 Chouteau Avenue    
Entity Address, City or Town St. Louis    
Entity Address, State or Province MO    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 63103    
City Area Code (314)    
Local Phone Number 621-3222    
Title of 12(g) Security Preferred Stock, cumulative, no par value, stated value $100 per share    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   102,123,834  
Entity Central Index Key 0000100826    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
No Trading Symbol Flag true    
Ameren Illinois Company      
Entity Information [Line Items]      
Entity File Number 1-3672    
Entity Registrant Name Ameren Illinois Company    
Entity Tax Identification Number 37-0211380    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code IL    
Entity Address, Address Line One 10 Executive Drive    
Entity Address, City or Town Collinsville    
Entity Address, State or Province IL    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 62234    
City Area Code (618)    
Local Phone Number 343-8150    
Title of 12(g) Security Preferred Stock, cumulative, $100 par valueDepositary Shares, each representing 1/4 of a share of 6.625%Preferred Stock, cumulative, $100 par value    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
Entity Shell Company false    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   25,452,373  
Entity Central Index Key 0000018654    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
No Trading Symbol Flag true    
v3.19.3.a.u2
Consolidated Statement Of Income (Loss) - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Operating Revenues:      
Operating revenues $ 5,910 $ 6,291 $ 6,174
Operating Expenses:      
Fuel 535 769 737
Purchased Power 556 581 638
Natural gas purchased for resale 331 374 311
Other operations and maintenance 1,745 1,772 1,705
Depreciation and Amortization 995 955 896
Taxes other than income taxes 481 483 477
Total operating expenses 4,643 4,934 4,764
Operating Income 1,267 1,357 1,410
Other Income, Net 130 102 86
Interest charges 381 401 391
Income Before Income Taxes 1,016 1,058 1,105
Income taxes 182 237 576
Net Income 834 821 529
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 6 6 6
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic 828 815 523
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan activity, net of income taxes (benefit) 5 (4) 5
Comprehensive Income 839 817 534
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests 6 6 6
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Ameren Common Shareholders $ 833 $ 811 $ 528
Earnings per Common Share – Basic:      
Earnings per Common Share – Basic (in dollars per share) $ 3.37 $ 3.34 $ 2.16
Earnings per Common Share – Diluted:      
Earnings per Common Share – Diluted (in dollars per share) $ 3.35 $ 3.32 $ 2.14
Weighted-average Common Shares Outstanding - Basic (in shares) 245.6 243.8 242.6
Weighted-average Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted (in shares) 247.1 245.8 244.2
Union Electric Company      
Operating Revenues:      
Operating revenues $ 3,243 $ 3,589 $ 3,537
Operating Expenses:      
Fuel 535 769 737
Purchased Power 193 164 245
Natural gas purchased for resale 53 56 47
Other operations and maintenance 960 972 925
Depreciation and Amortization 556 550 533
Taxes other than income taxes 329 329 328
Total operating expenses 2,626 2,840 2,815
Operating Income 617 749 722
Other Income, Net 58 56 65
Interest charges 178 200 207
Income Before Income Taxes 497 605 580
Income taxes 68 124 254
Net Income 429 481 326
Preferred Stock Dividends 3 3 3
Net Income Available to Common Shareholder 426 478 323
Ameren Illinois Company      
Operating Revenues:      
Operating revenues 2,527 2,576 2,527
Operating Expenses:      
Purchased Power 368 429 417
Natural gas purchased for resale 278 318 264
Other operations and maintenance 782 799 799
Depreciation and Amortization 406 374 341
Taxes other than income taxes 143 144 137
Total operating expenses 1,977 2,064 1,958
Operating Income 550 512 569
Other Income, Net 53 42 12
Interest charges 147 149 144
Income Before Income Taxes 456 405 437
Income taxes 110 98 166
Net Income 346 307 271
Preferred Stock Dividends 3 3 3
Net Income Available to Common Shareholder 343 304 268
Electricity      
Operating Revenues:      
Operating revenues 4,981 5,339 5,307
Electricity | Union Electric Company      
Operating Revenues:      
Operating revenues 3,109 3,451 3,411
Electricity | Ameren Illinois Company      
Operating Revenues:      
Operating revenues 1,730 1,761 1,784
Natural gas      
Operating Revenues:      
Operating revenues 929 952 867
Natural gas | Union Electric Company      
Operating Revenues:      
Operating revenues 134 138 126
Natural gas | Ameren Illinois Company      
Operating Revenues:      
Operating revenues $ 797 $ 815 $ 743
v3.19.3.a.u2
Consolidated Statement Of Income (Loss) (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Income Statement [Abstract]      
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan activity, tax (benefit) $ 1 $ (1) $ 3
v3.19.3.a.u2
Consolidated Balance Sheet - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Current Assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 16 $ 16
Accounts receivable - trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts) 393 463
Unbilled revenue 278 295
Miscellaneous accounts receivable 63 79
Inventories 494 483
Current regulatory assets 69 134
Other current assets 118 63
Total current assets 1,431 1,533
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 24,376 22,810
Investments and Other Assets:    
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund 847 684
Goodwill 411 411
Regulatory assets 992 1,127
Other assets 876 650
Total investments and other assets 3,126 2,872
TOTAL ASSETS 28,933 27,215
Current Liabilities:    
Current maturities of long-term debt 442 580
Short-term debt 440 597
Accounts and wages payable 874 817
Current regulatory liabilities 164 149
Other current liabilities 585 544
Total current liabilities 2,505 2,687
Long-term Debt, Net 8,915 7,859
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:    
Accumulated deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net 2,919 2,666
Regulatory liabilities 4,887 4,637
Asset retirement obligations 638 627
Pension and other postretirement benefits 401 558
Other deferred credits and liabilities 467 408
Total deferred credits and other liabilities 9,312 8,896
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 2, 9, and 14)
Shareholders' Equity:    
Common stock 2 2
Other paid-in capital, principally premium on common stock 5,694 5,627
Retained earnings 2,380 2,024
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (17) (22)
Total shareholders' equity 8,059 7,631
Noncontrolling Interests 142 142
Total equity 8,201 7,773
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 28,933 27,215
Union Electric Company    
Current Assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents 9 0
Accounts receivable - trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts) 164 223
Accounts receivable – affiliates 30 14
Unbilled revenue 139 155
Miscellaneous accounts receivable 33 42
Inventories 373 358
Current regulatory assets 8 14
Other current assets 66 40
Total current assets 814 832
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 12,635 12,103
Investments and Other Assets:    
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund 847 684
Regulatory assets 285 366
Other assets 356 306
Total investments and other assets 1,488 1,356
TOTAL ASSETS 14,937 14,291
Current Liabilities:    
Current maturities of long-term debt 92 580
Short-term debt 234 55
Accounts and wages payable 465 428
Accounts payable – affiliates 52 69
Current regulatory liabilities 62 68
Other current liabilities 221 202
Total current liabilities 1,126 1,402
Long-term Debt, Net 4,098 3,418
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:    
Accumulated deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net 1,612 1,576
Regulatory liabilities 2,937 2,799
Asset retirement obligations 634 623
Pension and other postretirement benefits 141 228
Other deferred credits and liabilities 40 16
Total deferred credits and other liabilities 5,364 5,242
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 2, 9, and 14)
Shareholders' Equity:    
Common stock 511 511
Other paid-in capital, principally premium on common stock 2,027 1,903
Preferred stock 80 80
Retained earnings 1,731 1,735
Total shareholders' equity 4,349 4,229
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 14,937 14,291
Ameren Illinois Company    
Current Assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents 0 0
Accounts receivable - trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts) 215 224
Accounts receivable – affiliates 28 21
Unbilled revenue 139 140
Miscellaneous accounts receivable 25 40
Inventories 121 125
Current regulatory assets 57 110
Other current assets 29 16
Total current assets 614 676
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 10,083 9,198
Investments and Other Assets:    
Goodwill 411 411
Regulatory assets 694 759
Other assets 383 275
Total investments and other assets 1,488 1,445
TOTAL ASSETS 12,185 11,319
Current Liabilities:    
Short-term debt 53 72
Accounts and wages payable 299 302
Accounts payable – affiliates 82 58
Customer deposits 77 76
Current environmental remediation 42 42
Current regulatory liabilities 84 62
Other current liabilities 207 184
Total current liabilities 844 796
Long-term Debt, Net 3,575 3,296
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities:    
Accumulated deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net 1,224 1,119
Regulatory liabilities 1,849 1,741
Pension and other postretirement benefits 214 280
Environmental remediation 87 109
Other deferred credits and liabilities 260 204
Total deferred credits and other liabilities 3,634 3,453
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 2, 9, and 14)
Shareholders' Equity:    
Common stock 0 0
Other paid-in capital, principally premium on common stock 2,188 2,173
Preferred stock 62 62
Retained earnings 1,882 1,539
Total shareholders' equity 4,132 3,774
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY $ 12,185 $ 11,319
v3.19.3.a.u2
Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Accounts receivable - trade, allowance for doubtful accounts $ 17 $ 18
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in dollars per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized 400,000,000 400,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding 246,200,000 244,500,000
Union Electric Company    
Accounts receivable - trade, allowance for doubtful accounts $ 7 $ 7
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in dollars per share) $ 5 $ 5
Common stock, shares authorized 150,000,000.0 150,000,000.0
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding 102,100,000 102,100,000
Ameren Illinois Company    
Accounts receivable - trade, allowance for doubtful accounts $ 10  
Common Stock, No Par Value (in dollars per share) $ 0 $ 0
Common stock, shares authorized 45,000,000 45,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding 25,500,000 25,500,000
v3.19.3.a.u2
Consolidated Statement Of Cash Flows - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:      
Net income $ 834 $ 821 $ 529
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization 1,002 938 876
Amortization of nuclear fuel 79 95 76
Amortization of debt issuance costs and premium/discounts 19 20 22
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net 167 224 539
Allowance for equity funds used during construction (28) (36) (24)
Share-based Compensation 20 20 17
Other (14) 44 (10)
Changes in assets and liabilities:      
Receivables 79 (24) (53)
Inventories (10) 39 17
Accounts and wages payable (3) (22) 32
Taxes accrued (8) (10) 55
Regulatory assets and liabilities 164 201 36
Assets, other (59) 2 34
Liabilities, other (33) (117) (7)
Pension and other postretirement benefits (39) (25) (21)
Net cash provided by operating activities 2,170 2,170 2,118
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:      
Capital expenditures (2,411) (2,286) (2,132)
Nuclear fuel expenditures (31) (52) (63)
Purchases of securities - nuclear decommissioning trust fund (256) (315) (321)
Sales and maturities of securities - nuclear decommissioning trust fund 260 299 305
Purchase of bonds (207) 0 0
Proceeds from sale of remarketed bonds 207 0 0
Other 3 18 7
Net cash used in investing activities (2,435) (2,336) (2,204)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:      
Dividends on common stock (472) (451) (431)
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest holders (6) (6) (6)
Short-term debt, net (157) 112 (74)
Maturities of long-term debt (580) (841) (681)
Issuances of Long-term debt 1,527 1,352 1,345
Issuances of common stock 68 74 0
Repurchases of common stock for stock-based compensation 0 0 (24)
Employee payroll taxes related to stock-based compensation (29) (19) (15)
Debt issuance costs 17 14 11
Other 0 (2) (1)
Net cash provided by financing activities 334 205 102
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 69 39 16
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year 107 68 52
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year 176 107 68
Cash Paid (Refunded) During the Year:      
Interest (net of amounts capitalized, respectively) 367 387 370
Income taxes, net 13 21 (19)
Union Electric Company      
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:      
Net income 429 481 326
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization 564 533 514
Amortization of nuclear fuel 79 95 76
Amortization of debt issuance costs and premium/discounts 5 6 6
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net (19) (9) 82
Allowance for equity funds used during construction (19) (27) (21)
Other 13 17 4
Changes in assets and liabilities:      
Receivables 75 (32) (46)
Inventories (13) 30 18
Accounts and wages payable 16 (21) 27
Taxes accrued (15) (1) (1)
Regulatory assets and liabilities 17 201 26
Assets, other (28) 2 31
Liabilities, other (32) (13) (23)
Pension and other postretirement benefits (5) (2) (2)
Net cash provided by operating activities 1,067 1,260 1,017
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:      
Capital expenditures (1,076) (914) (773)
Nuclear fuel expenditures (31) (52) (63)
Purchases of securities - nuclear decommissioning trust fund (256) (315) (321)
Sales and maturities of securities - nuclear decommissioning trust fund 260 299 305
Purchase of bonds (207) 0 0
Proceeds from sale of remarketed bonds 207 0 0
Money pool advances, net     161
Other 8 6 7
Net cash used in investing activities (1,095) (976) (684)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:      
Dividends on common stock (430) (375) (362)
Dividends on preferred stock (3) (3) (3)
Short-term debt, net 179 16 39
Maturities of long-term debt (580) (384) (431)
Issuances of Long-term debt 778 423 399
Debt issuance costs 9 5 3
Capital contribution from parent 124 45 30
Net cash provided by financing activities 59 (283) (331)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 31 1 2
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year 8 7 5
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year 39 8 7
Cash Paid (Refunded) During the Year:      
Interest (net of amounts capitalized, respectively) 190 196 202
Income taxes, net 101 128 178
Ameren Illinois Company      
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:      
Net income 346 307 271
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization 405 375 341
Amortization of debt issuance costs and premium/discounts 12 13 13
Deferred income taxes and investment tax credits, net 80 88 171
Allowance for equity funds used during construction (9) (9) (3)
Other 7 11 0
Changes in assets and liabilities:      
Receivables 11 0 (7)
Inventories 2 8 (1)
Accounts and wages payable (19) (13) 19
Taxes accrued 21 (13) 18
Regulatory assets and liabilities 155 1 16
Assets, other (23) (1) (2)
Liabilities, other (5) (92) 3
Pension and other postretirement benefits (30) (25) (14)
Net cash provided by operating activities 962 659 828
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:      
Capital expenditures (1,208) (1,258) (1,076)
Other 3 10 6
Net cash used in investing activities (1,205) (1,248) (1,070)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:      
Dividends on preferred stock (3) (3) (3)
Short-term debt, net (19) 10 11
Maturities of long-term debt 0 (457) (250)
Issuances of Long-term debt 299 929 496
Debt issuance costs 4 9 6
Capital contribution from parent 15 160 8
Other   (2) (1)
Net cash provided by financing activities 288 628 255
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 45 39 13
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year 80 41 28
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year 125 80 41
Cash Paid (Refunded) During the Year:      
Interest (net of amounts capitalized, respectively) 127 144 139
Income taxes, net $ 4 $ 28 $ (22)
v3.19.3.a.u2
Consolidated Statement Of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Interest Paid, Capitalized, Investing Activities $ 20 $ 21 $ 14
Union Electric Company      
Interest Paid, Capitalized, Investing Activities 12 14 10
Ameren Illinois Company      
Interest Paid, Capitalized, Investing Activities $ 8 $ 7 $ 4
v3.19.3.a.u2
Consolidated Statement Of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($)
shares in Millions, $ in Millions
Total
Common Stock
Other Paid-In Capital
Retained Earnings
Deferred Retirement Benefit Costs
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Noncontrolling Interest
Total Ameren Corporation Stockholders' Equity
Union Electric Company
Union Electric Company
Common Stock
Union Electric Company
Other Paid-In Capital
Union Electric Company
Preferred Stock Not Subject To Mandatory Redemption
Union Electric Company
Retained Earnings
Ameren Illinois Company
Ameren Illinois Company
Common Stock
Ameren Illinois Company
Other Paid-In Capital
Ameren Illinois Company
Preferred Stock Not Subject To Mandatory Redemption
Ameren Illinois Company
Retained Earnings
Beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2016     $ 5,556 $ 1,568 $ (23)   $ 142       $ 1,828   $ 1,671     $ 2,005   $ 967
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                                    
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues     0                              
Stock-based compensation activity     (16)                              
Capital contribution from parent                 $ 30   30     $ 8   8    
Net income $ 529               326       326 271       271
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic 523     523                            
Common stock dividends       (431)                 (362)          
Preferred stock dividends                         (3)         (3)
Change in deferred retirement benefit costs (5)       5                          
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest holder $ 6           6                      
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest holders             (6)                      
Beginning of year (shares) at Dec. 31, 2016 242.6                                  
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                                    
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues 0.0                                  
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other 0.0                                  
End of year (shares) at Dec. 31, 2017 242.6                                  
End of year at Dec. 31, 2017 $ 7,326 $ 2 5,540 1,660 (18) $ (18) 142     $ 511 1,858 $ 80 1,632   $ 0 2,013 $ 62 1,235
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                                    
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid $ 1.7775                                  
Stockholders' equity, end of year at Dec. 31, 2017               $ 7,184 4,081         3,310        
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                                    
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues     74                              
Stock-based compensation activity     13                              
Capital contribution from parent                 45   45     160   160    
Net income $ 821               $ 481       481 $ 307       307
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic 815     815                            
Common stock dividends       (451)                 (375)          
Preferred stock dividends                         (3)         (3)
Change in deferred retirement benefit costs 4       (4)                          
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest holder $ 6           6                      
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest holders             (6)                      
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues 1.2                                  
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other 0.7                                  
End of year (shares) at Dec. 31, 2018 244.5               102.1         25.5        
End of year at Dec. 31, 2018 $ 7,773 2 5,627 2,024 (22) (22) 142     511 1,903 80 1,735   0 2,173 62 1,539
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                                    
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid $ 1.8475                                  
Stockholders' equity, end of year at Dec. 31, 2018 $ 7,631             7,631 $ 4,229         $ 3,774        
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                                    
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues     68                              
Stock-based compensation activity     (1)                              
Capital contribution from parent                 124   124     15   15    
Net income 834               $ 429       429 $ 346       346
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic 828     828                            
Common stock dividends       (472)                 (430)          
Preferred stock dividends                         (3)         (3)
Change in deferred retirement benefit costs (5)       5                          
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest holder $ 6           6                      
Dividends paid to noncontrolling interest holders             (6)                      
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues 0.9                                  
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other 0.8                                  
End of year (shares) at Dec. 31, 2019 246.2               102.1         25.5        
End of year at Dec. 31, 2019 $ 8,201 $ 2 $ 5,694 $ 2,380 $ (17) $ (17) $ 142     $ 511 $ 2,027 $ 80 $ 1,731   $ 0 $ 2,188 $ 62 $ 1,882
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]                                    
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid $ 1.9200                                  
Stockholders' equity, end of year at Dec. 31, 2019 $ 8,059             $ 8,059 $ 4,349         $ 4,132        
v3.19.3.a.u2
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
General
Ameren, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a public utility holding company whose primary assets are its equity interests in its subsidiaries. Ameren’s subsidiaries are separate, independent legal entities with separate businesses, assets, and liabilities. Dividends on Ameren’s common stock and the payment of expenses by Ameren depend on distributions made to it by its subsidiaries. Ameren’s principal subsidiaries are listed below. Ameren also has other subsidiaries that conduct other activities, such as providing shared services.
Union Electric Company, doing business as Ameren Missouri, operates a rate-regulated electric generation, transmission, and distribution business and a rate-regulated natural gas distribution business in Missouri. Ameren Missouri was incorporated in Missouri in 1922 and is successor to a number of companies, the oldest of which was organized in 1881. It is the largest electric utility in the state of Missouri. It supplies electric and natural gas service to a 24,000-square-mile area in central and eastern Missouri, which includes the Greater St. Louis area. Ameren Missouri supplies electric service to 1.2 million customers and natural gas service to 0.1 million customers.
Ameren Illinois Company, doing business as Ameren Illinois, operates rate-regulated electric transmission, electric distribution, and natural gas distribution businesses in Illinois. Ameren Illinois was incorporated in Illinois in 1923 and is the successor to a number of companies, the oldest of which was organized in 1902. Ameren Illinois supplies electric and natural gas utility service to a 43,700 square mile area in central and southern Illinois. Ameren Illinois supplies electric service to 1.2 million customers and natural gas service to 0.8 million customers.
Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois, doing business as ATXI, operates a FERC rate-regulated electric transmission business in the MISO. ATXI was incorporated in Illinois in 2006. ATXI is constructing the Illinois Rivers project, a MISO-approved electric transmission project, and eight of its nine line segments have been completed and placed in service as of December 31, 2018. ATXI operates the Spoon River project and the Mark Twain project, which were placed in service in February 2018 and December 2019, respectively.
Ameren’s financial statements are prepared on a consolidated basis and therefore include the accounts of its majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated, except as disclosed in Note 13 – Related-party Transactions. Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois have no subsidiaries. All tabular dollar amounts are in millions, unless otherwise indicated.
Our accounting policies conform to GAAP. Our financial statements reflect all adjustments (which include normal, recurring adjustments) that are necessary, in our opinion, for a fair presentation of our results. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. Such estimates and assumptions affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Regulation
Our customer rates are regulated by the MoPSC, the ICC, and the FERC. We defer certain costs as assets pursuant to actions of rate regulators or because of expectations that we will be able to recover such costs in future rates charged to customers. We also defer certain amounts as liabilities pursuant to actions of rate regulators or based on the expectation that such amounts will be returned to customers in future rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are amortized consistent with the period of expected regulatory treatment. See Note 2 – Rate and Regulatory Matters for additional information on our regulatory frameworks, regulatory recovery mechanisms, and regulatory assets and liabilities recorded at December 31, 2019 and 2018.
We continually assess the recoverability of our respective regulatory assets. Regulatory assets are charged to earnings when it is no longer probable that such amounts will be recovered through future revenues. To the extent that reductions in customers’ rates or refunds to customers related to regulatory liabilities are no longer probable, the amounts are credited to earnings.
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
Cash and cash equivalents include short-term, highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents subject to legal or contractual restrictions and not readily available for use for general corporate purposes are classified as restricted cash. See Note 15 – Supplemental Information for a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
reported within the balance sheets and the statements of cash flows.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable
The allowance for doubtful accounts represents our estimate of existing accounts receivable that will ultimately be uncollectible. The allowance is calculated by applying estimated loss factors to various classes of outstanding receivables, including unbilled revenue. The loss factors used to estimate uncollectible accounts are based upon both historical collections experience and management’s estimate of future collections success given the existing and anticipated future collections environment. Ameren Illinois has a bad debt rider that adjusts rates for net write-offs of customer accounts receivable above or below those being collected in rates.
Inventories
Inventories are recorded at the lower of weighted-average cost or net realizable value. Inventories are capitalized when purchased and then expensed as consumed or capitalized as property, plant, and equipment when installed, as appropriate. See Note 15 – Supplemental Information for the components of inventories.
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net
We capitalize the cost of additions to, and betterments of, units of property, plant, and equipment. The cost includes labor, material, applicable taxes, and overhead. An allowance for funds used during construction, as discussed below, is also capitalized as a cost of our rate-regulated assets. Maintenance expenditures are expensed as incurred. Beginning in 2020, maintenance expenses related to scheduled Callaway nuclear refueling and maintenance outages, which were previously expensed as incurred, are deferred and amortized over approximately 18 months. See Note 2 – Rate and Regulatory Matters for additional information. When units of depreciable property are retired, the original costs, and the associated removal cost, net of salvage, are charged to accumulated depreciation. If environmental expenditures are related to assets currently in use, as in the case of the installation of pollution control equipment, the cost is capitalized and depreciated over the expected life of the asset. See Asset Retirement Obligations section below and Note 3 – Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net for additional information.
Ameren Missouri’s cost of nuclear fuel is capitalized as a part of “Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net” on the balance sheet and then amortized to “Operating Expenses – Fuel” in the statement of income on a unit-of-production basis.
Depreciation
Depreciation is provided over the estimated lives of the various classes of depreciable property by applying composite rates on a straight-line basis to the cost basis of such property. The composite rates include a provision for the estimated removal cost of property, plant, and equipment retired from service, net of salvage. The provision for depreciation for the Ameren Companies in 2019, 2018, and 2017 ranged from 3% to 4% of the average depreciable cost. See Note 3 – Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net for additional information on estimated depreciable lives.
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
As a part of "Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net" on the balance sheet, we capitalize allowance for funds used during construction, which is the cost of borrowed funds and the cost of equity funds (preferred and common shareholders' equity) applicable to eligible rate-regulated construction work in progress, in accordance with the utility industry’s accounting practice and GAAP. The amount of allowance for funds used during construction is calculated using a FERC-prescribed formula based on a rate, which includes the average cost of short-term debt, the average cost of long-term debt, and the cost of equity funds. The portion attributable to borrowed funds is recorded as a reduction of "Interest Charges" on the statements of income. The portion attributable to equity funds is recorded within "Other Income, Net" on the statements of income. This accounting practice offsets the effect on earnings of the cost of financing during construction. See Note 15 – Supplemental Information for the amount of allowance for funds used during construction capitalized and the average rate applied to eligible construction work in progress.
Allowance for funds used during construction does not represent a current source of cash funds. Under accepted ratemaking practice, cash recovery of allowance for funds used during construction and other construction costs occurs when completed projects are placed in service and reflected in customer rates.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Ameren and Ameren Illinois had goodwill of $411 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018. Ameren has four reporting units: Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution, Ameren Illinois Natural Gas, and Ameren Transmission. Ameren Illinois has three reporting units: Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution, Ameren Illinois Natural Gas, and Ameren Illinois Transmission. Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution, Ameren Illinois
Natural Gas, and Ameren Illinois Transmission had goodwill of $238 million, $80 million, and $93 million, respectively, at December 31, 2019 and 2018. The Ameren Transmission reporting unit had the same $93 million of goodwill as the Ameren Illinois Transmission reporting unit at December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Ameren and Ameren Illinois evaluate goodwill for impairment in each of their reporting units as of October 31 each year, or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of their reporting units below their carrying amounts. To determine whether the fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not greater than its carrying amount, Ameren and Ameren Illinois elect to perform either a qualitative assessment or to bypass the qualitative assessment and perform a quantitative test.
Ameren and Ameren Illinois elected to perform a qualitative assessment for their annual goodwill impairment test conducted as of October 31, 2019. As part of this qualitative assessment, Ameren and Ameren Illinois evaluated, among other things, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations such as observable industry market multiples, regulatory frameworks, cost factors, overall financial performance, and entity-specific events. The results of Ameren’s and Ameren Illinois’ qualitative assessment indicated that it was more likely than not that the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value as of October 31, 2019, resulting in no impairment of Ameren’s or Ameren Illinois’ goodwill.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
We evaluate long-lived assets classified as held and used for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Whether an impairment has occurred is determined by comparing the estimated undiscounted cash flows attributable to the assets to the carrying value of the assets. If the carrying value exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, we recognize an impairment charge equal to the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets. In the period in which we determine that an asset meets held for sale criteria, we record an impairment charge to the extent the book value exceeds its estimated fair value less cost to sell. We did not identify any events or changes in circumstances that indicated that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable in 2019 or 2018.
Variable Interest Entities
As of December 31, 2019, Ameren and Ameren Missouri had interests in unconsolidated variable interest entities that were established to construct wind generation facilities and, ultimately, sell those constructed facilities to Ameren Missouri. Neither Ameren nor Ameren Missouri are the primary beneficiary of these variable interest entities because neither has the power to direct matters that most significantly affect the entities’ activities, which include designing, financing, and constructing the wind generation facilities. As a result, these variable interest entities are not required to be consolidated. As of December 31, 2019, the maximum exposure to loss related to these variable interest entities was approximately $13 million, which primarily represents legal costs incurred. The risk of a loss was assessed to be remote and, accordingly, Ameren and Ameren Missouri have not recognized a liability associated with any portion of the maximum exposure to loss. See Note 2 – Rate and Regulatory Matters for additional information on the agreements to acquire these wind generation facilities.
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, Ameren had unconsolidated variable interests as a limited partner in various equity method investments, totaling $28 million and $22 million, respectively, included in “Other assets” on Ameren’s consolidated balance sheet. Ameren is not the primary beneficiary of these investments because it does not have the power to direct matters that most significantly affect the activities of these variable interest entities. As of December 31, 2019, the maximum exposure to loss related to these variable interest entities is limited to the investment in these partnerships of $28 million plus associated outstanding funding commitments of $35 million.
Environmental Costs
Liabilities for environmental costs are recorded on an undiscounted basis when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Costs are expensed or deferred as a regulatory asset when it is expected that the costs will be recovered from customers in future rates. See Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies for additional information on liabilities for environmental costs.
Asset Retirement Obligations
We record the estimated fair value of legal obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets in the period in which the liabilities are incurred and capitalize a corresponding amount as part of the book value of the related long-lived asset. In subsequent periods, we adjust AROs for accretion and based on changes in the estimated fair values of the obligations with a corresponding increase or decrease in the asset book value. Asset book values, reflected within “Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net” on the balance sheet, are depreciated over the remaining useful life of the related asset. Due to regulatory recovery, that depreciation is deferred as a regulatory balance. The depreciation of the asset book values at Ameren Missouri was $18 million, $14 million, and $26 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively, which was deferred as a reduction to the net regulatory liability. The net regulatory liability also reflects deferrals of net realized and unrealized gains and losses within the nuclear decommissioning trust fund for the Callaway Energy
Center. The depreciation deferred to the regulatory asset at Ameren Illinois was immaterial in each respective period. Uncertainties as to the probability, timing, or amount of cash expenditures associated with AROs affect our estimates of fair value. Ameren and Ameren Missouri have recorded AROs for retirement costs associated with Ameren Missouri’s Callaway Energy Center decommissioning, CCR facilities, and river structures. Also, Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois have recorded AROs for retirement costs associated with asbestos removal and the disposal of certain transformers. See Note 15 – Supplemental Information for a reconciliation of the beginning and ending carrying amount of AROs.
Estimated funds collected from customers to pay for the future removal cost of property, plant, and equipment retired from service, net of salvage, represent a cost of removal regulatory liability. See the cost of removal regulatory liability balance in Note 2 – Rate and Regulatory Matters.
Company-owned Life Insurance
Ameren and Ameren Illinois have company-owned life insurance, which is recorded at the net cash surrender value. The net cash surrender value is the amount that can be realized under the insurance policies at the balance sheet date. As of December 31, 2019, the cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance at Ameren and Ameren Illinois was $264 million (December 31, 2018 – $244 million) and $123 million (December 31, 2018 – $122 million), respectively, while total borrowings against the policies were $114 million (December 31, 2018 – $113 million) at both Ameren and Ameren Illinois. Ameren and Ameren Illinois have the right to offset the borrowings against the cash surrender value of the policies and, consequently, present the net asset in “Other assets” on their respective balance sheets. The net cash surrender value of Ameren’s company-owned life insurance is affected by the investment performance of a separate account in which Ameren holds a beneficial interest.
Operating Revenues
We record revenues from contracts with customers for various electric and natural gas services, which primarily consist of retail distribution, electric transmission, and off-system arrangements. When more than one performance obligation exists in a contract, the consideration under the contract is allocated to the performance obligations based on the relative standalone selling price.
Electric and natural gas retail distribution revenues are earned when the commodity is delivered to our customers. We accrue an estimate of electric and natural gas retail distribution revenues for service provided but unbilled at the end of each accounting period.
Electric transmission revenues are earned as electric transmission services are provided.
Off-system revenues are primarily comprised of MISO revenues and wholesale bilateral revenues. MISO revenues include the sale of electricity, capacity, and ancillary services. Wholesale bilateral revenues include the sale of electricity and capacity. MISO-related electricity and wholesale bilateral electricity revenues are earned as electricity is delivered. MISO-related capacity and ancillary service revenues and wholesale bilateral capacity revenues are earned as services are provided.
Retail distribution, electric transmission, and off-system revenues, including the underlying components described above, represent a series of goods or services that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer over time to our customers. Revenues from contracts with customers are equal to the amounts billed and our estimate of electric and natural gas retail distribution services provided but unbilled at the end of each accounting period. Customers are billed at least monthly, and payments are due less than one month after goods and/or services are provided. See Note 16 – Segment Information for disaggregated revenue information.
For certain regulatory recovery mechanisms that are alternative revenue programs rather than revenues from contracts with customers, we recognize revenues that have been authorized for rate recovery, are objectively determinable and probable of recovery, and are expected to be collected from customers within two years from the end of the year. Our alternative revenue programs include revenue requirement reconciliations, the MEEIA, and the VBA. These revenues are subsequently recognized as revenues from contracts with customers when billed, with an offset to alternative revenue program revenues.
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, our remaining performance obligations were immaterial. The Ameren Companies elected not to disclose the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to the performance obligations that are unsatisfied as of the end of the reporting period for contracts with an initial expected term of one year or less.
Accounting for MISO Transactions
MISO-related purchase and sale transactions are recorded by Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois using settlement information provided by the MISO. Ameren Missouri records these purchase and sale transactions on a net hourly position. Ameren Missouri records net purchases in a single hour in “Operating Expenses – Purchased power” and net sales in a single hour in “Operating Revenues – Electric” in its statement of income. Ameren Illinois records net purchases in “Operating Expenses – Purchased power” in its statement of
income to reflect all of its MISO transactions relating to the procurement of power for its customers. On occasion, Ameren Missouri’s and Ameren Illinois’ prior-period transactions will be resettled outside the routine settlement process because of a change in the MISO’s tariff or a material interpretation thereof. In these cases, Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois recognize revenues and expenses associated with resettlements once the resettlement is probable and the resettlement amount can be estimated. There were no material MISO resettlements in 2019, 2018, or 2017.
Stock-based Compensation
Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award, net of an assumed forfeiture rate. Ameren recognizes as compensation expense the estimated fair value of stock-based compensation on a straight-line basis over the requisite vesting period. See Note 11 – Stock-based Compensation for additional information.
Unamortized Debt Discounts, Premiums, and Issuance Costs
Long-term debt discounts, premiums, and issuance costs are amortized over the lives of the related issuances. Credit agreement fees are amortized over the term of the agreement.
Income Taxes
Ameren uses an asset and liability approach for its financial accounting and reporting of income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for transactions that are treated differently for financial reporting and income tax return purposes. These deferred tax assets and liabilities are based on statutory tax rates.
We expect that regulators will reduce future revenues for deferred tax liabilities that were initially recorded at rates in excess of the current statutory rate. Therefore, reductions in certain deferred tax liabilities that were recorded because of decreases in the statutory rate have been credited to a regulatory liability. A regulatory asset has been established to recognize the probable recovery through future customer rates of tax benefits related to the equity component of allowance for funds used during construction, as well as the effects of tax rate increases. To the extent deferred tax balances are included in rate base, the revaluation of deferred taxes is recorded as a regulatory asset or liability on the balance sheet and will be collected from, or refunded to, customers. For deferred tax balances not included in rate base, the revaluation of deferred taxes is recorded as an adjustment to income tax expense on the income statement. See Note 12 – Income Taxes for further information regarding the revaluation of deferred taxes related to the TCJA and Missouri and Illinois state corporate income tax rate changes.
Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois, and all the other Ameren subsidiary companies are parties to a tax allocation agreement with Ameren (parent) that provides for the allocation of consolidated tax liabilities. The tax allocation agreement specifies that each party be allocated an amount of tax using a stand-alone calculation, which is similar to what would be owed or refunded had the party been separately subject to tax without considering the impact of consolidation. Any net benefit attributable to Ameren (parent) is reallocated to the other parties. This reallocation is treated as a capital contribution to the party receiving the benefit. See Note 13 – Related-party Transactions for information regarding capital contributions under the tax allocation agreement.
Accounting Changes and Other Matters
The following is a summary of recently adopted authoritative accounting guidance, as well as guidance issued but not yet adopted, that could affect the Ameren Companies.
In the first quarter of 2019, the Ameren Companies adopted authoritative accounting guidance on leases. See Note 15 – Supplemental Information for additional information.
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
In June 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that requires an entity to recognize an allowance for financial instruments that reflects its current estimate of credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the financial instruments. The guidance requires an entity to measure expected credit losses using relevant information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectibility of the reported amount. This guidance will be effective for the Ameren Companies in the first quarter of 2020, and will require changes to be applied retrospectively with a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the adoption date. The adoption of this guidance will not have a significant impact on the Ameren Companies’ financial statements.
Fair Value Measurement Disclosures
In August 2018, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that affects disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. This guidance will be effective for the Ameren Companies in the first quarter of 2020.
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosures
In August 2018, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that affects disclosure requirements for defined benefit plans. This guidance will be effective for the Ameren Companies in the fourth quarter of 2020, and will require changes to be applied retrospectively to each period presented.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Rate And Regulatory Matters
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Abstract]  
RATE AND REGULATORY MATTERS RATE AND REGULATORY MATTERS
Below is a summary of our regulatory frameworks and significant regulatory proceedings and related lawsuits. We are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these matters, the timing of final decisions of the various agencies and courts, or the effect on our results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.
Regulatory Frameworks
Missouri
The MoPSC regulates rates and other matters for Ameren Missouri's electric service and natural gas distribution businesses. The rates Ameren Missouri charges customers for these services are established in a traditional regulatory rate review, which takes up to 11 months to complete, based on a historical test year and the allowed ROE established in the review.
Ameren Missouri has recovery mechanisms, including the RESRAM, FAC, MEEIA, PGA, DCA, and ISRS, that allow customer rates to be adjusted without a traditional regulatory rate review. These rate-adjustment mechanisms, along with the PISA, each described in more detail below, mitigate the effects of regulatory lag. Ameren Missouri also employs other recovery mechanisms, including a pension and postretirement benefit cost tracker, an uncertain income tax position tracker, a tracker on certain excess deferred income taxes, a renewable energy standard cost tracker, and a solar rebate program cost tracker. Each of these trackers allows Ameren Missouri to defer the difference between actual costs incurred and costs included in customer rates as a regulatory asset or regulatory liability. The difference will be reflected in base rates in a subsequent MoPSC rate order. Ameren Missouri’s cost recovery under any of its recovery mechanisms is subject to MoPSC prudence reviews.
The PISA permits Ameren Missouri to defer and recover 85% of the depreciation expense and a return at the applicable WACC on investments in certain property, plant, and equipment placed in service after September 1, 2018, and not included in base rates. The regulatory asset for accumulated PISA deferrals also earns a return at the applicable WACC, with all approved PISA deferrals added to rate base prospectively and recovered over a period of 20 years following a regulatory rate review. Additionally, under the RESRAM, Ameren Missouri is permitted to recover the 15% of depreciation expense and a return at the applicable WACC for investments in renewable generation plant placed in service and not recovered under the PISA. The deferrals are a regulatory asset until they are included in customer rates and collected in a subsequent period. Those investments not eligible for recovery under the PISA and the remaining 15% of certain property, plant, and equipment placed in service, unless eligible for recovery under the RESRAM, remain subject to regulatory lag. Ameren Missouri recognizes the cost of debt on PISA deferrals in revenue, instead of using the applicable WACC, with the difference recognized in revenues when recovery of such deferrals is reflected in customer rates. Under Missouri law, as a result of the PISA election, additional provisions apply to Ameren Missouri, including limitations on electric customer rate increases. If rate changes from the FAC or the RESRAM riders would cause rates to temporarily exceed the 2.85% rate cap, the overage would be deferred for future recovery in the next regulatory rate review; however, rates established in such regulatory rate review would be subject to the rate cap. Any deferred overages approved for recovery would be recovered in a manner consistent with costs recovered under the PISA. Excluding customer rates under the MEEIA rider, which are not subject to the rate cap, Ameren Missouri would incur a penalty equal to the amount of deferred overage that would cause customer rates to exceed the 2.85% rate cap. Customer rates for Ameren Missouri’s electric service did not exceed the cap in 2019. Both the rate increase limitation and the PISA are effective through December 2023. Missouri law provides for the ability to use the PISA, if Ameren Missouri requests and receives MoPSC approval for extension, through December 2028.
The RESRAM permits Ameren Missouri to recover or refund, through customer rates, the difference between the cost of compliance with Missouri’s renewable energy standard and the amount set in base rates. Customer rates are adjusted for the RESRAM on an annual basis without a traditional regulatory rate review, subject to MoPSC prudence reviews. The difference between actual compliance costs and costs billed to customers in a given period is deferred as a regulatory asset or liability. The deferred amount is either billed or refunded to customers in a subsequent period. RESRAM regulatory assets earn carrying costs at short-term interest rates. The RESRAM permits Ameren Missouri to recover investments in wind generation and other renewables, and earn a return at the applicable WACC on those investments not already provided for in customer rates or any other recovery mechanism.
The FAC permits Ameren Missouri to recover or refund, through customer rates, 95% of the variance in net energy costs from the amount set in base rates without a traditional regulatory rate review, subject to MoPSC prudence reviews, with the remaining 5% of changes retained by Ameren Missouri. Net recovery of these costs through customer rates does not affect Ameren Missouri’s electric margins, as any change in revenue is offset by a corresponding change in fuel expense. The difference between actual net energy costs and costs billed to
customers in a given period is deferred as a regulatory asset or liability. The deferred amount is either billed or refunded to customers in a subsequent period. FAC regulatory assets earn carrying costs at short-term interest rates. Ameren Missouri’s base rates for electric service are required to be reset at least every four years to allow for continued use of the FAC.
The MEEIA permits Ameren Missouri to recover customer energy-efficiency program costs, the related lost electric margins, and any performance incentive through the MEEIA without a traditional regulatory rate review. MEEIA assets earn carrying costs at short-term interest rates.
Ameren Missouri is a member of the MISO, and its transmission rate is calculated in accordance with the MISO Open Access Transmission, Energy, and Operating Reserve Markets Tariff. The FERC regulates the rates charged and the terms and conditions for wholesale electric transmission service. The transmission rate update each June is based on Ameren Missouri’s actual historical cost from the prior calendar year. This rate is not directly charged to Missouri retail customers because, in Missouri, bundled retail rates include an amount for transmission-related costs and revenues.
The PGA allows Ameren Missouri to recover prudently incurred costs of natural gas purchased on behalf of its customers without a traditional regulatory rate review. These pass-through purchased gas costs do not affect Ameren Missouri’s natural gas margins, as any change in costs is offset by a corresponding change in revenues. The difference between actual natural gas costs and costs billed to customers in a given period is deferred as a regulatory asset or liability. The deferred amount is either billed or refunded to customers in a subsequent period. PGA regulatory assets earn carrying costs at short-term interest rates. The DCA ensures recoverability of the natural gas delivery service revenue requirement that is dependent on sales volume for nearly all customers. The DCA allows Ameren Missouri to adjust natural gas delivery service rates without a traditional regulatory rate review when changes occur in sales volumes from those volumes approved by the MoPSC in the previous regulatory rate review. The difference between actual gas delivery service revenues billed to customers and revenues approved by the MoPSC in a given period is deferred as a regulatory asset or liability. DCA regulatory assets earn carrying costs at short-term interest rates. The deferred amount is either billed or refunded to customers in a subsequent period. In addition, the ISRS permits certain prudently incurred natural gas infrastructure replacement costs to be recovered from customers on a more timely basis between regulatory rate reviews. The ROE currently used by Ameren Missouri for purposes of the ISRS tariff is 9.725%.
Illinois
The ICC regulates rates and other matters for Ameren Illinois' electric distribution service and natural gas distribution businesses. The rates Ameren Illinois charges customers for electric distribution service are calculated under a performance-based formula ratemaking framework. The rates Ameren Illinois charges customers for natural gas distribution service are established in a traditional regulatory rate review, which takes up to 11 months to complete, based on a future test year and an allowed ROE established in the review.
Ameren Illinois’ election to use the electric distribution service performance-based formula ratemaking framework allowed by state law, described below, permits Ameren Illinois to adjust customer rates to recover the cost of electric distribution service on an annual basis. Ameren Illinois electric distribution service also has other cost recovery mechanisms in place that allow customer rates to be adjusted without a traditional regulatory rate review. Ameren Illinois’ electric distribution service business has cost recovery mechanisms for power procurement and transmission services incurred on behalf of its customers, renewable energy credit compliance, zero emission credits, and certain environmental costs, as well as bad debt expense and the costs of certain asbestos-related claims not recovered in base rates. These pass-through costs do not affect Ameren Illinois’ net income, as any change in costs is offset by a corresponding change in revenues. Ameren Illinois’ cost recovery under any of its recovery mechanisms is subject to ICC prudence reviews.
Ameren Illinois’ electric distribution service performance-based formula ratemaking framework allows Ameren Illinois to reconcile electric distribution service rates to its actual revenue requirement on an annual basis. If a given year’s revenue requirement varies from the amount collected from customers, an adjustment is made to electric operating revenues with an offset to a regulatory asset or liability to reflect that year’s actual revenue requirement, independent of actual sales volumes. The regulatory balance is then collected from, or refunded to, customers within two years from the end of the year. In addition, Ameren Illinois’ electric customer energy-efficiency rider provides Ameren Illinois’ electric distribution service business with recovery of, and return on, energy-efficiency investments. Under formula ratemaking for both its electric distribution service and its electric energy-efficiency investments, the revenue requirements are based on recoverable costs, year-end rate base, a capital structure of up to and including 50% common equity, and earn a return at the applicable WACC. The ROE component of the applicable WACC is based on the annual average of the monthly yields of the 30-year United States Treasury bonds plus 580 basis points and any performance-related basis point adjustments, described in more detail below. Therefore, Ameren Illinois’ annual ROE for its electric distribution business is directly correlated to the yields on such bonds. In addition, regulatory assets applicable to formula ratemaking for both electric distribution service and electric energy-efficiency investments earn a return at the applicable WACC. However, Ameren Illinois recognizes the cost of debt on these regulatory assets in revenue, instead of the applicable WACC, with the difference recognized in revenues when recovery of such regulatory assets is reflected in customer rates.
Ameren Illinois electric distribution service business is also subject to performance standards. Failure to achieve the standards would result in a reduction in the company’s allowed ROE calculated under the formulas. The performance standards applicable to electric
distribution service include improvements in service reliability to reduce both the frequency and duration of outages, a reduction in the number of estimated bills, a reduction of consumption from inactive meters, and a reduction in bad debt expense. The electric distribution service regulatory framework provides for ROE penalties up to 38 basis points in each year from 2020 through 2022, if these performance standards are not met. The allowed ROE on energy-efficiency investments can be increased or decreased up to 200 basis points, depending on the achievement of annual energy savings goals. Any adjustments to the allowed ROE for energy-efficiency investments will depend on annual performance of a historical period relative to energy savings goals. In 2019, 2018, and 2017, there were no material performance-related basis point adjustments.
Ameren Illinois’ natural gas distribution business has recovery mechanisms, including the QIP, PGA, and VBA, that allow customer rates to be adjusted without a traditional regulatory rate review. These rate-adjustment mechanisms, described in more detail below, mitigate the effects of regulatory lag. Ameren Illinois employs other cost recovery mechanisms for natural gas customer energy-efficiency program costs and certain environmental costs, as well as bad debt expenses and invested capital taxes not recovered in base rates. Pass-through costs under the cost recovery mechanisms do not affect Ameren Illinois’ net income, as any change in costs is offset by a corresponding change in revenues. Ameren Illinois’ cost recovery under any of its recovery mechanisms is subject to ICC prudence reviews.
The QIP rider provides Ameren Illinois with recovery of, and a return on, qualifying natural gas infrastructure investments that are placed in service between regulatory rate reviews. Infrastructure investments under the QIP rider earn a return at the applicable WACC. Eligible natural gas investments include projects to improve safety and reliability and modernization investments, such as smart meters. The deferrals are a regulatory asset until they are included in customer rates in a subsequent period. Recovery of the regulatory asset begins two months after the qualifying natural gas plant is placed in service and continues until such plant is included in base rates in a natural gas delivery service rate order. Ameren Illinois’ QIP rider is subject to a rate impact limitation of a cumulative 4% per year since the most recent delivery service rate order, with no single year exceeding 5.5%. Upon issuance of a natural gas delivery service rate order, QIP rate base is transferred to base rates and the QIP rider is reset to zero, which mitigates the risk that the QIP rider will exceed its statutory limitations in future years and ensures timely recovery of capital investments. Without legislative action, the QIP rider will expire in December 2023.
The PGA allows Ameren Illinois to recover prudently incurred costs of natural gas purchased on behalf of its customers without a traditional regulatory rate review. These pass-through purchased gas costs do not affect Ameren Illinois natural gas margins, as any change in costs is offset by a corresponding change in revenues. The difference between actual natural gas costs and costs billed to customers in a given period is deferred as a regulatory asset or liability. The deferred amount is either billed or refunded to customers in a subsequent period. PGA regulatory assets earn carrying costs at short-term interest rates. The VBA ensures recoverability of the natural gas distribution service revenue requirement that is dependent on sales volumes for residential and small nonresidential customers. For these rate classes, the VBA allows Ameren Illinois to adjust natural gas distribution service rates without a traditional regulatory rate review when changes occur in sales volumes from those volumes approved by the ICC in a previous regulatory rate review. The difference between allowed sales revenues and amounts billed to customers in a given period is deferred as a regulatory asset or liability. The deferred amount is collected from, or refunded to, customers in a subsequent period. VBA regulatory assets earn carrying costs at short-term interest rates.
Federal
The FERC regulates rates and other matters for Ameren Illinois' transmission business and ATXI. Both Ameren Illinois and ATXI are members of the MISO, and their transmission rates are calculated in accordance with the MISO Open Access Transmission, Energy, and Operating Reserve Markets Tariff. Ameren Illinois and ATXI have received FERC approval to use a company-specific, forward-looking formula ratemaking framework in setting their transmission rates. These forward-looking rates are updated annually and become effective each January with forecasted information. The formula rate framework provides for an annual reconciliation of the electric transmission service revenue requirement, which reflects the actual recoverable costs incurred and the 13-month average rate base for a given year, with the revenue requirement in customer rates, including an allowed ROE. If a given year’s revenue requirement varies from the amount collected from customers, an adjustment is made to electric operating revenues with an offset to a regulatory asset or liability to reflect that year’s actual revenue requirement, independent of actual sales volumes. The regulatory balance is collected from, or refunded to, customers within two years from the end of the year. FERC revenue reconciliation adjustment regulatory assets earn carrying costs at each company’s short-term interest rates, while each company incurs interest at a FERC-prescribed rate on related regulatory liabilities. In addition, the FERC has approved transmission rate incentives, including a 50 basis point incentive adder to the allowed base ROE for Ameren Illinois and ATXI for participation in an RTO, and an additional 50 basis point ROE incentive adder the Mark Twain project earns based on the unique nature of risks involved in the project.
Proceedings and Updates
Missouri
2019 Electric Service Regulatory Rate Review
In July 2019, Ameren Missouri filed a request with the MoPSC seeking approval to decrease its annual revenues for electric service by $1 million. In February 2020, Ameren Missouri, the MoPSC staff, the MoOPC, and certain intervenors filed a nonunanimous stipulation and agreement with the MoPSC to decrease Ameren Missouri’s annual revenues for electric service by $32 million. The remaining intervenor did not object to the agreement. The stipulation and agreement, which is subject to MoPSC approval, specified an allowed ROE range of 9.4% to 9.8%, but did not specify the common equity percentage or rate base. The stipulation and agreement includes the continued use of the FAC and trackers for pension and postretirement benefits, uncertain income tax positions, certain excess deferred income taxes, and renewable energy standard compliance costs that the MoPSC previously authorized in earlier electric rate orders. Ameren Missouri cannot predict whether the MoPSC will approve the stipulation and agreement or, if approved, whether any application for rehearing or appeal will be filed, or the outcome if so filed.
A decision by the MoPSC on the nonunanimous stipulation and agreement is expected by March 2020, with new rates effective as early as April 1, 2020. Ameren Missouri cannot predict the level of any electric service rate change the MoPSC may approve, when any rate change may go into effect, whether the requested regulatory recovery mechanisms will be approved, or whether any rate change that may eventually be approved will be sufficient for Ameren Missouri to recover its costs and earn a reasonable return on its investments when the rate change goes into effect.
The percentage of net energy cost variances from the amount set in base rates allowed to be recovered or refunded under the FAC and costs from services provided by affiliates are still being challenged by the MoOPC, and are expected to be addressed in a proceeding that would begin in March 2020. A MoPSC decision would be expected in the proceeding by the end of May 2020. If a change to the percentage of net energy cost variances from the amount set in base rates allowed to be recovered or refunded under the FAC is ordered by the MoPSC, the ordered percentage will be reflected in the FAC. If any investments or expenses are disallowed by the MoPSC, the effect on customer rates of such disallowances will be deferred as a regulatory liability and refunded to customers over a period of time determined in the next regulatory rate review.
Wind Generation Facilities and RESRAM
In May 2019, Ameren Missouri entered into a build-transfer agreement to acquire, after construction, an up-to 300-megawatt wind generation facility. In 2018, Ameren Missouri entered into a build-transfer agreement to acquire, after construction, an up-to 400-megawatt wind generation facility. These two agreements are subject to customary contract terms and conditions. The two build-transfer acquisitions collectively represent $1.2 billion of capital expenditures, are expected to be completed by the end of 2020, and would support Ameren Missouri’s compliance with the Missouri renewable energy standard. Both acquisitions have received all regulatory approvals, and both projects have received all applicable zoning approvals, have entered into RTO interconnection agreements, and have begun construction activities. The following table provides information with respect to each build-transfer agreement:
 
 
Up-to 400-Megawatt Facility
 
Up-to 300-Megawatt Facility
Build-transfer agreement date
 
April 2018
 
May 2019
Wind facility developer
 
Terra-Gen, LLC
 
Invenergy Renewables, LLC
Location
 
Northeastern Missouri
 
Northwestern Missouri
Status of certificate of convenience and necessity from the MoPSC
 
Approved October 2018
 
Approved August 2019
Status of final interconnection costs
 
Received July 2019
 
Received July 2019
Status of RTO transmission interconnection agreement
 
Executed August 2019
 
Executed October 2019
Status of FERC approval
 
Received December 2018
 
Received October 2019
Expected completion date
 
By the end of 2020
 
By the end of 2020

In February 2020, the developers of the wind generation facilities received notice from the wind turbine supplier of potential disruptions in its manufacturing, transport, and/or import/export activities resulting from the international public health emergency associated with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The developers notified Ameren Missouri that their performance might be delayed as a result. At this time, Ameren Missouri and the developers are unable to estimate the impact to each project, including the project schedule and contracted megawatts.
In 2018, Ameren Missouri entered into a build-transfer agreement to acquire, after construction, a 157-megawatt wind generation facility. In July 2019, Ameren Missouri and the developer mutually agreed to terminate the project due to unacceptable interconnection costs, which made the project uneconomic and not in the best interest of Ameren Missouri’s customers. Abandonment costs incurred as a result of terminating the project were immaterial to Ameren Missouri.
In January 2019, the MoOPC filed an appeal with the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District, challenging the MoPSC’s December 2018 order allowing Ameren Missouri to recover, through the RESRAM, the 15% of depreciation expense and return at the applicable WACC not recovered under the PISA. In October 2019, the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District, upheld the MoPSC’s order. In November 2019, the MoOPC filed a request for appeal of the MoPSC’s order to the Missouri Supreme Court, which was denied in February 2020.
MEEIA
As a result of MoPSC orders issued in September 2017, October 2018, January 2019, and September 2019 related to performance incentives for the MEEIA 2013 and MEEIA 2016 programs, Ameren Missouri recognized revenues of $37 million and $11 million during 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Deferral of Maintenance Expenses Related to Scheduled Callaway Refueling and Maintenance Outages
In February 2020, the MoPSC issued an order approving a stipulation and agreement allowing Ameren Missouri to defer and amortize maintenance expenses related to scheduled refueling and maintenance outages at its Callaway Energy Center. Beginning with the fall 2020 refueling and maintenance outage, Ameren Missouri will defer the maintenance expenses incurred related to a refueling and maintenance outage as a regulatory asset and amortize those expenses after completion of the outage. Maintenance expenses will be amortized over the period between refueling and maintenance outages, which is approximately 18 months.
2018 Natural Gas Delivery Service Regulatory Rate Review
In December 2018, Ameren Missouri filed a request with the MoPSC to increase its annual revenues for natural gas delivery service. In August 2019, the MoPSC issued an order approving a stipulation and agreement to decrease Ameren Missouri’s annual revenues for natural gas delivery service by $1 million from rates approved by the MoPSC in January 2011. The decrease in annual rates is based on an allowed ROE range of 9.4% to 9.95% and a capital structure composed of 52.0% common equity, which was Ameren Missouri’s capital structure as of May 31, 2019. This order permits the use of the DCA, as well as ISRS, which will be calculated using an allowed ROE of 9.725%. The order represents a $1 million increase to Ameren Missouri’s annual revenues for natural gas delivery service from interim rates, which were approved by the MoPSC in December 2018. The new rates became effective September 1, 2019.
Illinois
Electric Distribution Service Rates
In December 2019, the ICC issued an order in Ameren Illinois’ annual update filing that approved a $7 million decrease in Ameren Illinois’ electric distribution service rates beginning in January 2020. This order reflected a decrease for the conclusion of the 2017 revenue requirement reconciliation adjustment, which was fully collected from customers in 2019, consistent with the ICC’s November 2018 annual update filing order. It also reflected an increase to the annual formula rate based on 2018 actual costs and expected net plant additions for 2019, and an increase to include the 2018 revenue requirement reconciliation adjustment.
Electric Customer Energy-Efficiency Investments
In May 2019, Ameren Illinois filed its annual electric customer energy-efficiency formula rate update to establish the revenue requirement to be used for 2020 rates with the ICC. In November 2019, the ICC issued an order that approved 2020 electric customer energy-efficiency rates of $44 million, which represents an increase of $10 million from 2019 rates.
2020 Natural Gas Delivery Service Regulatory Rate Review
In February 2020, Ameren Illinois filed a request with the ICC seeking approval to increase its annual revenues for natural gas delivery service by $102 million, which included an estimated $46 million of annual revenues that would otherwise be recovered under the QIP and other riders. The request is based on a 10.5% allowed ROE, a capital structure composed of 54.1% common equity, and a rate base of $2.1 billion. In an attempt to reduce regulatory lag, Ameren Illinois used a 2021 future test year in this proceeding. A decision by the ICC in this proceeding is required by January 2021, with new rates expected to be effective in February 2021. Ameren Illinois cannot predict the level of any delivery service rate change the ICC may approve, nor whether any rate change that may eventually be approved will be sufficient to enable Ameren Illinois to recover its costs and to earn a reasonable return on investments when the rate changes go into effect.
QIP Prudence Review
In March 2019, Ameren Illinois filed a request for an ICC prudence review of natural gas infrastructure investments recovered under the QIP rider during 2018. In November 2019, the Illinois Attorney General's office challenged the recovery of capital investments, among other things, that were made during 2018, alleging that the amount of investments is excessive based on a comparison to historical investment levels. The Illinois Attorney General's office is not alleging imprudence or that the investments do not qualify for recovery. In November 2019,
the ICC staff filed testimony that supports recovery of capital investments made during 2018. Ameren Illinois’ 2018 QIP rate recovery under review by the ICC is within the rate increase limitations allowed by law. An ICC decision in this proceeding is expected by mid-2020.
Federal
FERC Complaint Cases
In November 2013, a customer group filed a complaint case with the FERC seeking a reduction in the allowed base ROE for FERC-regulated transmission rate base under the MISO tariff from 12.38% to 9.15%. In September 2016, the FERC issued an order in the November 2013 complaint case, which lowered the allowed base ROE to 10.32%, or a 10.82% total allowed ROE with the inclusion of a 50 basis point incentive adder for participation in an RTO, that was effective from late September 2016 forward. The September 2016 order also required refunds for the period November 2013 to February 2015, which were paid in 2017. With the maximum FERC-allowed refund period for the November 2013 complaint case ended in February 2015, another customer complaint case was filed in February 2015, seeking a further reduction in the allowed base ROE for the period of February 2015 to May 2016. In November 2019, the FERC issued an order addressing the November 2013 complaint case, which set the allowed base ROE at 9.88% and required refunds, with interest, for the periods November 2013 to February 2015 and from late September 2016 forward. The order also dismissed the February 2015 complaint case.
As a result of the November 2019 order, Ameren and Ameren Illinois fully reduced their regulatory liabilities of $46 million and $27 million, respectively, associated with the February 2015 complaint case. As of December 31, 2019, Ameren and Ameren Illinois had recorded current regulatory liabilities of $40 million and $23 million, respectively, to reflect the expected refunds, including interest, associated with the reduced ROEs in the November 2019 decision in the November 2013 complaint case. The reduction in the FERC-allowed base ROE is not material to Ameren Missouri’s results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.
In December 2019, Ameren and the MISO transmission owners, including Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois, and ATXI, filed requests for rehearing with the FERC. Additionally, in December 2019, various parties filed requests for rehearing with the FERC, challenging the dismissal of the February 2015 complaint case. The FERC has not ruled on the merits of the rehearing requests and is under no deadline to do so. The allowed base ROE for the 15-month period related to the February 2015 complaint case was 12.38%. Each 50 basis point reduction in the allowed base ROE for this period would reduce Ameren’s and Ameren Illinois’ net income by an estimated $10 million and $6 million, respectively.
In March 2019, the FERC issued separate Notices of Inquiry regarding its allowed base ROE policy and its transmission incentives policy. Initial comments were due by June 2019, and reply comments were due by late August 2019. The Notice of Inquiry addressing the FERC’s base ROE policy, among other things, broadened the ability to comment on the new methodology beyond electric utilities that are participants in the complaint cases. The transmission incentives Notice of Inquiry was open for comment on the FERC’s transmission incentive policy, including incentive adders to the base ROE. Ameren is unable to predict the ultimate impact of the Notices of Inquiry at this time.
Regulatory Assets and Liabilities
The following table presents our regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities at December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
 
Ameren
Missouri
 
Ameren
Illinois
 
Ameren
 
 
Ameren
Missouri
 
Ameren
Illinois
 
Ameren
Regulatory assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Under-recovered Illinois electric power costs(a)
 
$

 
$
4

 
$
4

 
 
$

 
$

 
$

Under-recovered PGA(a)
 

 

 

 
 

 
7

 
7

MTM derivative losses(b)
 
12


242

 
254

 
 
19

 
197

 
216

IEIMA revenue requirement reconciliation adjustment(c)(d)
 

 
17

 
17

 
 

 
70

 
70

FERC revenue requirement reconciliation adjustment(e)
 

 
1

 
16

 
 

 
16

 
30

Pension and postretirement benefit costs(f)
 
7

 
26

 
33

 
 
103

 
149

 
252

Income taxes(g)
 
114

 
61

 
177

 
 
119

 
68

 
185

Callaway costs(d)(h)
 
18

 

 
18

 
 
22

 

 
22

Unamortized loss on reacquired debt(i)
 
55

 
31

 
86

 
 
58

 
40

 
98

Environmental cost riders(j)
 

 
127

 
127

 
 

 
148

 
148

Storm costs(d)(k)
 

 
7

 
7

 
 

 
13

 
13

Workers’ compensation claims(l)
 
4

 
7

 
11

 
 
4

 
7

 
11

Construction accounting for pollution control equipment(d)(m)
 
15

 

 
15

 
 
16

 

 
16

Solar rebate program(n)
 
5

 

 
5

 
 
14

 

 
14

PISA(o)(d)
 
41

 

 
41

 
 
1

 

 
1

RESRAM(p)
 
9

 

 
9

 
 

 

 

FEJA energy-efficiency rider(d)(q)
 

 
211

 
211

 
 

 
136

 
136

Other
 
13

 
17

 
30

 
 
24

 
18

 
42

Total regulatory assets
 
$
293

 
$
751

 
$
1,061

 
 
$
380

 
$
869

 
$
1,261

Less: current regulatory assets
 
(8
)
 
(57
)
 
(69
)
 
 
(14
)
 
(110
)
 
(134
)
Noncurrent regulatory assets
 
$
285

 
$
694

 
$
992

 
 
$
366

 
$
759

 
$
1,127

Regulatory liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Over-recovered FAC(r)
 
$
39

 
$

 
$
39

 
 
$
34

 
$

 
$
34

Over-recovered Illinois electric power costs(a)
 

 
11

 
11

 
 

 
12

 
12

Over-recovered PGA(a)
 
8

 
14

 
22

 
 
7

 
3

 
10

Over-recovered VBA rider(s)
 

 
8

 
8

 
 

 
8

 
8

MTM derivative gains(b)
 
18

 
3

 
21


 
5

 
3

 
8

IEIMA revenue requirement reconciliation adjustment(c)
 

 
18

 
18

 
 

 

 

FERC revenue requirement reconciliation adjustment(e)
 

 
37

 
38

 
 

 
17

 
19

MEEIA energy-efficiency rider(t)
 
3

 

 
3

 
 
19

 

 
19

Estimated refund for FERC complaint cases(u)
 

 
23

 
40

 
 

 
26

 
44

Income taxes(g)
 
1,428

 
813

 
2,326

 
 
1,484

 
843

 
2,413

Cost of removal(v)
 
1,041

 
827

 
1,884

 
 
1,027

 
774

 
1,811

AROs(w)
 
303

 

 
303

 
 
175

 

 
175

Pension and postretirement benefit costs tracker(x)
 
72

 

 
72

 
 
43

 

 
43

Renewable energy credits and zero emission credits(y)
 

 
155

 
155

 
 

 
102

 
102

Excess income taxes collected in 2018(z)
 
60

 

 
60

 
 
60

 

 
60

Other
 
27

 
24

 
51

 
 
13

 
15

 
28

Total regulatory liabilities
 
$
2,999

 
$
1,933

 
$
5,051

 
 
$
2,867

 
$
1,803

 
$
4,786

Less: current regulatory liabilities
 
(62
)
 
(84
)
 
(164
)
 
 
(68
)
 
(62
)
 
$
(149
)
Noncurrent regulatory liabilities
 
$
2,937

 
$
1,849

 
$
4,887

 
 
$
2,799

 
$
1,741

 
$
4,637

(a)
Under-recovered or over-recovered costs from utility customers. Amounts will be recovered from, or refunded to, customers within one year of the deferral.
(b)
Deferral of commodity-related derivative MTM losses or gains. See Note 7 – Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information.
(c)
The difference between Ameren Illinois’ electric distribution service annual revenue requirement calculated under the performance-based formula ratemaking framework and the revenue requirement included in customer rates for that year. Any under-recovery or over-recovery will be recovered from, or refunded to, customers with interest within two years.
(d)
These assets earn a return at the applicable WACC.
(e)
Ameren Illinois’ and ATXI’s annual revenue requirement reconciliation calculated pursuant to the FERC’s electric transmission formula ratemaking framework. Any under-recovery or over-recovery will be recovered from, or refunded to, customers within two years.
(f)
These costs are being amortized in proportion to the recognition of prior service costs (credits) and actuarial losses (gains) attributable to Ameren’s pension plan and postretirement benefit plans. See Note 10 – Retirement Benefits for additional information.
(g)
The regulatory assets represent amounts that will be recovered from customers for deferred income taxes related to the equity component of allowance for funds used during construction and the effects of tax rate changes. The regulatory liabilities represent amounts that will be refunded to customers for deferred income taxes related to depreciation differences, other tax liabilities, and the unamortized portion of investment tax credits recorded at rates in excess of current statutory rates. Amounts associated with the equity component of allowance for funds used during construction, and the unamortized portion of investment tax credits will be amortized over the expected life of the related assets. For net regulatory liabilities related to deferred income taxes recorded at rates other than the current statutory rate, the weighted-average remaining amortization periods at Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois are 34, 26, and 43 years.
(h)
Ameren Missouri’s Callaway Energy Center operations and maintenance expenses, property taxes, and carrying costs incurred between the plant in-service date and the date the plant was reflected in rates. These costs are being amortized over the original remaining life of the energy center.
(i)
Losses related to reacquired debt. These amounts are being amortized over the lives of the related new debt issuances or the original lives of the old debt issuances if no new debt was issued.
(j)
The recoverable portion of accrued environmental site liabilities that will be collected from electric and natural gas customers through ICC-approved cost recovery riders. The period of recovery will depend on the timing of remediation expenditures. See Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies for additional information.
(k)
Storm costs from 2016 and 2018 deferred in accordance with the IEIMA. These costs are being amortized over five-year periods beginning in the year the storm occurred.
(l)
The period of recovery will depend on the timing of actual expenditures.
(m)
The MoPSC’s May 2010 electric rate order allowed Ameren Missouri to record an allowance for funds used during construction for pollution control equipment at its Sioux Energy Center until the cost of that equipment was included in customer rates beginning in 2011. These costs are being amortized over the expected life of the Sioux Energy Center, currently through 2033.
(n)
Costs associated with Ameren Missouri’s solar rebate program. The amortization period for these assets will be determined in a future electric service regulatory rate review.
(o)
Under the PISA, Ameren Missouri is permitted to defer and recover 85% of the depreciation expense on certain property, plant, and equipment placed in service after September 1, 2018, and not included in base rates. Accumulated PISA deferrals are added to rate base prospectively and amortized over a period of 20 years following a regulatory rate review.
(p)
Costs associated with Ameren Missouri’s compliance with the state of Missouri’s renewable energy standard. Costs incurred over a twelve-month period beginning each August are amortized over a twelve-month period beginning February the following year.
(q)
The electric energy-efficiency investments are being amortized over their weighted-average useful lives beginning in the period in which they were made, with current remaining amortization periods ranging from 7 to 12 years.
(r)
Under-recovered or over-recovered fuel costs to be recovered or refunded through the FAC. Specific accumulation periods aggregate the under-recovered or over-recovered costs over four months, any related adjustments that occur over the following four months, and the recovery from, or refund to, customers that occurs over the next eight months.
(s)
Under-recovered or over-recovered natural gas revenue caused by sales volume deviations from weather normalized sales approved by the ICC in rate regulatory reviews. Each year’s amount will be recovered from or refunded to customers from April through December of the following year.
(t)
The MEEIA rider allows Ameren Missouri to collect from, or refund to, customers any annual difference in the actual amounts incurred and the amounts collected from customers for the MEEIA program costs, lost electric margins, and the performance incentive. Under the MEEIA rider, collections from or refunds to customers occur one year after the program costs, and lost electric margins are incurred or any performance incentive are earned.
(u)
The 2019 balances represent the estimated refunds to transmission customers related to the November 2019 FERC order in the November 2013 FERC complaint case. The 2018 balances represent the estimated refunds to transmission customers related to the February 2015 FERC complaint case, which was dismissed in the November 2019 order. See further discussion of the FERC ROE complaint cases above.
(v)
Estimated funds collected from customers to pay for the future removal cost of property, plant, and equipment retired from service, net of salvage.
(w)
Recoverable or refundable removal costs for AROs, including net realized and unrealized gains and losses related to the nuclear decommissioning trust fund investments. See Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Asset Retirement Obligations.
(x)
A regulatory recovery mechanism for the difference between the level of pension and postretirement benefit costs incurred by Ameren Missouri and the level of such costs included in customer rates. The period of refund varies based on MoPSC approval in a regulatory rate review. For costs incurred prior to December 2016, the weighted-average remaining amortization period is three years. For costs incurred after December 2016, the amortization period will be determined in the current electric service regulatory rate review.
(y)
Funds collected for the purchase of renewable energy credits and zero emission credits through IPA procurements. The balance will be amortized as the credits are purchased.
(z)
The excess amount collected in rates related to the TCJA from January 1, 2018, through July 31, 2018. The regulatory liability will be reflected in customer rates over a period of time to be determined by the MoPSC in the current electric service regulatory rate review.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Property And Plant, Net
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
PROPERTY AND PLANT, NET PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT, NET
The following table presents property, plant, and equipment, net, at December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
 
Ameren
Missouri(a)
 
Ameren
Illinois
 
Other
 
Ameren(a)
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant, and equipment at original cost:(b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric generation
 
$
11,880

 
$

 
$

 
$
11,880

Electric distribution
 
6,371

 
6,299

 

 
12,670

Electric transmission
 
1,405

 
3,101

 
1,642

 
6,148

Natural gas
 
528

 
3,024

 

 
3,552

Other(c)
 
1,173

 
993

 
236

 
2,402

 
 
21,357

 
13,417

 
1,878

 
36,652

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
9,195

 
3,536

 
275

 
13,006

 
 
12,162

 
9,881

 
1,603

 
23,646

Construction work in progress:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nuclear fuel in process
 
135

 

 

 
135

Other
 
338

 
202

 
55

 
595

Property, plant, and equipment, net
 
$
12,635

 
$
10,083

 
$
1,658

 
$
24,376

2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant, and equipment at original cost:(b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric generation
 
$
11,432

 
$

 
$

 
$
11,432

Electric distribution
 
5,989

 
5,970

 

 
11,959

Electric transmission
 
1,277

 
2,647

 
1,385

 
5,309

Natural gas
 
500

 
2,701

 

 
3,201

Other(c)
 
1,008

 
863

 
230

 
2,101

 
 
20,206

 
12,181

 
1,615

 
34,002

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
8,726

 
3,294

 
253

 
12,273

 
 
11,480

 
8,887

 
1,362

 
21,729

Construction work in progress:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nuclear fuel in process
 
217

 

 

 
217

Other
 
406

 
311

 
147

 
864

Property, plant, and equipment, net
 
$
12,103

 
$
9,198

 
$
1,509

 
$
22,810


(a)
Amounts include two CTs that have related financing obligations. The gross cumulative asset value of those agreements was $236 million and $235 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The total accumulated depreciation associated with the two CTs was $95 million and $89 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. See Note 5 – Long-term Debt and Equity Financings for additional information on these agreements.
(b)
The estimated lives for each asset group are as follows: 5 to 72 years for electric generation, excluding Ameren Missouri’s hydro generating assets which have useful lives of up to 150 years, 20 to 80 years for electric distribution, 50 to 75 years for electric transmission, 20 to 80 years for natural gas, and 5 to 55 years for other.
(c)
Other property, plant, and equipment includes assets used to support electric and natural gas services.
Capitalized software costs are classified within “Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net” on the balance sheet and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected period of benefit, ranging from 5 to 10 years. The following table presents the amortization, gross carrying value, and related accumulated amortization of capitalized software by year:
 
 
Amortization Expense
 
Gross Carrying Value
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
 
2019
2018
2017
 
2019
2018
 
2019
2018
Ameren
 
$
78

$
71

$
58

 
$
901

$
734

 
$
(584
)
$
(514
)
Ameren Missouri
 
30

24

20

 
303

223

 
(153
)
(125
)
Ameren Illinois
 
45

44

36

 
377

297

 
(221
)
(183
)

Annual amortization expense for capitalized costs for software placed in service as of December 31, 2019, is estimated to be as follows:
 
 
2020
 
2021
 
2022
 
2023
 
2024
Ameren
 
$
80

 
$
74

 
$
63

 
$
50

 
$
24

Ameren Missouri
 
36

 
34

 
29

 
24

 
12

Ameren Illinois
 
41

 
36

 
32

 
24

 
12


v3.19.3.a.u2
Short-Term Debt And Liquidity
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]  
SHORT-TERM DEBT AND LIQUIDITY SHORT-TERM DEBT AND LIQUIDITY
The liquidity needs of the Ameren Companies are typically supported through the use of available cash, drawings under committed credit agreements, commercial paper issuances, or, in the case of Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois, short-term affiliate borrowings.
Credit Agreements
In December 2019, the Credit Agreements were amended and restated. The amended and restated agreements, among other things, extended the maturity dates of the Credit Agreements and provide $2.3 billion of credit through the extended maturity date. The total facility size of the Missouri Credit Agreement was increased from $1.0 billion to $1.2 billion. The total facility size of the Illinois Credit Agreement remained unchanged at $1.1 billion. The Credit Agreements, which were previously scheduled to mature in December 2022, are now scheduled to mature in December 2024. The maturity date may be extended for two additional one-year periods upon mutual consent of the borrowers and lenders. Credit available under the agreements is provided by 22 international, national, and regional lenders, with no single lender providing more than $130 million of credit in aggregate.
The obligations of each borrower under the respective Credit Agreements to which it is a party are several and not joint. Except under limited circumstances relating to expenses and indemnities, the obligations of Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois under the respective Credit Agreements are not guaranteed by Ameren (parent) or any other subsidiary of Ameren. The following table presents the maximum aggregate amount available to each borrower under each facility:
 
 
Missouri
Credit Agreement
Illinois
Credit Agreement
Ameren (parent)
 
$
900

$
500

Ameren Missouri
 
850

(a)

Ameren Illinois
 
(a)

800

(a)
Not applicable.
The borrowers have the option to seek additional commitments from existing or new lenders to increase the total facility size of the Credit Agreements to a maximum of $1.4 billion for the Missouri Credit Agreement and $1.3 billion for the Illinois Credit Agreement. Ameren (parent) borrowings are due and payable no later than the maturity date of the Credit Agreements. Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois borrowings under the applicable Credit Agreement are due and payable no later than the earlier of the maturity date or 364 days after the date of the borrowing.
The obligations of the borrowers under the Credit Agreements are unsecured. Loans are available on a revolving basis under each of the Credit Agreements. Funds borrowed may be repaid and, subject to satisfaction of the conditions to borrowing, reborrowed from time to time. At the election of each borrower, the interest rates on such loans will be the alternate base rate plus the margin applicable to the particular borrower and/or the eurodollar rate plus the margin applicable to the particular borrower. The applicable margins will be determined by the borrower’s long-term unsecured credit ratings or, if no such ratings are in effect, the borrower’s corporate/issuer ratings then in effect. The borrowers have received commitments from the lenders to issue letters of credit up to $100 million under each of the Credit Agreements. In addition, the issuance of letters of credit is subject to the $2.3 billion overall combined facility borrowing limitations of the Credit Agreements.
The borrowers will use the proceeds from any borrowings under the Credit Agreements for general corporate purposes, including working capital, commercial paper liquidity support, issuance of letters of credit, loan funding under the Ameren money pool arrangements, and other short-term affiliate loan arrangements. The Missouri Credit Agreement and the Illinois Credit Agreement are available to support issuances under Ameren (parent)’s, Ameren Missouri’s and Ameren Illinois’ commercial paper programs, respectively, subject to borrowing sublimits. As of December 31, 2019, based on commercial paper outstanding and letters of credit issued under the Credit Agreements, along with cash and cash equivalents, the net liquidity available to Ameren (parent), Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois, collectively, was $1.9 billion.
Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois did not borrow under the Credit Agreements for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Commercial Paper
The following table summarizes the borrowing activity and relevant interest rates under Ameren (parent)’s, Ameren Missouri’s, and Ameren Illinois’ commercial paper programs for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
 
Ameren (parent)
 
Ameren Missouri
 
Ameren Illinois
 
Ameren Consolidated
 
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average daily commercial paper outstanding
 
$
421

 
$
122

 
$
157

 
$
700

 
Outstanding borrowings at period-end
 
153

 
234

 
53

 
440

 
Weighted-average interest rate
 
2.66
%
 
2.62
%
 
2.43
%
 
2.60
%
 
Peak outstanding commercial paper during period(a)
 
$
651

 
$
549

 
$
356

 
$
1,113

 
Peak interest rate
 
3.80
%
(b) 
2.97
%
 
5.00
%
(b) 
5.00
%
(b) 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average daily commercial paper outstanding
 
$
410

 
$
61

 
$
108

 
$
579

 
Outstanding borrowings at period-end
 
470

 
55

 
72

 
597

 
Weighted-average interest rate
 
2.31
%
 
1.94
%
 
2.26
%
 
2.26
%
 
Peak outstanding commercial paper during period(a)
 
$
543

 
$
481

 
$
442

 
$
1,295

 
Peak interest rate
 
3.10
%
 
2.80
%
 
2.85
%
 
3.10
%
 

(a)
The timing of peak outstanding commercial paper issuances varies by company. Therefore, the sum of the peak amounts presented by the companies may not equal the Ameren consolidated peak amount for the period.
(b)
In 2019, the peak interest rate was affected by temporary disruptions in the commercial paper market.
Indebtedness Provisions and Other Covenants
The information below is a summary of the Ameren Companies’ compliance with indebtedness provisions and other covenants.
The Credit Agreements contain conditions for borrowings and issuances of letters of credit. These conditions include the absence of default or unmatured default, material accuracy of representations and warranties (excluding any representation after the closing date as to the absence of material adverse change and material litigation, and the absence of any notice of violation, liability, or requirement under any environmental laws that could have a material adverse effect), and obtaining required regulatory authorizations. In addition, it is a condition for any Ameren Illinois borrowing that, at the time of and after giving effect to such borrowing, Ameren Illinois not be in violation of any limitation on its ability to incur unsecured indebtedness contained in its articles of incorporation.
The Credit Agreements also contain nonfinancial covenants, including restrictions on the ability to incur certain liens, to transact with affiliates, to dispose of assets, to make investments in or transfer assets to its affiliates, and to merge with other entities. The Credit Agreements require each of Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois to maintain consolidated indebtedness of not more than 65% of its consolidated total capitalization pursuant to a defined calculation set forth in the agreements. As of December 31, 2019, the ratios of consolidated indebtedness to total consolidated capitalization, calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Credit Agreements, were 54%, 49%, and 47%, for Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois, respectively.
The Credit Agreements contain default provisions that apply separately to each borrower. However, a default of Ameren Missouri or Ameren Illinois under the applicable credit agreement is also deemed to constitute a default of Ameren (parent) under such agreement. Defaults include a cross-default resulting from a default of such borrower under any other agreement covering outstanding indebtedness of such borrower and certain subsidiaries (other than project finance subsidiaries and nonmaterial subsidiaries) in excess of $100 million in the aggregate (including under the other credit agreement). However, under the default provisions of the Credit Agreements, any default of Ameren (parent) under either credit agreement that results solely from a default of Ameren Missouri or Ameren Illinois does not result in a cross-default of Ameren (parent) under the other credit agreement. Further, the Credit Agreements default provisions provide that an Ameren (parent) default under either of the Credit Agreements does not constitute a default by Ameren Missouri or Ameren Illinois.
None of the Credit Agreements or financing agreements contain credit rating triggers that would cause a default or acceleration of repayment of outstanding balances. The Ameren Companies were in compliance with the provisions and covenants of the Credit Agreements at December 31, 2019.
Money Pools
Ameren has money pool agreements with and among its subsidiaries to coordinate and provide for certain short-term cash and working capital requirements.
Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois, and ATXI may participate in the utility money pool as both lenders and borrowers. Ameren (parent) and Ameren Services may participate in the utility money pool only as lenders. Surplus internal funds are contributed to the money pool from participants. The primary sources of external funds for the utility money pool are the Credit Agreements and the commercial paper programs. The total amount available to the pool participants from the utility money pool at any given time is reduced by the amount of borrowings made by participants, but it is increased to the extent that the pool participants advance surplus funds to the utility money pool or remit funds from other external sources. The availability of funds is also determined by funding requirement limits established by regulatory authorizations.
Participants receiving a loan under the utility money pool agreement must repay the principal amount of such loan, together with accrued interest. The rate of interest depends on the composition of internal and external funds in the utility money pool. The average interest rate for borrowing under the utility money pool for the year ended December 31, 2019, was 2.48% (2018 – 2.10%).
See Note 13 – Related-party Transactions for the amount of interest income and expense from the utility money pool agreement recorded by Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Abstract]  
LONG-TERM DEBT AND EQUITY FINANCINGS LONG-TERM DEBT AND EQUITY FINANCINGS
The following table presents long-term debt outstanding, including maturities due within one year, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
2019
 
2018
Ameren (Parent):
 
 
 
2.70% Senior unsecured notes due 2020
$
350

 
$
350

2.50% Senior unsecured notes due 2024
450

 

3.65% Senior unsecured notes due 2026
350

 
350

Total long-term debt, gross
1,150

 
700

Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs
(6
)
 
(3
)
Less: Maturities due within one year
(350
)
 

Long-term debt, net
$
794

 
$
697

Ameren Missouri:
 
 
 
Bonds and notes:
 
 
 
6.70% Senior secured notes due 2019
$

 
$
329

5.10% Senior secured notes due 2019

 
244

5.00% Senior secured notes due 2020(a)
85

 
85

1.60% 1992 Series bonds due 2022(b)(c)
47

 
47

3.50% Senior secured notes due 2024(a)
350

 
350

2.95% Senior secured notes due 2027(a)
400

 
400

5.45% First mortgage bonds due 2028

 
(d)

3.50% First mortgage bonds due 2029(f)
450

 

2.90% 1998 Series A bonds due 2033(b)(c)
60

 
60

2.90% 1998 Series B bonds due 2033(b)(c)
50

 
50

2.75% 1998 Series C bonds due 2033(b)(c)
50

 
50

5.50% Senior secured notes due 2034(a)
184

 
184

5.30% Senior secured notes due 2037(a)
300

 
300

8.45% Senior secured notes due 2039(a)(e)
350

 
350

3.90% Senior secured notes due 2042(a)(e)
485

 
485

3.65% Senior secured notes due 2045(a)
400

 
400

4.00% First mortgage bonds due 2048(f)
425

 
425

3.25% First mortgage bonds due 2049(f)
330

 

Finance obligations:
 
 
 
City of Bowling Green agreement (Peno Creek CT) due 2022(g)
23

 
30

Audrain County agreement (Audrain County CT) due 2023(g)
240

 
240

Total long-term debt, gross
4,229

 
4,029

Less: Unamortized discount and premium
(9
)
 
(9
)
Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs
(30
)
 
(22
)
Less: Maturities due within one year
(92
)
 
(580
)
Long-term debt, net
$
4,098

 
$
3,418

 
2019
 
2018
Ameren Illinois:
 
 
 
Bonds and notes:
 
 
 
2.70% Senior secured notes due 2022(h)(i)
$
400

 
$
400

5.90% First mortgage bonds due 2023

 
(d)

5.70% First mortgage bonds due 2024

 
(d)

3.25% Senior secured notes due 2025(h)
300

 
300

6.125% Senior secured notes due 2028(h)
60

 
60

1993 Series B-1 Senior unsecured notes due 2028(c)

 
17

3.80% First mortgage bonds due 2028(j)
430

 
430

6.70% Senior secured notes due 2036(h)
61

 
61

6.70% Senior secured notes due 2036(h)
42

 
42

4.80% Senior secured notes due 2043(h)
280

 
280

4.30% Senior secured notes due 2044(h)
250

 
250

4.15% Senior secured notes due 2046(h)
490

 
490

3.70% First mortgage bonds due 2047(j)
500

 
500

4.50% First mortgage bonds due 2049(j)
500

 
500

3.25% First mortgage bonds due 2050(j)
300

 

Total long-term debt, gross
3,613

 
3,330

Less: Unamortized discount and premium
(4
)
 
(3
)
Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs
(34
)
 
(31
)
Long-term debt, net
$
3,575

 
$
3,296

ATXI:
 
 
 
3.43% Senior notes due 2050(k)
$
450

 
$
450

Total long-term debt, gross
450

 
450

Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs
(2
)
 
(2
)
Long-term debt, net
$
448

 
$
448

Ameren consolidated long-term debt, net
$
8,915

 
$
7,859


(a)
These notes are collaterally secured by first mortgage bonds issued by Ameren Missouri under the Ameren Missouri mortgage indenture. The notes have a fall-away lien provision and will remain secured only as long as any first mortgage bonds issued under the Ameren Missouri mortgage indenture remain outstanding. Redemption, purchase, or maturity of all first mortgage bonds, including first mortgage bonds currently outstanding and any that may be issued in the future, would result in a release of the first mortgage bonds currently securing these notes, at which time these notes would become unsecured obligations. Considering the 2049 maturity of the 3.25% first mortgage bonds and the restrictions preventing a release date to occur that are attached to certain senior secured notes described in footnote (e) below, Ameren Missouri does not expect the first mortgage lien protection associated with these notes to fall away.
(b)
These bonds are collaterally secured by first mortgage bonds issued by Ameren Missouri under the Ameren Missouri mortgage indenture and have a fall-away lien provision similar to that of Ameren Missouri’s senior secured notes.
(c)
Prior to the change in the method of determining the interest rates applicable to the Ameren Missouri bonds and the extinguishment of Ameren Illinois’ senior unsecured notes, the interest rates and the periods during which such rates apply varied depending on our selection of defined rate modes. The average interest rates for the respective applicable period in 2019 and the year ended December 31, 2018 were as follows:
 
2019
 
2018
Ameren Missouri 1992 Series due 2022
2.58%
 
2.37%
Ameren Missouri 1998 Series A due 2033
3.43%
 
2.76%
Ameren Missouri 1998 Series B due 2033
3.57%
 
2.79%
Ameren Missouri 1998 Series C due 2033
3.43%
 
2.83%
Ameren Illinois 1993 Series B-1 due 2028
1.68%
 
1.58%

(d)
Amount less than $1 million.
(e)
Ameren Missouri has agreed that so long as any of the 3.90% senior secured notes due 2042 are outstanding, Ameren Missouri will not permit a release date to occur, and so long as any of the 8.45% senior secured notes due 2039 are outstanding, Ameren Missouri will not optionally redeem, purchase, or otherwise retire in full the outstanding first mortgage bonds not subject to release provisions.
(f)
These bonds are first mortgage bonds issued by Ameren Missouri under the Ameren Missouri bond indenture. They are secured by substantially all Ameren Missouri property and franchises.
(g)
Payments due related to these financing obligations are paid to a trustee, which is authorized to utilize the cash only to pay equal amounts due to Ameren Missouri under related bonds issued by the city/county and held by Ameren Missouri. The timing and amounts of payments due from Ameren Missouri under the agreements are equal to the timing and amount of bond service payments due to Ameren Missouri, resulting in no net cash flow. The balance of both the financing obligations and the related investments in debt securities, recorded in “Other Assets,” was $263 million and $270 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.
(h)
These notes are collaterally secured by first mortgage bonds issued by Ameren Illinois under its mortgage indenture. They are secured by substantially all Ameren Illinois property and franchises. The notes have a fall-away lien provision and will remain secured only as long as any series of first mortgage bonds issued under its mortgage indenture remain outstanding. Redemption, purchase, or maturity of all first mortgage bonds, including first mortgage bonds currently outstanding and any that may be issued in the future, would result in a release of the first mortgage bonds currently securing these notes, at which time these notes would become unsecured obligations. Considering the 2050 maturity date of the 3.25% first mortgage bonds, Ameren Illinois does not expect the first mortgage lien protection associated with these notes to fall away.
(i)
Ameren Illinois has agreed that so long as any of the 2.70% senior secured notes due 2022 are outstanding, Ameren Illinois will not permit a release date to occur.
(j)
These bonds are first mortgage bonds issued by Ameren Illinois under its mortgage indenture. They are secured by substantially all Ameren Illinois property and franchises.
(k)
The following table presents the principal maturities schedule for the 3.43% senior notes due 2050:
Payment Date
 
Principal Payment
August 2022
$
49.5
August 2024
 
49.5
August 2027
 
49.5
August 2030
 
49.5
August 2032
 
49.5
August 2038
 
49.5
August 2043
 
76.5
August 2050
 
76.5
Total
$
450.0
The following table presents the aggregate maturities of long-term debt, including current maturities, at December 31, 2019:
 
Ameren
(parent)(a)
 
 Ameren
Missouri(a)
 
 Ameren
Illinois(a)
 
 ATXI(a)
 
Ameren
Consolidated(a)
2020
$
350

 
$
92

 
$

 
$

 
$
442

2021

 
8

 

 

 
8

2022

 
55

 
400

 
50

 
505

2023

 
240

 

 

 
240

2024
450

 
350

 

 
50

 
850

Thereafter
350

 
3,484

 
3,213

 
350

 
7,397

Total
$
1,150

 
$
4,229

 
$
3,613

 
$
450

 
$
9,442

(a)
Excludes unamortized discount, unamortized premium, and debt issuance costs of $6 million, $39 million, $38 million and $2 million at Ameren (parent), Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois and ATXI, respectively.
All classes of Ameren Missouri’s and Ameren Illinois’ preferred stock are entitled to cumulative dividends, have voting rights, and are not subject to mandatory redemption. The preferred stock of Ameren’s subsidiaries is included in “Noncontrolling Interests” on Ameren’s consolidated balance sheet. The following table presents the outstanding preferred stock of Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois, which is redeemable at the option of the issuer, at the prices shown below as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
Shares Outstanding
 
Redemption Price (per share)
 
2019
 
2018
Ameren Missouri:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Without par value and stated value of $100 per share, 25 million shares authorized
 
 
 
 
 
 
$3.50 Series
130,000 shares
 
$
110.00

 
$
13

 
$
13

$3.70 Series
40,000 shares
 
104.75

 
4

 
4

$4.00 Series
150,000 shares
 
105.625

 
15

 
15

$4.30 Series
40,000 shares
 
105.00

 
4

 
4

$4.50 Series
213,595 shares
 
110.00

(a) 
21

 
21

$4.56 Series
200,000 shares
 
102.47

 
20

 
20

$4.75 Series
20,000 shares
 
102.176

 
2

 
2

$5.50 Series A
14,000 shares
 
110.00

 
1

 
1

Total
 
 
 
$
80

 
$
80

Ameren Illinois:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
With par value of $100 per share, 2 million shares authorized
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.00% Series
144,275 shares
 
$
101.00

 
$
14

 
$
14

4.08% Series
45,224 shares
 
103.00

 
5

 
5

4.20% Series
23,655 shares
 
104.00

 
2

 
2

4.25% Series
50,000 shares
 
102.00

 
5

 
5

4.26% Series
16,621 shares
 
103.00

 
2

 
2

4.42% Series
16,190 shares
 
103.00

 
2

 
2

4.70% Series
18,429 shares
 
103.00

 
2

 
2

4.90% Series
73,825 shares
 
102.00

 
7

 
7

4.92% Series
49,289 shares
 
103.50

 
5

 
5

5.16% Series
50,000 shares
 
102.00

 
5

 
5

6.625% Series
124,274 shares
 
100.00

 
12

 
12

7.75% Series
4,542 shares
 
100.00

 
1

 
1

Total
 
 
 
$
62

 
$
62

Total Ameren
 
 
 
$
142

 
$
142

(a)
In the event of voluntary liquidation, $105.50.
Ameren has 100 million shares of $0.01 par value preferred stock authorized, with no such shares outstanding. Ameren Missouri has 7.5 million shares of $1 par value preference stock authorized, with no such shares outstanding. Ameren Illinois has 2.6 million shares of no par value preferred stock authorized, with no such shares outstanding.
Ameren
Under the DRPlus and its 401(k) plan, Ameren issued 0.9 million and 1.2 million shares of common stock in 2019 and 2018, respectively, and received proceeds of $68 million and $74 million for the respective years. In addition, Ameren issued 0.8 million and 0.7 million shares of common stock valued at $54 million and $35 million in 2019 and 2018, respectively, for no cash consideration in connection with stock-based compensation. Ameren did not issue any common stock in 2017.
In October 2018, Ameren filed a Form S-8 registration statement with the SEC, authorizing the offering of 4 million additional shares of its common stock under its 401(k) plan. Shares of common stock issuable under the 401(k) plan are, at Ameren’s option, newly issued shares, treasury shares, or shares purchased in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions.
In May 2017, Ameren filed a Form S-3 registration statement with the SEC, authorizing the offering of 6 million additional shares of its common stock under the DRPlus, which expires in May 2020. Shares of common stock sold under the DRPlus are, at Ameren’s option, newly issued shares, treasury shares, or shares purchased in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions..
In December 2017, Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois filed a Form S-3 shelf registration statement with the SEC, registering the issuance of an indeterminate amount of certain types of securities. The registration statement became effective immediately upon filing and expires in December 2020.
In August 2019, Ameren entered into a forward sale agreement with a counterparty relating to 7.5 million shares of common stock. The forward sale agreement can be settled at Ameren’s discretion on or prior to March 31, 2021. On a settlement date or dates, if Ameren elects to physically settle the forward sale agreement, Ameren will issue shares of common stock to the counterparty at the then-applicable forward sale price. The forward sale price was initially $74.18 per share. The initial forward price is subject to adjustment based on a floating interest rate factor equal to the overnight bank funding rate less a spread of 75 basis points, and will be subject to decrease on certain dates specified in the forward sale agreement by specified amounts related to expected dividends on shares of the common stock during the term of the forward sale agreement. If the overnight bank funding rate is less than the spread on any day, the interest rate factor will result in a reduction of the forward sale price.
The forward sale agreement will be physically settled unless Ameren elects to settle in cash or to net share settle. At December 31, 2019, Ameren could have settled the forward sale agreement with physical delivery of 7.5 million shares of common stock to the counterparty in exchange for cash of $555 million. The forward sale could have also been settled at December 31, 2019, with delivery of approximately $25 million of cash or approximately 0.3 million shares of common stock to the counterparty, if Ameren had elected to net cash or net share, respectively.
The forward sale agreement has been classified as an equity transaction because it is indexed to Ameren’s common stock, physical settlement is within Ameren’s control, and the other requirements necessary for equity classification were met. As a result of the equity classification, no gain or loss will be recognized within earnings due to subsequent changes in the fair value of the forward sale agreement. If the average price of Ameren’s common stock exceeds the adjusted forward sale price during a quarterly period, the forward sale agreement could have a dilutive effect on earnings per share.
In September 2019, Ameren issued $450 million of 2.50% senior unsecured notes due September 2024, with interest payable semiannually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning March 15, 2020. Ameren received net proceeds of $447 million, which were used to repay outstanding short-term debt.
Ameren Missouri
In February 2020, $85 million principal amount of Ameren Missouri’s 5.00% senior secured notes matured and were repaid with commercial paper borrowings.
In March 2019, Ameren Missouri issued $450 million of 3.50% first mortgage bonds due March 2029, with interest payable semiannually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning September 15, 2019. Ameren Missouri received net proceeds of $447 million, which were used to repay outstanding short-term debt, including short-term debt that Ameren Missouri incurred in connection with the repayment of $329 million of its 6.70% senior secured notes that matured February 1, 2019.
In June and July 2019, all of the 1992 Series bonds, 1998 Series A bonds, 1998 Series B bonds, and 1998 Series C bonds issued by the Missouri Environmental Authority on behalf of Ameren Missouri were subject to purchase in lieu of redemption or a mandatory tender as a result of a change in the method of determining the interest rates on the bonds. The interest rate method of each of the series of bonds, as well as Ameren Missouri’s first mortgage bonds that collaterally secure each of the series of bonds, was changed from a variable rate to a fixed rate. Upon the change in the method of determining the interest rate, the bonds, totaling $207 million, were remarketed to new investors. The following table provides additional information on the bonds:
 
1992 Series
1998 Series A
1998 Series B
1998 Series C
Transaction month
June 2019
July 2019
July 2019
June 2019
Principal amount
$47
$60
$50
$50
Fixed interest rate
1.60%
2.90%
2.90%
2.75%
Variable interest rate(a)
2.58%
3.43%
3.57%
3.43%
Maturity
December 2022
September 2033
September 2033
September 2033
Interest payment dates
June 1 and December 1
March 1 and September 1
March 1 and September 1
March 1 and September 1
Initial interest payment date
December 2019
September 2019
September 2019
September 2019
(a)
Represents the variable interest rate of the bonds effective prior to the change in method of determining the interest rate.
In October 2019, Ameren Missouri issued $330 million of 3.25% first mortgage bonds due October 2049, with interest payable semiannually on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning April 1, 2020. Ameren Missouri received net proceeds of $326 million, which were used to repay $244 million of its 5.10% senior unsecured notes due October 1, 2019, with the remaining proceeds used to repay a portion of its short-term debt.
In October 2019, Ameren Missouri redeemed the remaining amount outstanding of its 5.45% first mortgage bonds due 2028 for less than $1 million.
In April 2018, Ameren Missouri issued $425 million of 4.00% first mortgage bonds due April 2048, with interest payable semiannually on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning October 1, 2018. Ameren Missouri received net proceeds of $419 million, which were used to repay outstanding short-term debt, including short-term debt that Ameren Missouri incurred in connection with the repayment of $179 million of its 6.00% senior secured notes that matured April 1, 2018.
In August 2018, $199 million principal amount of Ameren Missouri’s 5.10% senior secured notes matured and were repaid with cash on hand.
For information on Ameren Missouri’s capital contributions, refer to Capital Contributions in Note 13 – Related-party Transactions.
Ameren Illinois
In 2006, Ameren Illinois purchased all $17 million of the 1993 Series B-1 bonds due 2028 issued by the Illinois Finance Authority on behalf of Ameren Illinois pursuant to a mandatory tender. Ameren Illinois’ 1993 Series B-1 senior unsecured notes due 2028 were not extinguished and remained as “Long-term debt, net” on Ameren’s and Ameren Illinois’ balance sheets. In September 2019, Ameren Illinois exchanged its bond investments for the extinguishment of its senior unsecured notes.
In September 2019, Ameren Illinois redeemed the remaining amount outstanding of its 5.70% first mortgage bonds due 2024 for less than $1 million. Additionally, in October 2019, Ameren Illinois redeemed the remaining amount outstanding of its 5.90% first mortgage bonds due 2023 for less than $1 million. Following the redemption of the 5.90% first mortgage bonds, Ameren Illinois collaterally secured its 6.70% senior secured notes due 2036 with first mortgage bonds issued under its mortgage indenture.
In November 2019, Ameren Illinois issued $300 million of 3.25% first mortgage bonds due March 2050, with interest payable semiannually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning March 15, 2020. Ameren Illinois received net proceeds of $296 million, which were used to repay outstanding short-term debt.
In May 2018, Ameren Illinois issued $430 million of 3.80% first mortgage bonds due May 2028, with interest payable semiannually on May 15 and November 15 of each year, beginning November 15, 2018. Ameren Illinois received net proceeds of $427 million, which were used to repay outstanding short-term debt, including short-term debt that Ameren Illinois incurred in connection with the repayment of $144 million of its 6.25% senior secured notes that matured April 1, 2018.
In November 2018, Ameren Illinois issued $500 million of 4.50% first mortgage bonds due March 2049, with interest payable semiannually on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning March 15, 2019. Ameren Illinois received net proceeds of $495 million, which were used to repay outstanding short-term debt, including short-term debt that Ameren Illinois incurred in connection with the repayment of $313 million of its 9.75% senior secured notes that matured November 15, 2018.
For information on Ameren Illinois’ capital contributions, refer to Capital Contributions in Note 13 – Related-party Transactions.
Indenture Provisions and Other Covenants
Ameren Missouri’s and Ameren Illinois’ indentures and articles of incorporation include covenants and provisions related to issuances of first mortgage bonds and preferred stock. Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois are required to meet certain ratios to issue additional first mortgage bonds and preferred stock. A failure to achieve these ratios would not result in a default under these covenants and provisions but would restrict the companies’ ability to issue bonds or preferred stock. The following table summarizes the required and actual interest coverage ratios for interest charges, dividend coverage ratios, and bonds and preferred stock issuable as of December 31, 2019, at an assumed interest rate of 5% and dividend rate of 6%.
 
Required Interest
Coverage Ratio(a)
Actual Interest
Coverage Ratio
Bonds Issuable(b)
 
Required Dividend
Coverage Ratio(c)
Actual Dividend
Coverage Ratio
Preferred Stock
Issuable
 
Ameren Missouri
>2.0
4.0

$
5,251

 
>2.5
125.7

$
2,808

 
Ameren Illinois
>2.0
6.8

6,668

 
>1.5
3.2

203

(d) 
(a)
Coverage required on the annual interest charges on first mortgage bonds outstanding and to be issued. Coverage is not required in certain cases when additional first mortgage bonds are issued on the basis of retired bonds.
(b)
Amount of bonds issuable based either on required coverage ratios or unfunded property additions, whichever is more restrictive. The amounts shown also include bonds issuable based on retired bond capacity of $2,358 million and $643 million at Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois, respectively.
(c)
Coverage required on the annual dividend on preferred stock outstanding and to be issued, as required in the respective company’s articles of incorporation.
(d)
Preferred stock issuable is restricted by the amount of preferred stock that is currently authorized by Ameren Illinois’ articles of incorporation.
Ameren’s indenture does not require Ameren to comply with any quantitative financial covenants. The indenture does, however, include certain cross-default provisions. Specifically, either (1) the failure by Ameren to pay when due and upon expiration of any applicable grace period any portion of any Ameren indebtedness in excess of $25 million, or (2) the acceleration upon default of the maturity of any Ameren
indebtedness in excess of $25 million under any indebtedness agreement, including borrowings under the Credit Agreements or the Ameren commercial paper program, constitutes a default under the indenture, unless such past due or accelerated debt is discharged or the acceleration is rescinded or annulled within a specified period.
Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois and certain other nonregistrant Ameren subsidiaries are subject to Section 305(a) of the Federal Power Act, which makes it unlawful for any officer or director of a public utility, as defined in the Federal Power Act, to participate in the making or paying of any dividend from any funds “properly included in capital account.” The FERC has consistently interpreted the provision to allow dividends to be paid as long as (1) the source of the dividends is clearly disclosed, (2) the dividends are not excessive, and (3) there is no self-dealing on the part of corporate officials. At a minimum, Ameren believes that dividends can be paid by its subsidiaries that are public utilities from net income and retained earnings. In addition, under Illinois law, Ameren Illinois and ATXI may not pay any dividend on their respective stock unless, among other things, their respective earnings and earned surplus are sufficient to declare and pay a dividend after provisions are made for reasonable and proper reserves, or unless Ameren Illinois or ATXI has specific authorization from the ICC.
Ameren Illinois’ articles of incorporation require dividend payments on its common stock to be based on ratios of common stock to total capitalization and other provisions related to certain operating expenses and accumulations of earned surplus. Ameren Illinois has made a commitment to the FERC to maintain a minimum 30% ratio of common stock equity to total capitalization. As of December 31, 2019, using the FERC-agreed upon calculation method, Ameren Illinois’ ratio of common stock equity to total capitalization was 51%.
ATXI’s note purchase agreement includes financial covenants that require ATXI not to permit at any time (1) debt to exceed 70% of total capitalization or (2) secured debt to exceed 10% of total assets.
At December 31, 2019, the Ameren Companies were in compliance with the provisions and covenants contained in their indentures and articles of incorporation, as applicable, and ATXI was in compliance with the provisions and covenants contained in its note purchase agreement. In order for the Ameren Companies to issue securities in the future, they will have to comply with all applicable requirements in effect at the time of any such issuances.
Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements
At December 31, 2019, none of the Ameren Companies had any significant off-balance-sheet financing arrangements, other than the forward sale agreement relating to common stock, variable interest entities, letters of credit, and Ameren (parent) guarantee arrangements on behalf of its subsidiaries. See Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for further detail concerning variable interest entities.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Other Income, Net
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]  
OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES OTHER INCOME, NET
The following table presents the components of “Other Income, Net” in the Ameren Companies’ statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Ameren:
 
 
 
 
 
Other Income, Net
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
$
28

 
$
36

 
$
24

Interest income on industrial development revenue bonds
25

 
26

 
26

Other interest income
8

 
7

 
8

Non-service cost components of net periodic benefit income
90

(a) 
70

(a) 
44

Other income
6

 
8

 
5

Charitable donations
(12
)
 
(33
)
 
(8
)
Other expense
(15
)
 
(12
)
 
(13
)
Total Other Income, Net
$
130

 
$
102

 
$
86

Ameren Missouri:
 
 
 
 
 
Other Income, Net
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
$
19

 
$
27

 
$
21

Interest income on industrial development revenue bonds
25

 
26

 
26

Other interest income
1

 
2

 
1

Non-service cost components of net periodic benefit income
18

(a) 
17

(a) 
22

Other income
5

 
4

 
3

Charitable donations
(3
)
 
(14
)
 
(2
)
Other expense
(7
)
 
(6
)
 
(6
)
Total Other Income, Net
$
58

 
$
56

 
$
65


 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Ameren Illinois:
 
 
 
 
 
Other Income, Net
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
$
9

 
$
9

 
$
3

Interest income
6

 
6

 
7

Non-service cost components of net periodic benefit income
47

 
34

 
10

Other income
3

 
3

 
2

Charitable donations
(5
)
 
(6
)
 
(5
)
Other expense
(7
)
 
(4
)
 
(5
)
Total Other Income, Net
$
53

 
$
42

 
$
12


(a)
For the years ended December 31, 2019, and 2018, the non-service cost components of net periodic benefit income were partially offset by a deferral of $29 million and $17 million, respectively, due to a regulatory tracking mechanism for the difference between the level of such costs incurred by Ameren Missouri under GAAP and the level of such costs included in rates.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Derivative Financial Instruments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative Instrument Detail [Abstract]  
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
We use derivatives to manage the risk of changes in market prices for natural gas, power and uranium, as well as the risk of changes in rail transportation surcharges through fuel oil hedges. Such price fluctuations may cause the following:
an unrealized appreciation or depreciation of our contracted commitments to purchase or sell when purchase or sale prices under the commitments are compared with current commodity prices;
market values of natural gas and uranium inventories that differ from the cost of those commodities in inventory;
actual cash outlays for the purchase of these commodities that differ from anticipated cash outlays; and
actual off-system sales revenues that differ from anticipated revenues.
The derivatives that we use to hedge these risks are governed by our risk management policies for forward contracts, futures, options, and swaps. Our net positions are continually assessed within our structured hedging programs to determine whether new or offsetting transactions are required. The goal of the hedging program is generally to mitigate financial risks while ensuring that sufficient volumes are available to meet our requirements. Contracts we enter into as part of our risk management program may be settled financially, settled by physical delivery, or net settled with the counterparty.
All contracts considered to be derivative instruments are required to be recorded on the balance sheet at their fair values, unless the NPNS exception applies. See Note 8 – Fair Value Measurements for discussion of our methods of assessing the fair value of derivative instruments. Many of our physical contracts, such as our purchased power contracts, qualify for the NPNS exception to derivative accounting rules. The revenue or expense on NPNS contracts is recognized at the contract price upon physical delivery. The following disclosures exclude NPNS contracts and other non-derivative commodity contracts that are accounted for under the accrual method of accounting.
If we determine that a contract meets the definition of a derivative and is not eligible for the NPNS exception, we review the contract to determine whether the resulting gains or losses qualify for regulatory deferral. Derivative contracts that qualify for regulatory deferral are recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded as regulatory assets or liabilities in the period in which the change occurs. We believe derivative losses and gains deferred as regulatory assets and liabilities are probable of recovery, or refund, through future rates charged to customers. Regulatory assets and liabilities are amortized to operating income as related losses and gains are reflected in rates charged to customers. Therefore, gains and losses on these derivatives have no effect on operating income. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, all contracts that met the definition of a derivative and were not eligible for the NPNS exception received regulatory deferral. Cash flows for all derivative financial instruments are classified in cash flows from operating activities.
The following table presents open gross commodity contract volumes by commodity type for derivative assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. As of December 31, 2019, these contracts extended through October 2022, March 2024, May 2032, and March 2023 for fuel oils, natural gas, power, and uranium, respectively.
 
Quantity (in millions, except as indicated)
 
2019
2018
Commodity
Ameren Missouri
Ameren Illinois
Ameren
Ameren Missouri
Ameren Illinois
Ameren
Fuel oils (in gallons)
58


58

66


66

Natural gas (in mmbtu)
20

136

156

19

154

173

Power (in megawatthours)
5

7

12

1

8

9

Uranium (pounds in thousands)
565


565

380


380


The following table presents the carrying value and balance sheet location of all derivative commodity contracts, none of which were designated as hedging instruments, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
2019
 
 
2018
Commodity
Balance Sheet Location
 
Ameren
Missouri
 
 
Ameren
Illinois
 
 
Ameren
 
 
 
Ameren
Missouri
 
 
Ameren
Illinois
 
 
Ameren
Fuel oils
Other current assets
$
4

 
$

 
$
4

 
 
$
3

 
$

 
$
3

 
Other assets
 
2

 
 

 
 
2

 
 
 
5

 
 

 
 
5

Natural gas
Other current assets
 

 
 
3

 
 
3

 
 
 

 
 
1

 
 
1

 
Other assets
 

 
 
1

 
 
1

 
 
 

 
 
2

 
 
2

Power
Other current assets
 
14

 
 

 
 
14

 
 
 
4

 
 

 
 
4

 
Other assets
 
2

 
 

 
 
2

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Total assets
$
22

 
$
4

 
$
26

 
 
$
12

 
$
3

 
$
15

Fuel oils
Other current liabilities
$
4

 
$

 
$
4

 
 
$
4

 
$

 
$
4

 
Other deferred credits and liabilities
 
3

 
 

 
 
3

 
 
 
9

 
 

 
 
9

Natural gas
Other current liabilities
 
1

 
 
12

 
 
13

 
 
 
4

 
 
8

 
 
12

 
Other deferred credits and liabilities
 
1

 
 
6

 
 
7

 
 
 
1

 
 
6

 
 
7

Power
Other current liabilities
 
2

 
 
17

 
 
19

 
 
 
4

 
 
14

 
 
18

 
Other deferred credits and liabilities
 
1

 
 
207

 
 
208

 
 
 

 
 
169

 
 
169

Uranium
Other deferred credits and liabilities
 
1

 
 

 
 
1

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Total liabilities
$
13

 
$
242

 
$
255

 
 
$
22

 
$
197

 
$
219


The Ameren Companies elect to present the fair value amounts of derivative assets and derivative liabilities subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement at the gross amounts on the balance sheet. However, if the gross amounts recognized on the balance sheet were netted with derivative instruments and cash collateral received or posted, the net amounts would not be materially different from the gross amounts at December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Credit Risk
In determining our concentrations of credit risk related to derivative instruments, we review our individual counterparties and categorize each counterparty into groupings according to the primary business in which each engages. As of December 31, 2019, if counterparty groups were to fail completely to perform on contracts, the Ameren Companies’ maximum exposure related to derivative assets would have been immaterial with or without consideration of the application of master netting arrangements or similar agreements and collateral held.
Certain of our derivative instruments contain collateral provisions tied to the Ameren Companies’ credit ratings. If our credit ratings were downgraded below investment grade, or if a counterparty with reasonable grounds for uncertainty regarding our ability to satisfy an obligation requested adequate assurance of performance, additional collateral postings might be required. The additional collateral required is the net liability position allowed under the master netting arrangements or similar agreements, assuming (1) the credit risk-related contingent features underlying these arrangements were triggered and (2) those counterparties with rights to do so requested collateral. As of December 31, 2019, the aggregate fair value of derivative instruments with credit risk-related contingent features in a gross liability position, the cash collateral posted, and the aggregate amount of additional collateral that counterparties could require were each immaterial to Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Fair Value Measurements
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. We use
various methods to determine fair value, including market, income, and cost approaches. With these approaches, we adopt certain assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about market risk or the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation. Inputs to valuation can be readily observable, market-corroborated, or unobservable. We use valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Authoritative accounting guidance established a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. All financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following three hierarchy levels:
Level 1 (quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities): Inputs based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets and liabilities are primarily exchange-traded derivatives, cash and cash equivalents, and listed equity securities.
The market approach is used to measure the fair value of equity securities held in Ameren Missouri’s nuclear decommissioning trust fund. Equity securities in this fund are representative of the S&P 500 index, excluding securities of Ameren Corporation, owners and/or operators of nuclear power plants, and the trustee and investment managers. The S&P 500 index comprises stocks of large-capitalization companies.
Level 2 (significant other observable inputs): Market-based inputs corroborated by third-party brokers or exchanges based on transacted market data. Level 2 assets and liabilities include certain assets held in Ameren Missouri’s nuclear decommissioning trust fund, including United States Treasury and agency securities, corporate bonds and other fixed-income securities, and certain over-the-counter derivative instruments, including natural gas and financial power transactions.
Fixed income securities are valued by using prices from independent industry-recognized data vendors who provide values that are either exchange-based or matrix-based. The fair value measurements of fixed-income securities classified as Level 2 are based on inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability. Examples are matrix pricing, market corroborated pricing, and inputs such as yield curves and indices.
Derivative instruments classified as Level 2 are valued by corroborated observable inputs, such as pricing services or prices from similar instruments that trade in liquid markets. Our development and corroboration process entails obtaining multiple quotes or prices from outside sources. To derive our forward view to price our derivative instruments at fair value, we average the bid/ask spreads to the midpoints. To validate forward prices obtained from outside parties, we compare the pricing to recently settled market transactions. Additionally, a review of all sources is performed to identify any anomalies or potential errors. Further, we consider the volume of transactions on certain trading platforms in our reasonableness assessment of the averaged midpoints. The value of natural gas derivative contracts is based upon exchange closing prices without significant unobservable adjustments. The value of power derivative contracts is based upon exchange closing prices or the use of multiple forward prices provided by third parties. The prices are averaged and shaped to a monthly profile when needed without significant unobservable adjustments.
Level 3 (significant other unobservable inputs): Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data. Level 3 assets and liabilities are valued by internally developed models and assumptions or methodologies that use significant unobservable inputs. Level 3 assets and liabilities include derivative instruments that trade in less liquid markets, where pricing is largely unobservable. We value Level 3 instruments by using pricing models with inputs that are often unobservable in the market, such as certain internal assumptions, quotes or prices from outside sources not supported by a liquid market, or trend rates. Our development and corroboration process entails reasonableness reviews and an evaluation of all sources to identify any anomalies or potential errors.
We perform an analysis each quarter to determine the appropriate hierarchy level of the assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurements. Financial assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety according to the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. All assets and liabilities whose fair value measurement is based on significant unobservable inputs are classified as Level 3.
We consider nonperformance risk in our valuation of derivative instruments by analyzing our own credit standing and the credit standing of our counterparties, and by considering any credit enhancements (e.g., collateral). Included in our valuation, and based on current market conditions, is a valuation adjustment for counterparty default derived from market data such as the price of credit default swaps, bond yields, and credit ratings. No material gains or losses related to valuation adjustments for counterparty default risk were recorded at Ameren, Ameren Missouri, or Ameren Illinois in 2019, 2018, or 2017. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the counterparty default risk valuation adjustment related to derivative contracts was immaterial for Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois.
The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
 
December 31, 2019
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
 
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ameren
Derivative assets – commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel oils
$

$

$
6

$
6

 
 
$
1

$

$
7

$
8

 
 
Natural gas

1

3

4

 
 

2

1

3

 
 
Power

2

14

16

 
 

1

3

4

 
 
Total derivative assets – commodity contracts
$

$
3

$
23

$
26

 
 
$
1

$
3

$
11

$
15

 
 
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large capitalization
$
569

$

$

$
569

 
 
$
427

$

$

$
427

 
 
Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency securities

107


107

 
 

148


148

 
 
Corporate bonds

93


93

 
 

72


72

 
 
Other

73


73

 
 

32


32

 
 
Total nuclear decommissioning trust fund
$
569

$
273

$

$
842

(a) 
 
$
427

$
252

$

$
679

(a) 
 
Total Ameren
$
569

$
276

$
23

$
868

 
 
$
428

$
255

$
11

$
694

 
Ameren Missouri
Derivative assets – commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel oils
$

$

$
6

$
6

 
 
$
1

$

$
7

$
8

 
 
Power

2

14

16

 
 

1

3

4

 
 
Total derivative assets – commodity contracts
$

$
2

$
20

$
22

 
 
$
1

$
1

$
10

$
12

 
 
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large capitalization
$
569

$

$

$
569

 
 
$
427

$

$

$
427

 
 
Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency securities

107


107

 
 

148


148

 
 
Corporate bonds

93


93

 
 

72


72

 
 
Other

73


73

 
 

32


32

 
 
Total nuclear decommissioning trust fund
$
569

$
273

$

$
842

(a) 
 
$
427

$
252

$

$
679

(a) 
 
Total Ameren Missouri
$
569

$
275

$
20

$
864

 
 
$
428

$
253

$
10

$
691

 
Ameren Illinois
Derivative assets – commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas
$

$
1

$
3

$
4

 
 
$

$
2

$
1

$
3

 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ameren
Derivative liabilities – commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel oils
$
1

$

$
6

$
7

 
 
$
2

$

$
11

$
13

 
 
Natural gas
3

14

3

20

 
 

15

4

19

 
 
Power

2

225

227

 
 

1

186

187

 
 
Uranium


1

1

 
 




 
 
Total Ameren
$
4

$
16

$
235

$
255

 
 
$
2

$
16

$
201

$
219

 
Ameren Missouri
Derivative liabilities – commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel oils
$
1

$

$
6

$
7

 
 
$
2

$

$
11

$
13

 
 
Natural gas

2


2

 
 

5


5

 
 
Power

2

1

3

 
 

1

3

4

 
 
Uranium


1

1

 
 




 
 
Total Ameren Missouri
$
1

$
4

$
8

$
13

 
 
$
2

$
6

$
14

$
22

 
Ameren Illinois
Derivative liabilities – commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas
$
3

$
12

$
3

$
18

 
 
$

$
10

$
4

$
14

 
 
Power


224

224

 
 


183

183

 
 
Total Ameren Illinois
$
3

$
12

$
227

$
242

 
 
$

$
10

$
187

$
197

 

(a)
Balance excludes $5 million and $5 million of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, payables, and accrued income, net for December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
See Note 10 – Retirement Benefits for tables that set forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, Ameren’s pension and postretirement plan assets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Level 3 fuel oils, natural gas and uranium derivative contract assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis were immaterial for all periods presented. The following table presents the fair value reconciliation of Level 3 power derivative contract assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
Ameren
Missouri
Ameren
Illinois
Ameren
 
 
Ameren
Missouri
Ameren
Illinois
Ameren
Beginning balance at January 1
$

$
(183
)
$
(183
)
 
 
$
7

$
(195
)
$
(188
)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in regulatory assets/liabilities
23

(56
)
(33
)
 
 
(6
)

(6
)
Purchases



 
 
5


5

Settlements
(7
)
15

8

 
 
(5
)
12

7

Transfers out of Level 3
(3
)

(3
)
 
 
(1
)

(1
)
Ending balance at December 31
$
13

$
(224
)
$
(211
)
 
 
$

$
(183
)
$
(183
)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets/liabilities held at December 31
$
12

$
(54
)
$
(42
)
 
 
$
(1
)
$
(2
)
$
(3
)

For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were no material transfers between fair value hierarchy levels.
All gains or losses related to our Level 3 derivative commodity contracts are expected to be recovered or returned through customer rates; therefore, there is no impact to net income resulting from changes in the fair value of these instruments.
The following table describes the valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs utilized for the fair value of our Level 3 power derivative contract assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
 
Fair Value
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average(b)
 
Commodity
Assets
Liabilities
 
Valuation Technique(s)
Unobservable Input(a)
Range
2019
Power(c)
$
14

$
(225
)

Discounted cash flow
Average forward peak and off-peak pricing – forwards/swaps($/MWh)
22  34
25
 
 
 
 

 
Nodal basis($/MWh)
(6)  0
(2)
 
 
 
 


Trend rate(%)
(1)  0
0
2018
Power(d)
$
3

$
(186
)

Discounted cash flow
Average forward peak and off-peak pricing – forwards/swaps($/MWh)
23 – 39
28
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nodal basis($/MWh)
(9) – 0
(2)
 
 
 
 

Fundamental energy production model
Estimated future natural gas prices($/mmbtu)
3 – 4
3
(a)
Generally, significant increases (decreases) in these inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.
(b)
Unobservable inputs were weighted by relative fair value.
(c)
Valuations through 2028 use visible forward prices adjusted for nodal-to-hub basis differentials. Valuations beyond 2028 use a trend rate factor and are similarly adjusted for nodal-to-hub basis differentials.
(d)
Valuations through 2022 use visible forward prices adjusted for nodal-to-hub basis differentials. Valuations beyond 2022 use a fundamental energy production model incorporating estimated future natural gas prices.
The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the carrying amount and fair value of financial assets and liabilities disclosed, but not carried, at fair value as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
 
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Ameren:
December 31, 2019
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$
176

 
$
176

 
$

 
$

 
$
176

Investments in industrial development revenue bonds(a)
263

 

 
263

 

 
263

Short-term debt
440

 

 
440

 

 
440

Long-term debt (including current portion)(a)
9,357

(b) 

 
9,957

 
484

(c) 
10,441

Ameren Missouri:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$
39

 
$
39

 
$

 
$

 
$
39

Investments in industrial development revenue bonds(a)
263

 

 
263

 

 
263

Short-term debt
234

 

 
234

 

 
234

Long-term debt (including current portion)(a)
4,190

(b) 

 
4,772

 

 
4,772

Ameren Illinois:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$
125

 
$
125

 
$

 
$

 
$
125

Short-term debt
53

 

 
53

 

 
53

Long-term debt (including current portion)
3,575

(b) 

 
4,019

 

 
4,019

 
December 31, 2018
Ameren:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$
107

 
$
107

 
$

 
$

 
$
107

Investments in industrial development revenue bonds(a)
270

 

 
270

 

 
270

Short-term debt
597

 

 
597

 

 
597

Long-term debt (including current portion)(a)
8,439

(b) 

 
8,240

 
429

(c) 
8,669

Ameren Missouri:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$
8

 
$
8

 
$

 
$

 
$
8

Investments in industrial development revenue bonds(a)
270

 

 
270

 

 
270

Short-term debt
55

 

 
55

 

 
55

Long-term debt (including current portion)(a)
3,998

(b) 

 
4,156

 

 
4,156

Ameren Illinois:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$
80

 
$
80

 
$

 
$

 
$
80

Short-term debt
72

 

 
72

 

 
72

Long-term debt (including current portion)
3,296

(b) 

 
3,391

 

 
3,391

(a)
Ameren and Ameren Missouri have investments in industrial development revenue bonds, classified as held-to-maturity and recorded in “Other Assets,” that are equal to the finance obligations for the Peno Creek and Audrain CT energy centers. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the carrying amount of both the investments in industrial development revenue bonds and the finance obligations approximated fair value.
(b)
Included unamortized debt issuance costs, which were excluded from the fair value measurement, of $72 million, $30 million, and $34 million for Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois, respectively, as of December 31, 2019. Included unamortized debt issuance costs, which were excluded from the fair value measurement, of $58 million, $22 million, and $31 million for Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois, respectively, as of December 31, 2018.
(c)
The Level 3 fair value amount consists of ATXI’s senior unsecured notes.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Callaway Energy Center
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Nuclear Waste Matters [Abstract]  
CALLAWAY ENERGY CENTER CALLAWAY ENERGY CENTER
Spent Nuclear Fuel
Under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, as amended, the DOE is responsible for disposing of spent nuclear fuel from the Callaway Energy Center and other commercial nuclear energy centers. As required by the act, Ameren Missouri and other utilities have entered into standard contracts with the DOE, which stated that the DOE would begin to dispose of spent nuclear fuel by 1998. However, the DOE failed to fulfill its disposal obligations, and Ameren Missouri and other nuclear energy center owners sued the DOE to recover costs incurred for ongoing storage of their spent fuel. Ameren Missouri’s lawsuit against the DOE resulted in a settlement agreement that provides for annual reimbursement of additional spent fuel storage and related costs. Ameren Missouri received reimbursements from the DOE of $21 million, $11 million, and $3 million in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Ameren Missouri will continue to apply for reimbursement from the DOE for allowable costs associated with the ongoing storage of spent fuel. The DOE’s delay in carrying out its obligation to dispose of spent nuclear fuel from the Callaway Energy Center is not expected to adversely affect the continued operations of the energy center.
Decommissioning
Electric rates charged to customers provide for the recovery of the Callaway Energy Center’s decommissioning costs, which include decontamination, dismantling, and site restoration costs, over the expected life of the nuclear energy center. Amounts collected from
customers are deposited into the external nuclear decommissioning trust fund to provide for the Callaway Energy Center’s decommissioning. It is assumed that the Callaway Energy Center site will be decommissioned after its retirement through the immediate dismantlement method and removed from service. The Callaway Energy Center’s operating license expires in 2044. Ameren and Ameren Missouri have recorded an ARO for the Callaway Energy Center decommissioning costs at fair value, which represents the present value of estimated future cash outflows. Annual decommissioning costs of $7 million are included in the costs used to establish electric rates for Ameren Missouri’s customers. Every three years, the MoPSC requires Ameren Missouri to file an updated cost study and funding analysis for decommissioning its Callaway Energy Center. An updated cost study and funding analysis was filed with the MoPSC in September 2017 and reflected within the ARO. In January 2018, the MoPSC approved no change in electric rates for decommissioning costs consistent with Ameren Missouri’s updated cost study and funding analysis.
The fair value of the trust fund for Ameren Missouri’s Callaway Energy Center is reported as “Nuclear decommissioning trust fund” in Ameren’s and Ameren Missouri’s balance sheets. This amount is legally restricted and may be used only to fund the costs of nuclear decommissioning. Changes in the fair value of the trust fund are recorded as an increase or decrease to the nuclear decommissioning trust fund, with an offsetting adjustment to the related regulatory liability. If the assumed return on trust assets is not earned, Ameren Missouri believes that it is probable that any additional funding requirements resulting from such earnings deficiency will be recovered in customer rates.
Ameren Missouri has investments in debt and equity securities that are held in a trust fund for the purpose of funding the decommissioning of its Callaway Energy Center. We have classified these investments as available for sale, and we have recorded all such investments at their fair market value at December 31, 2019 and 2018. Investments in the nuclear decommissioning trust fund have a target allocation of 60% to 70% in equity securities, with the balance invested in debt securities.
The following table presents proceeds from the sale and maturities of investments in Ameren Missouri’s nuclear decommissioning trust fund and the gross realized gains and losses resulting from those sales for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Proceeds from sales and maturities
$
260

 
$
299

 
$
305

Gross realized gains
10

 
18

 
13

Gross realized losses
2

 
5

 
5


Net realized and unrealized gains and losses are deferred and are currently reflected in the regulatory liability related to AROs on Ameren’s and Ameren Missouri’s balance sheets. This reporting is consistent with the method used to account for the decommissioning costs recovered in rates. See Note 2 – Rate and Regulatory Matters for the regulatory liability recorded at December 31, 2019.
The following table presents the cost and fair value of investments in debt and equity securities in Ameren’s and Ameren Missouri’s nuclear decommissioning trust fund at December 31, 2019 and 2018:
Security Type
Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gain
 
Gross Unrealized Loss
 
Fair Value
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities
$
262

 
$
11

 
$

 
$
273

Equity securities
183

 
393

 
7

 
569

Cash and cash equivalents
26

 

 

 
26

Other(a)
(21
)
 

 

 
(21
)
Total
$
450

 
$
404

 
$
7

 
$
847

2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities
$
253

 
$
3

 
$
4

 
$
252

Equity securities
162

 
277

 
12

 
427

Cash and cash equivalents
3

 

 

 
3

Other(a)
2

 

 

 
2

Total
$
420

 
$
280

 
$
16

 
$
684


(a)
Represents net receivables and payables relating to pending securities sales, interest, and securities purchases.
The following table presents the costs and fair values of investments in debt securities in Ameren’s and Ameren Missouri’s nuclear decommissioning trust fund according to their contractual maturities at December 31, 2019:
 
Cost
 
Fair Value
Less than 5 years
$
112

 
$
114

5 years to 10 years
56

 
58

Due after 10 years
94

 
101

Total
$
262

 
$
273


There are unrealized losses relating to certain available-for-sale investments included in the nuclear decommissioning trust fund, deferred within the regulatory liability as discussed above. Decommissioning will not occur until the Callaway Energy Center is retired.
Insurance
The following table presents insurance coverage at Ameren Missouri’s Callaway Energy Center at December 31, 2019:
Type and Source of Coverage
Most Recent
Renewal Date
Maximum Coverages
 
Maximum Assessments
for Single Incidents
 
Public liability and nuclear worker liability:
 
 
 
 
 
American Nuclear Insurers
January 1, 2020
$
450

 
$

 
Pool participation
(a)
13,486

(a) 
138

(b) 
 
 
$
13,936

(c) 
$
138

 
Property damage:
 
 
 
 
 
NEIL and EMANI
April 1, 2019
$
3,200

(d) 
$
27

(e) 
Replacement power:
 
 
 
 
 
NEIL
April 1, 2019
$
490

(f) 
$
7

(e) 

(a)
Provided through mandatory participation in an industrywide retrospective premium assessment program. The maximum coverage available is dependent on the number of United States commercial reactors participating in the program.
(b)
Retrospective premium under the Price-Anderson Act. This is subject to retrospective assessment with respect to a covered loss in excess of $450 million in the event of an incident at any licensed United States commercial reactor, payable at $21 million per year.
(c)
Limit of liability for each incident under the Price-Anderson liability provisions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended. This limit is subject to change to account for the effects of inflation and changes in the number of licensed power reactors.
(d)
NEIL provides $2.7 billion in property damage, stabilization, decontamination, and premature decommissioning insurance for radiation events and $2.3 billion in property damage insurance for nonradiation events. EMANI provides $490 million in property damage insurance for both radiation and nonradiation events.
(e)
All NEIL-insured plants could be subject to assessments should losses exceed the accumulated funds from NEIL.
(f)
Provides replacement power cost insurance in the event of a prolonged accidental outage. Weekly indemnity up to $4.5 million for 52 weeks, which commences after the first 12 weeks of an outage, plus up to $3.6 million per week for a minimum of 71 weeks thereafter for a total not exceeding the policy limit of $490 million. Nonradiation events are limited to $328 million.
The Price-Anderson Act is a federal law that limits the liability for claims from an incident involving any licensed United States commercial nuclear energy center. The limit is based on the number of licensed reactors. The limit of liability and the maximum potential annual payments are adjusted at least every five years for inflation to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index. The most recent five-year inflationary adjustment became effective in November 2018. Owners of a nuclear reactor cover this exposure through a combination of private insurance and mandatory participation in a financial protection pool, as established by the Price-Anderson Act.
Losses resulting from terrorist attacks on nuclear facilities insured by NEIL are subject to industrywide aggregates, such that terrorist acts against one or more commercial nuclear power plants within a stated time period would be treated as a single event, and the owners of the nuclear power plants would share the limit of liability. NEIL policies have an aggregate limit of $3.2 billion within a 12-month period for radiation events, or $1.8 billion for events not involving radiation contamination, resulting from terrorist attacks. The EMANI policies are not subject to industrywide aggregates in the event of terrorist attacks on nuclear facilities.
If losses from a nuclear incident at the Callaway Energy Center exceed the limits of, or are not covered by insurance, or if coverage is unavailable, Ameren Missouri is at risk for any uninsured losses. If a serious nuclear incident were to occur, it could have a material adverse effect on Ameren’s and Ameren Missouri’s results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Retirement Benefits
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Defined Benefit Plan [Abstract]  
RETIREMENT BENEFITS RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The primary objective of the Ameren pension and postretirement benefit plans is to provide eligible employees with pension and postretirement health care and life insurance benefits. Ameren has defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all of its employees. Ameren has postretirement benefit plans covering non-union employees hired before October 2015 and union employees hired before January 2020. Ameren uses a measurement date of December 31 for its pension and postretirement benefit plans. Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois each participate in Ameren’s single-employer pension and other postretirement plans. Ameren’s qualified pension plan is the
Ameren Retirement Plan. Ameren also has an unfunded nonqualified pension plan, the Ameren Supplemental Retirement Plan, which is available to provide certain management employees and retirees with a supplemental benefit when their qualified pension plan benefits are capped in compliance with Internal Revenue Code limitations. Ameren’s other postretirement plan is the Ameren Retiree Welfare Benefit Plan. Only Ameren subsidiaries participate in the plans listed above.
Ameren’s unfunded obligation under its pension and other postretirement benefit plans was $216 million and $481 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. These net liabilities are recorded in “Other current liabilities,” “Pension and other postretirement benefits,” and “Other assets” on Ameren’s consolidated balance sheet. The decrease in the unfunded obligation during 2019 was primarily the result of an increase in the return on plan assets of the pension and postretirement trusts offset by a 75 basis point decrease in the pension and other postretirement benefit plan discount rates used to determine the present value of the obligation. The decrease in the unfunded obligation also resulted in a decrease to “Regulatory assets” on Ameren’s, Ameren Missouri’s, and Ameren Illinois’ balance sheets.
The following table presents the net benefit liability/(asset) recorded on the balance sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
2019

2018

Ameren(a)
$
216

$
481

Ameren Missouri
142

229

Ameren Illinois(a)
(16
)
120


(a)
Assets associated with other postretirement benefits are recorded in “Other assets” on the balance sheet.
Ameren recognizes the underfunded status of its pension and postretirement plans as a liability on its consolidated balance sheet, with offsetting entries to accumulated OCI and regulatory assets. The following table presents the funded status of Ameren’s pension and postretirement benefit plans as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. It also provides the amounts included in regulatory assets and accumulated OCI at December 31, 2019 and 2018, that have not been recognized in net periodic benefit costs.
 
2019
 
2018
 
Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement
Benefits
 
Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement
Benefits
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year
$
4,735

$
(a)

 
$
4,258

$
(a)

Change in benefit obligation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net benefit obligation at beginning of year
$
4,459

$
1,034

 
$
4,827

$
1,240

Service cost
88

 
18

 
100

 
21

Interest cost
187

 
43

 
169

 
40

Plan amendments

 
2

 

 
(49
)
Participant contributions

 
8

 

 
9

Actuarial (gain) loss
469

 
69

 
(401
)
 
(163
)
Benefits paid
(236
)
 
(64
)
 
(236
)
 
(64
)
Net benefit obligation at end of year
4,967

 
1,110

 
4,459

 
1,034

Change in plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
3,899

 
1,113

 
4,293

 
1,223

Actual return on plan assets
878

 
237

 
(218
)
 
(57
)
Employer contributions
23

 
3

 
60

 
2

Participant contributions

 
8

 

 
9

Benefits paid
(236
)
 
(64
)
 
(236
)
 
(64
)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
4,564

 
1,297

 
3,899

 
1,113

Funded status – deficiency (surplus)
403

 
(187
)
 
560

 
(79
)
Accrued benefit cost (asset) at December 31
$
403

$
(187
)
 
$
560

$
(79
)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent asset(b)
$

$
(187
)
 
$

$
(79
)
Current liability(c)
2

 

 
2

 

Noncurrent liability
401

 

 
558

 

Net liability (asset) recognized
$
403

$
(187
)
 
$
560

$
(79
)
Amounts recognized in regulatory assets consist of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial (gain) loss
$
244

$
(170
)
 
$
393

$
(91
)
Prior service credit

 
(41
)
 
(2
)
 
(48
)
Amounts recognized in accumulated OCI (pretax) consist of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial loss
26

 
4

 
35

 
3

Total
$
270

$
(207
)
 
$
426

$
(136
)

(a)
Not applicable.
(b)
Included in “Other assets” on Ameren’s consolidated balance sheet.
(c)
Included in “Other current liabilities” on Ameren’s consolidated balance sheet.
The following table presents the assumptions used to determine our benefit obligations at December 31, 2019 and 2018:
  
Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement Benefits
  
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Discount rate at measurement date
3.50
%
 
4.25
%
 
3.50
%
 
4.25
%
Increase in future compensation
3.50

 
3.50

 
3.50

 
3.50

Medical cost trend rate (initial)(a)
(b)

 
(b)

 
5.00

 
5.00

Medical cost trend rate (ultimate)(a)
(b)

 
(b)

 
5.00

 
5.00


(a)
Initial and ultimate medical cost trend rate for certain Medicare-eligible participants is 3.00%.
(b)
Not applicable.
Ameren determines discount rate assumptions by identifying a theoretical settlement portfolio of high-quality corporate bonds sufficient to provide for a plan’s projected benefit payments. The settlement portfolio of bonds is selected from a pool of nearly 900 high-quality corporate bonds. A single discount rate is then determined; that rate results in a discounted value of the plan’s benefit payments that equates to the market value of the selected bonds. In addition, during 2019, Ameren adopted the Society of Actuaries mortality table and adopted the
Society of Actuaries 2019 Mortality Improvement Scale. The updated mortality table reflects lower life expectancy in aggregate compared with the 2018 Society of Actuaries mortality table. The updated improvement scale assumes a lower rate of mortality improvement, compared with the 2018 Mortality Improvement Scale. The impact of the adoption of the table and the scale results in a decrease to our pension and other postretirement benefit obligations.
Funding
Pension benefits are based on the employees’ years of service, age, and compensation. Ameren’s pension plans are funded in compliance with income tax regulations, federal funding, and other regulatory requirements. As a result, Ameren expects to fund its pension plan at a level equal to the greater of the pension cost or the legally required minimum contribution. Based on its assumptions at December 31, 2019, its investment performance in 2019, and its pension funding policy, Ameren expects to make annual contributions of up to approximately $45 million in each of the next five years, with aggregate estimated contributions of $70 million. Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois estimate that their portion of the future funding requirements will be 30% and 60%, respectively. These estimates may change based on actual investment performance, changes in interest rates, changes in our assumptions, changes in government regulations, and any voluntary contributions. Our funding policy for postretirement benefits is primarily to fund the Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) trusts to match the annual postretirement expense.
The following table presents the cash contributions made to our defined benefit retirement plan and to our postretirement plans during 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement Benefits
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Ameren Missouri
$
3

 
$
18

 
$
19

 
$
1

 
$
1

 
$
1

Ameren Illinois
19

 
35

 
37

 
1

 
1

 
1

Other
1

 
7

 
8

 
1

 

 

Ameren
$
23

 
$
60

 
$
64

 
$
3

 
$
2

 
$
2

Investment Strategy and Policies
Ameren manages plan assets in accordance with the “prudent investor” guidelines contained in ERISA. The investment committee, which includes members of senior management, approves and implements investment strategy and asset allocation guidelines for the plan assets. The investment committee’s goals are twofold: first, to ensure that sufficient funds are available to provide the benefits at the time they are payable; and second, to maximize total return on plan assets and to minimize expense volatility consistent with its tolerance for risk. Ameren delegates the task of investment management to specialists in each asset class. As appropriate, Ameren provides each investment manager with guidelines that specify allowable and prohibited investment types. The investment committee regularly monitors manager performance and compliance with investment guidelines.
The expected return on plan assets assumption is based on historical and projected rates of return for current and planned asset classes in the investment portfolio. Projected rates of return for each asset class were estimated after an analysis of historical experience, future expectations, and the volatility of the various asset classes. After considering the target asset allocation for each asset class, we adjusted the overall expected rate of return for the portfolio for historical and expected experience of active portfolio management results compared with benchmark returns and for the effect of expenses paid from plan assets. Ameren will use an expected return on plan assets for its pension and postretirement plan assets of 7.00% in 2020. No plan assets are expected to be returned to Ameren during 2020.
Ameren’s investment committee strives to assemble a portfolio of diversified assets that does not create a significant concentration of risks. The investment committee develops asset allocation guidelines between asset classes, and it creates diversification through investments in assets that differ by type (equity, debt, real estate, private equity), duration, market capitalization, country, style (growth or value), and industry, among other factors. The diversification of assets is displayed in the target allocation table below. The investment committee also routinely rebalances the plan assets to adhere to the diversification goals. The investment committee’s strategy reduces the concentration of investment risk; however, Ameren is still subject to overall market risk. The following table presents our target allocations for 2020 and our pension and postretirement plans’ asset categories as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
Asset
Category
Target Allocation
2020
 
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31,
2019
 
2018
Pension Plan:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
0%  5%
 
3
%
 
1
%
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large-capitalization
21%  31%
 
27
%
 
24
%
U.S. small- and mid-capitalization
3%  13%
 
7
%
 
7
%
International
9%  19%
 
14
%
 
13
%
Global
3%  13%
 
9
%
 
8
%
Total equity
51%  61%
 
57
%
 
52
%
Debt securities
35%  45%
 
36
%
 
42
%
Real estate
0%  9%  
 
4
%
 
5
%
Private equity
0%  5%
 
(a)

 
(a)

Total
 
 
100
%
 
100
%
Postretirement Plans:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
0%  7%
 
1
%
 
2
%
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large-capitalization
23%  33%
 
31
%
 
40
%
U.S. small- and mid-capitalization
3%  13%
 
9
%
 
7
%
International
9%  19%
 
14
%
 
13
%
Global
5%  15%
 
11
%
 
%
Total equity
55%  65%
 
65
%
 
60
%
Debt securities
33%  43%
 
34
%
 
38
%
Total
 
 
100
%
 
100
%

(a)
Less than 1% of plan assets.
In general, the United States large-capitalization equity investments are passively managed or indexed, whereas the international, global, United States small-capitalization, and United States mid-capitalization equity investments are actively managed by investment managers. Debt securities include a broad range of fixed-income vehicles. Debt security investments in high-yield securities and non-United-States-dollar-denominated securities are owned by the plans, but in limited quantities to reduce risk. Most of the debt security investments are under active management by investment managers. Real estate investments include private real estate vehicles; however, Ameren does not, by policy, hold direct investments in real estate property. Additionally, Ameren’s investment committee allows investment managers to use derivatives, such as index futures, foreign exchange futures, and options, in certain situations to increase or to reduce market exposure in an efficient and timely manner.
Fair Value Measurements of Plan Assets
Investments in the pension and postretirement benefit plans were stated at fair value as of December 31, 2019. The fair value of an asset is the amount that would be received upon its sale in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Cash and cash equivalents have initial maturities of three months or less and are recorded at cost plus accrued interest. Investments traded in active markets on national or international securities exchanges are valued at closing prices on the measurement date or, if that is not a business day, on the last business day before that date. Securities traded in over-the-counter markets are valued by quoted market prices, broker or dealer quotations, or alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. Investments measured under NAV as a practical expedient are based on the fair values of the underlying assets provided by the funds and their administrators. The fair value of real estate investments is based on NAV; it is determined by annual appraisal reports prepared by an independent real estate appraiser. Investments measured at NAV often provide for daily, monthly, or quarterly redemptions with 60 or less days of notice depending on the fund. For some funds, redemption may also require approval from the fund’s board of directors. Derivative contracts are valued at fair value, as determined by the investment managers (or independent third parties on behalf of the investment managers), who use proprietary models and take into consideration exchange quotations on underlying instruments, dealer quotations, and other market information.
The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy discussed in Note 8 – Fair Value Measurements, the pension plans’ assets measured at fair value and NAV as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
December 31, 2019
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
NAV
 
Total
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
NAV
 
Total
Cash and cash equivalents
$

 
$

 
$
139

 
$
139

 
 
$

 
$

 
$
41

 
$
41

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large-capitalization

 

 
1,253

 
1,253

 
 

 

 
955

 
955

U.S. small- and mid-capitalization
344

 

 

 
344

 
 
272

 

 

 
272

International
296

 

 
363

 
659

 
 
224

 

 
298

 
522

Global

 

 
407

 
407

 
 

 

 
321

 
321

Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds

 
597

 
13

 
610

 
 

 
701

 
19

 
720

Municipal bonds

 
75

 

 
75

 
 

 
87

 

 
87

U.S. Treasury and agency securities
5

 
1,010

 

 
1,015

 
 

 
891

 

 
891

Other

 
8

 

 
8

 
 
1

 
11

 

 
12

Real estate

 

 
211

 
211

 
 

 

 
202

 
202

Private equity

 

 
2

 
2

 
 

 

 
3

 
3

Total
$
645

 
$
1,690

 
$
2,388

 
$
4,723

 
 
$
497

 
$
1,690

 
$
1,839

 
$
4,026

Less: Medical benefit assets(a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(176
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(144
)
Plus: Net receivables(b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17

Fair value of pension plans’ assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
4,564

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
3,899


(a)
Medical benefit (health and welfare) component for accounts maintained in accordance with Section 401(h) of the Internal Revenue Code to fund a portion of the postretirement obligation.
(b)
Receivables related to pending securities sales, offset by payables related to pending securities purchases.
The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy discussed in Note 8 – Fair Value Measurements, the postretirement benefit plans’ assets measured at fair value and NAV as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
December 31, 2019
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
NAV
 
Total
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
NAV
 
Total
Cash and cash equivalents
$
12

 
$

 
$

 
$
12

 
 
$
32

 
$

 
$

 
$
32

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large-capitalization
238

 

 
112

 
350

 
 
297

 

 
89

 
386

U.S. small- and mid-capitalization
93

 

 

 
93

 
 
63

 

 

 
63

International
59

 

 
102

 
161

 
 
45

 

 
84

 
129

Global

 

 
120

 
120

 
 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 
 

 
12

 

 
12

Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds

 

 

 

 
 

 
144

 

 
144

Municipal bonds

 
107

 

 
107

 
 

 
107

 

 
107

U.S. Treasury and agency securities

 

 

 

 
 

 
62

 

 
62

Other



 
277

 
277

 
 

 
7

 
34

 
41

Total
$
402


$
107

 
$
611

 
$
1,120

 
 
$
437

 
$
332

 
$
207

 
$
976

Plus: Medical benefit assets(a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
176

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
144

Less: Net payables(b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(7
)
Fair value of postretirement benefit plans’ assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
1,297

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
1,113

(a)
Medical benefit (health and welfare) component for accounts maintained in accordance with Section 401(h) of the Internal Revenue Code to fund a portion of the postretirement obligation. These 401(h) assets are included in the pension plan assets shown above.
(b)
Payables related to pending securities purchases, offset by interest receivables and receivables related to pending securities sales.
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
The following table presents the components of the net periodic benefit cost of Ameren’s pension and postretirement benefit plans during 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
Pension Benefits
 
 
Postretirement Benefits
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Service cost(a)
$
88

 
$
100

 
$
93

 
 
$
18

 
$
21

 
$
21

Non-service cost components:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest cost
187

 
169

 
179

 
 
43

 
40

 
47

Expected return on plan assets
(276
)
 
(276
)
 
(262
)
 
 
(77
)
 
(77
)
 
(75
)
Amortization of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service credit
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
 
(5
)
 
(4
)
 
(5
)
Actuarial (gain) loss
25

 
68

 
55

 
 
(15
)
 
(6
)
 
(6
)
Total non-service cost components(b)
$
(65
)
 
$
(40
)
 
$
29

 
 
$
(54
)
 
$
(47
)
 
$
(39
)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)
$
23

 
$
60

 
$
64

 
 
$
(36
)
 
$
(26
)
 
$
(18
)
(a)    Service cost, net of capitalization, is reflected in “Operating Expenses - Other operations and maintenance” on Ameren’s statement of income.
(b)
2019 and 2018 amounts and the non-capitalized portion of 2017 non-service cost components are reflected in “Other Income, Net” on Ameren’s consolidated statement of income. See Note 6 – Other Income, Net for additional information.
The estimated amounts that will be amortized from regulatory assets and accumulated OCI into Ameren’s net periodic benefit cost in 2020 are as follows:
 
Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement Benefits
Regulatory assets:
 
 
 
Prior service credit
$
(1
)
 
$
(4
)
Net actuarial (gain) loss
52

 
(9
)
Accumulated OCI:
 
 
 
Net actuarial loss
5

 

Total
$
56

 
$
(13
)
Prior service cost is amortized on a straight-line basis over the average future service of active participants benefiting under the plan amendment. Net actuarial gains or losses subject to amortization are amortized on a straight-line basis over 10 years.
The Ameren Companies are responsible for their share of the pension and postretirement benefit costs. The following table presents the pension costs and the postretirement benefit costs incurred for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
  
Pension Costs
 
Postretirement Costs
  
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Ameren Missouri(a)
$
5

 
$
22

 
$
24

 
$
(6
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
(4
)
Ameren Illinois
20

 
39

 
41

 
(30
)
 
(25
)
 
(14
)
Other
(2
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 

 

 

Ameren
$
23

 
$
60

 
$
64

 
(36
)
 
$
(26
)
 
$
(18
)
(a)
Does not include the impact of the regulatory tracking mechanism for the difference between the level of pension and postretirement benefit costs incurred by Ameren Missouri and the level of such costs included in customer rates.
The expected pension and postretirement benefit payments from qualified trust and company funds, which reflect expected future service, as of December 31, 2019, are as follows:
  
Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement Benefits
  
Paid from
Qualified
Trust Funds
 
Paid from
Company
Funds
 
Paid from
Qualified
Trust Funds
 
Paid from
Company
Funds
2020
$
257

 
$
3

 
$
58

 
$
2

2021
269

 
3

 
60

 
2

2022
274

 
3

 
61

 
2

2023
279

 
3

 
63

 
2

2024
284

 
3

 
64

 
2

2025  2029
1,446

 
12

 
313

 
12


The following table presents the assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for our pension and postretirement benefit plans for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
  
Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement Benefits
  
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Discount rate at measurement date
4.25
%
 
3.50
%
 
4.00
%
 
4.25
%
 
3.50
%
 
4.00
%
Expected return on plan assets
7.00

 
7.00

 
7.00

 
7.00

 
7.00

 
7.00

Increase in future compensation
3.50

 
3.50

 
3.50

 
3.50

 
3.50

 
3.50

Medical cost trend rate (initial)(a)
(b)

 
(b)

 
(b)

 
5.00

 
5.00

 
5.00

Medical cost trend rate (ultimate)(a)
(b)

 
(b)

 
(b)

 
5.00

 
5.00

 
5.00


(a)
Initial and ultimate medical cost trend rate for certain Medicare-eligible participants is 3.00%.
(b)
Not applicable.
The table below reflects the sensitivity of Ameren’s plans to potential changes in key assumptions:
  
Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement Benefits
  
Service Cost
and Interest
Cost
 
Expected
Return on
Assets
 
Projected
Benefit
Obligation
 
Service Cost
and Interest
Cost
 
Expected
Return on
Assets
 
Postretirement
Benefit
Obligation
0.25% decrease in discount rate
$
(1
)
 
$

 
$
165

 
$

 
$

 
$
36

0.25% decrease in return on assets

 
10

 

 

 
3

 

0.25% increase in future compensation
2

 

 
14

 

 

 

1.00% increase in annual medical trend

 

 

 
3

 

 
57

1.00% decrease in annual medical trend

 

 

 
(3
)
 

 
(57
)

Other
Ameren sponsors a 401(k) plan for eligible employees. The Ameren 401(k) plan covered all eligible Ameren employees at December 31, 2019. The plan allows employees to contribute a portion of their compensation in accordance with specific guidelines. Ameren matches a percentage of the employee contributions up to certain limits. The following table presents the portion of the matching contribution to the Ameren 401(k) plan attributable to each of the Ameren Companies for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Ameren Missouri
$
19

 
$
17

 
$
16

Ameren Illinois
16

 
15

 
13

Other

 
1

 
1

Ameren
$
35

 
$
33

 
$
30


v3.19.3.a.u2
Stock-Based Compensation
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]  
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The 2014 Omnibus Incentive Compensation Plan is Ameren’s long-term stock-based compensation plan for eligible employees and directors. It provides for a maximum of 8 million common shares to be available for grant to eligible employees and directors. At December 31, 2019, there were 3.1 million common shares remaining for grant. Awards may be stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance share units, cash-based awards, and other stock-based awards. Ameren used newly issued shares to fulfill its stock-based compensation obligations for 2019 and 2018, and intends to use newly issued shares to fulfill its stock-based compensation obligations for 2020.
The following table summarizes Ameren’s nonvested performance share unit and restricted stock unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2019:
 
Performance Share Units
 
Restricted Stock Units
 
Share
Units
 
Weighted-average Fair Value per Share Unit
 
Stock
Units
 
Weighted-average Fair Value per Stock Unit
Nonvested at January 1, 2019(a)
682,811

 
$
56.58

 
155,253

 
$
57.38

Granted
304,384

 
67.42

 
132,526

 
65.89

Forfeitures
(35,120
)
 
64.40

 
(11,802
)
 
62.75

Vested and undistributed(b)
(235,275
)
 
62.28

 
(53,297
)
 
61.99

Vested and distributed
(176,923
)
 
44.13

 
(2,403
)
 
54.30

Nonvested at December 31, 2019(c)
539,877

 
$
63.79

 
220,277

 
$
61.13

(a)
Does not include 619,783 performance share units and 26,557 restricted stock units that were vested and undistributed.
(b)
Vested and undistributed units are awards that vest on a pro-rata basis due to attainment of retirement eligibility by certain employees, but have not yet been distributed. For vested and undistributed performance share units, the number of shares issued for retirement-eligible employees will vary depending on actual performance over the three-year performance period.
(c)
Does not include 503,283 of performance share units and 79,854 of restricted stock units that were vested and undistributed.
Performance Share Units
A performance share unit vests and entitles an employee to receive shares of Ameren common stock (plus accumulated dividends) if, at the end of the three-year performance period, certain specified market conditions have been met and if the individual remains employed by Ameren through the required vesting period. The vesting period for share units awarded extends beyond the three-year performance period to the payout date, which is approximately 38 months after the grant date. In the event of a participant’s death or retirement at age 55 or older with five years or more of service, awards vest on a pro-rata basis over the three-year performance period. The exact number of shares issued pursuant to a share unit varies from 0% to 200% of the target award, depending on actual company performance relative to the performance goals.
The fair value of each share unit is based on Ameren’s closing common share price at December 31st of the year prior to the award year and a Monte Carlo simulation. The Monte Carlo simulation is used to estimate expected share payout based on Ameren’s TSR for a three-year performance period relative to the designated peer group beginning January 1st of the award year. The simulation can produce a greater fair value for the share unit than the applicable closing common share price because it includes the weighted payout scenarios in which an increase in the share price has occurred. The significant assumptions used to calculate fair value also include a three-year risk-free rate, Ameren’s common stock volatility, volatility for the peer group, and Ameren’s attainment of a three-year average earnings per share threshold during the performance period. The following table presents the fair value of each share unit along with the significant assumptions used to calculate the fair value of each share unit for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
2019
2018
2017
Fair value of share units awarded
$67.42
$62.88
$59.16
Three-year risk-free rate
2.46%
1.98%
1.47%
Ameren’s common stock volatility(a)
17%
17%
19%
Volatility range for the peer group(a)
15% – 25%
15% – 23%
15% – 21%
(a)
Based on a historical period that is equal to the remaining term of the performance period as of the grant date.
Restricted Stock Units
Restricted stock units vest and entitle an employee to receive shares of Ameren common stock (plus accumulated dividends) if the individual remains employed with Ameren through the payment date of the awards. Generally, in the event of a participant’s death or retirement at age 55 or older with five years or more of service, awards vest on a pro-rata basis. The payout date of the awards is approximately 38 months after the grant date. The fair value of each restricted stock unit is determined by Ameren’s closing common share price on the grant date.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
The following table presents the stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Ameren Missouri
$
4

 
$
4

 
$
4

Ameren Illinois
3

 
3

 
2

Other(a)
13

 
13

 
12

Ameren
20

 
20

 
18

Less income tax benefit
5

 
6

 
7

Stock-based compensation expense, net
$
15

 
$
14

 
$
11

(a)
Represents compensation expense for employees of Ameren Services. These amounts are not included in the Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois amounts above.
Ameren settled performance share units and restricted stock units of $83 million, $54 million, and $39 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017. There were no significant stock-based compensation costs capitalized during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017. As of December 31, 2019, total compensation cost of $28 million related to nonvested awards not yet recognized is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 22 months.
For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, excess tax benefits associated with the settlement of stock-based compensation awards reduced income tax expense by $15 million, $6 million, and $4 million, respectively.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Income Taxes
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
INCOME TAXES INCOME TAXES
Federal Tax Reform
The TCJA was enacted on December 22, 2017. Substantially all of the provisions of the TCJA affecting the Ameren Companies, other than certain transition depreciation rules, are effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. The TCJA includes significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code, including amendments that significantly change the taxation of business entities and specific provisions related to regulated public utilities. The most significant change that affects the Ameren Companies is the reduction in the federal corporate statutory income tax rate from 35% to 21%. Specific provisions related to regulated public utilities generally allow for the continued deductibility of interest expense, the elimination of accelerated depreciation tax benefits from certain regulated utility capital investments acquired after September 27, 2017, and the continuation of certain rate normalization requirements related to the flow back of excess deferred income taxes. Ameren (parent) is subject to provisions of the TCJA that limit the deductibility of interest expense, but such limitation did not affect Ameren in 2018 or 2019.
In accordance with GAAP, the tax effects of changes in tax laws must be recognized in the period in which the law is enacted. GAAP also requires deferred tax assets and liabilities to be measured at the tax rate that is expected to apply when temporary differences are realized or settled. Thus, in December 2017, the Ameren Companies’ deferred taxes were revalued using the new tax rate. To the extent deferred tax balances are included in rate base, the revaluation of deferred taxes was deferred as a regulatory asset or liability on the balance sheet and will be collected from, or refunded, to customers. For deferred tax balances not included in rate base, the revaluation of deferred taxes was recorded as income tax expense. During the year ended December 31, 2017, Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois recorded provisional estimates of $154 million, $32 million, and ($5) million, respectively, of income tax expense (benefit) primarily related to depreciation transition rules and 2017 property, plant, and equipment, compensation, and pension-related deductions. During the year ended December 31, 2018, Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois updated their respective provisional estimates in accordance with SEC staff guidance and recorded $13 million, $4 million, and $4 million, respectively, of income tax expense, primarily due to the application of proposed IRS regulations on depreciation transition rules. As of December 31, 2018, Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois completed their accounting for certain effects of the TCJA.
For our regulated operations, reductions in accumulated deferred income tax balances due to the reduction in the federal statutory corporate income tax rate to 21% will result in amounts previously collected from utility customers for these deferred taxes being refundable to those customers, generally through reductions in future rates. The TCJA includes provisions related to the IRS normalization rules that address the time period in which certain plant-related components of the excess deferred income taxes are to be reflected in customer rates. This time period for the Ameren Companies is approximately 25 to 65 years. Other components of the excess deferred income taxes will be reflected in customer rates as determined by our state and federal regulators, which could be a shorter time period than that applicable to certain plant-related components.
Missouri Income Tax Rate
In 2018, legislation modifying Missouri tax law was enacted to decrease the state’s corporate income tax rate from 6.25% to 4%, effective January 1, 2020. As a result, in 2018, Ameren’s and Ameren Missouri’s accumulated deferred tax balances were revalued, resulting in a net decrease of $122 million to their accumulated deferred tax liability, which was offset by a regulatory liability. Additionally, Ameren recorded an immaterial amount to income tax expense. Ameren Missouri anticipates that the effect of this tax decrease will be reflected in customer rates upon completion of its current electric service regulatory rate review. Ameren (parent) and nonregistrant subsidiaries do not expect this income tax decrease to have a material impact on net income.
Illinois Income Tax Rate
In July 2017, Illinois enacted a law that increased the state’s corporate income tax rate from 7.75% to 9.5% as of July 1, 2017. The law made the increase in the state’s corporate income tax rate permanent. That rate was previously scheduled to go to 7.3% in 2025. In 2017, Ameren recorded an expense of $14 million at Ameren (parent) due to the revaluation of accumulated deferred taxes and the estimated state apportionment of such taxes. Beyond this expense, Ameren and Ameren Illinois do not expect this tax increase to have a material impact on their net income prospectively. The tax increase is not expected to materially affect the earnings of the Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution, the Ameren Transmission, or the Ameren Illinois Transmission segments, since these businesses operate under formula ratemaking frameworks. The tax increase unfavorably affected the 2017 net income of the Ameren Illinois Natural Gas segment by less than $1 million.
The following table presents the principal reasons for the difference between the effective income tax rate and the federal statutory corporate income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
Ameren Missouri
 
Ameren Illinois
 
Ameren
2019
 
 
 
 
 
Federal statutory corporate income tax rate:
21
 %
 
21
 %
 
21
 %
Increases (decreases) from:
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of excess deferred income taxes
(11
)
 
(4
)
 
(7
)
Amortization of deferred investment tax credit
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
State tax
5

 
7

 
6

Stock-based compensation

 

 
(1
)
Effective income tax rate
14
 %
 
24
 %
 
18
 %
2018
 
 
 
 
 
Federal statutory corporate income tax rate:
21
 %
 
21
 %
 
21
 %
Increases (decreases) from:
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of excess deferred income taxes
(4
)
 
(4
)
 
(4
)
Depreciation differences

 
(1
)
 

Amortization of deferred investment tax credit
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
State tax
4

 
7

 
6

TCJA
1

 
1

 
1

Tax credits
(1
)
 

 

Other permanent items

 

 
(1
)
Effective income tax rate
20
 %
 
24
 %
 
22
 %
2017
 
 
 
 
 
Federal statutory corporate income tax rate:
35
 %
 
35
 %
 
35
 %
Increases (decreases) from:
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation differences
1

 
(1
)
 

Amortization of deferred investment tax credit
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
State tax
4

 
6

 
6

TCJA
6

 
(1
)
 
14

Tax credits
(1
)
 

 

Other permanent items

 
(1
)
 
(2
)
Effective income tax rate
44
 %
 
38
 %
 
52
 %

The following table presents the components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
Ameren Missouri
 
Ameren Illinois
 
Other
 
Ameren
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
65

 
$
19

 
$
(88
)
 
$
(4
)
State
22

 
11

 
(14
)
 
19

Deferred taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
37

 
66

 
82

 
185

State
5

 
29

 
25

 
59

Amortization of excess deferred income taxes
(56
)
 
(15
)
 
(1
)
 
(72
)
Amortization of deferred investment tax credits
(5
)
 

 

 
(5
)
Total income tax expense
$
68

 
$
110

 
$
4

 
$
182

2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
104

 
$
4

 
$
(118
)
 
$
(10
)
State
29

 
6

 
(12
)
 
23

Deferred taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
22

 
75

 
123

 
220

State
(2
)
 
28

 
23

 
49

Amortization of excess deferred income taxes
(24
)
 
(15
)
 
(1
)
 
(40
)
Amortization of deferred investment tax credits
(5
)
 

 

 
(5
)
Total income tax expense
$
124

 
$
98

 
$
15

 
$
237

2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
149

 
$
(34
)
 
$
(110
)
 
$
5

State
23

 
29

 
(20
)
 
32

Deferred taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
76

 
185

 
250

 
511

State
11

 
(13
)
 
36

 
34

Amortization of deferred investment tax credits
(5
)
 
(1
)
 

 
(6
)
Total income tax expense
$
254

 
$
166

 
$
156

 
$
576


The following table presents the accumulated deferred income tax assets and liabilities recorded as a result of temporary differences and accumulated deferred investment tax credits at December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
Ameren Missouri
 
Ameren Illinois
 
Other
 
Ameren
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated deferred income taxes, net liability (asset):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant-related
$
2,000

 
$
1,423

 
$
193

 
$
3,616

Regulatory assets and liabilities, net
(310
)
 
(214
)
 
(24
)
 
(548
)
Deferred employee benefit costs
(59
)
 
7

 
(59
)
 
(111
)
Tax carryforwards
(25
)
 
(3
)
 
(70
)
 
(98
)
Other
(33
)
 
11

 
43

 
21

Total net accumulated deferred income tax liabilities (assets)
$
1,573

 
$
1,224

 
$
83

 
$
2,880

Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
39

 

 

 
39

Accumulated deferred income taxes and investment tax credits
$
1,612

 
$
1,224

 
$
83

 
$
2,919

2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated deferred income taxes, net liability (asset):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant-related
$
2,010

 
$
1,345

 
$
179

 
$
3,534

Regulatory assets and liabilities, net
(343
)
 
(221
)
 
(25
)
 
(589
)
Deferred employee benefit costs
(58
)
 
(4
)
 
(64
)
 
(126
)
Tax carryforwards
(35
)
 
(26
)
 
(166
)
 
(227
)
Other
(40
)
 
24

 
47

 
31

Total net accumulated deferred income tax liabilities (assets)
$
1,534

 
$
1,118

 
$
(29
)
 
$
2,623

Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
42

 
1

 

 
43

Accumulated deferred income taxes and investment tax credits
$
1,576

 
$
1,119

 
$
(29
)
 
$
2,666


The following table presents the components of accumulated deferred income tax assets relating to net operating loss carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards, and charitable contribution carryforwards at December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
Ameren Missouri
 
Ameren Illinois
 
Other
 
Ameren
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax credit carryforwards:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal(a)
$
25

 
$
3

 
$
67

 
$
95

State(b)

 

 
3

 
3

Total tax credit carryforwards
$
25

 
$
3

 
$
70

 
$
98

Charitable contribution carryforwards(c)
$

 
$

 
$
3

 
$
3

Valuation allowance(c)

 

 
(3
)
 
(3
)
Total charitable contribution carryforwards
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net operating loss carryforwards:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$

 
$
23

 
$
55

 
$
78

State

 

 
13

 
13

Total net operating loss carryforwards
$

 
$
23

 
$
68

 
$
91

Tax credit carryforwards:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
35

 
$
3

 
$
79

 
$
117

State

 

 
10

 
10

Total tax credit carryforwards
$
35

 
$
3

 
$
89

 
$
127

Charitable contribution carryforwards
$

 
$

 
$
14

 
$
14

Valuation allowance

 

 
(5
)
 
(5
)
Total charitable contribution carryforwards
$

 
$

 
$
9

 
$
9


(a)
Will expire between 2029 and 2039.
(b)
Will expire between 2022 and 2024.
(c)
See Schedule II under Part IV, Item 15, in this report for information on changes in the valuation allowance.
Uncertain Tax Positions
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Ameren Companies did not record any uncertain tax positions.
The Internal Revenue Service is currently examining Ameren’s 2018 federal income tax return. State income tax returns are generally subject to examination for a period of three years after filing. The state impact of any federal changes remains subject to examination by various states for up to one year after formal notification to the states. The Ameren Companies currently do not have material income tax issues under examination, administrative appeals, or litigation.
Ameren Missouri has an uncertain tax position tracker. Under Missouri’s regulatory framework, uncertain tax positions do not reduce Ameren Missouri’s electric rate base. When an uncertain income tax position liability is resolved, the MoPSC requires, through the uncertain tax position tracker, the creation of a regulatory asset or regulatory liability to reflect the time value, with a return at the applicable WACC included in each of the electric rate orders in effect before the tax position was resolved, of the difference between the uncertain tax position liability that was excluded from rate base and the final tax liability. The resulting regulatory asset or liability will affect earnings in the year it is created. It will then be amortized over three years, beginning on the effective date of new rates established in the next electric service regulatory rate review.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Related Party Transactions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In the normal course of business, Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois engage in affiliate transactions. These transactions primarily consist of natural gas and power purchases and sales, services received or rendered, and borrowings and lendings. Transactions between Ameren’s subsidiaries are reported as affiliate transactions on their individual financial statements, but those transactions are eliminated in consolidation for Ameren’s consolidated financial statements, except as noted in Software Licensing Agreement discussion below. Below are the material related-party agreements.
Electric Power Supply Agreements
Ameren Illinois must acquire capacity and energy sufficient to meet its obligations to customers. Ameren Illinois uses periodic RFP processes, administered by the IPA and approved by the ICC, to contract capacity and energy on behalf of its customers. Ameren Missouri participates in the RFP process and has been a winning supplier for certain periods.
Energy Swaps and Energy Products
Based on the outcome of IPA-administered procurement events, Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois have entered into energy product agreements by which Ameren Missouri agreed to sell, and Ameren Illinois agreed to purchase, a set amount of megawatthours at a predetermined price over a specified period of time. The following table presents the specified performance period, price, and amount of megawatthours included in the agreements:
IPA Procurement Event
Performance Period
MWh
 
Average Price per MWh
September 2015
November 2015  May 2018
339,000
 
$
38

April 2016
June 2017  September 2018
375,200
 
35

September 2016
May 2017  September 2018
82,800
 
34

April 2017
March 2019  May 2020
85,600
 
34

April 2018
June 2019  September 2020
110,000
 
32

April 2019
January 2020 – December 2021
288,000
 
35

September 2019
April 2020 – November 2021
170,800
 
29


Collateral Postings
Under the terms of the Illinois energy product agreements entered into through RFP processes administered by the IPA, suppliers must post collateral under certain market conditions to protect Ameren Illinois in the event of nonperformance. The collateral postings are unilateral, which means that only the suppliers can be required to post collateral. Therefore, Ameren Missouri, as a winning supplier in the RFP process, may be required to post collateral. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, there were no collateral postings required of Ameren Missouri related to the Illinois energy product agreements.
Interconnection and Transmission Agreements
Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois are parties to an interconnection agreement for the use of their respective transmission lines and other facilities for the distribution of power. These agreements have no contractual expiration date, but may be terminated by either party with three years’ notice.
Support Services Agreements
Ameren Services provides support services to its affiliates. The costs of support services including wages, employee benefits, professional services, and other expenses, are based on, or are an allocation of, actual costs incurred. The support services agreement can be terminated at any time by the mutual agreement of Ameren Services and that affiliate or by either party with 60 days’ notice before the end of a calendar year.
In addition, Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois provide affiliates with access to their facilities for administrative purposes and with use of other assets. The costs of the rent and facility services and other assets are based on, or are an allocation of, actual costs incurred.
Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois also provide storm-related and miscellaneous support services to each other on an as-needed basis.
Transmission Services
Ameren Illinois receives transmission services from ATXI for its retail load.
Electric Transmission Maintenance and Construction Agreements
ATXI entered into separate agreements with Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois in which Ameren Missouri or Ameren Illinois, as applicable, may perform certain maintenance and construction services related to ATXI’s electric transmission assets.
Money Pool
See Note 4 – Short-term Debt and Liquidity for a discussion of affiliate borrowing arrangements.
Software Licensing Agreement
In September 2019, Ameren Missouri purchased a license for advanced metering infrastructure software from Ameren Illinois. The amount of the $24 million cost-based transaction price over the $5 million remaining carrying value of the software was recorded as revenue by Ameren Illinois, with $14 million of revenue recorded at Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution and $5 million recorded at Ameren Illinois
Natural Gas. The revenue recorded at Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution was reflected in formula ratemaking, which resulted in no impact to net income. Per authoritative accounting guidance for sales to rate-regulated entities, the revenue recognized by Ameren Illinois was not eliminated upon consolidation by Ameren. Ameren Missouri’s $24 million software investment is included in “Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net.”
Tax Allocation Agreement
See Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for a discussion of the tax allocation agreement. The following table presents the affiliate balances related to income taxes for Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
Ameren Missouri
Ameren Illinois
 
 
Ameren Missouri
Ameren Illinois
Income taxes payable to parent(a)
$
15

$
43

 
 
$
16

$
7

Income taxes receivable from parent(b)
15

17

 
 

6

(a)
Included in “Accounts payable – affiliates” on the balance sheet.
(b)
Included in “Accounts receivable – affiliates” on the balance sheet.
Capital Contributions
The following table presents cash capital contributions received from Ameren (parent) by Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
Ameren Missouri(a)
$
124

 
$
45

 
$
30

 
Ameren Illinois
15

(a) 
160

 
8

 
(a)
As a result of the tax allocation agreement.
Effects of Related-party Transactions on the Statement of Income
The following table presents the impact on Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois of related-party transactions for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017. It is based primarily on the agreements discussed above and the money pool arrangements discussed in Note 4 – Short-term Debt and Liquidity.
Agreement
Income Statement Line Item
 
 
 
Ameren
Missouri
 
Ameren
Illinois
Ameren Missouri power supply agreements
Operating Revenues
 
2019
$
3

$
(a)

with Ameren Illinois
 
 
2018
 
11

 
(a)

 
 
 
2017
 
23

 
(a)

Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois
Operating Revenues
 
2019
 
27

 
2

rent and facility services
 
 
2018
 
22

 
3

 
 
 
2017
 
26

 
4

Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois miscellaneous
Operating Revenues
 
2019
 
1

 
2

support services and services provided to ATXI
 
 
2018
 
1

 
1

 
 
 
2017
 
(b)

 
1

Ameren Missouri software licensing
Operating Revenues
 
2019
 
(a)

 
19

with Ameren Illinois
 
 
2018
 
(a)

 
(a)

 
 
 
2017
 
(a)

 
(a)

Total Operating Revenues
 
 
2019
$
31

$
23

 
 
 
2018
 
34

 
4

 
 
 
2017
 
49

 
5

Ameren Illinois power supply
Purchased Power
 
2019
$
(a)

$
3

agreements with Ameren Missouri
 
 
2018
 
(a)

 
11

 
 
 
2017
 
(a)

 
23

Ameren Illinois transmission
Purchased Power
 
2019
 
(a)

 
2

services from ATXI
 
 
2018
 
(a)

 
1

 
 
 
2017
 
(a)

 
2

Total Purchased Power
 
 
2019
$
(a)

$
5

 
 
 
2018
 
(a)

 
12

 
 
 
2017
 
(a)

 
25

Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois
Other Operations and
 
2019
$
2

$
5

rent and facility services
Maintenance
 
2018
 
3

 
6

 
 
 
2017
 
(b)

 
(b)

Ameren Services support services
Other Operations and
 
2019
 
135


127

agreement
Maintenance
 
2018
 
136

 
126

 
 
 
2017
 
149

 
139

Total Other Operations and
 
 
2019
$
137

$
132

Maintenance Expenses
 
 
2018
 
139

 
132

 
 
 
2017
 
149

 
139

Money pool borrowings (advances)
(Interest Charges)
 
2019
$
(b)

$
(b)

 
Other Income, Net
 
2018
 
1

 
(b)

 
 
 
2017
 
1

 
(b)

(a)
Not applicable.
(b)
Amount less than $1 million.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Commitments And Contingencies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
We are involved in legal, tax, and regulatory proceedings before various courts, regulatory commissions, authorities, and governmental agencies with respect to matters that arise in the ordinary course of business, some of which involve substantial amounts of money. We believe that the final disposition of these proceedings, except as otherwise disclosed in the notes to our financial statements, will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.
See also Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 2 – Rate and Regulatory Matters, Note 9 – Callaway Energy Center, Note 13 – Related-party Transactions, and Note 15 – Supplemental Information in this report.
Other Obligations
To supply a portion of the fuel requirements of Ameren Missouri’s energy centers, Ameren Missouri has entered into various long-term commitments for the procurement of coal, natural gas, nuclear fuel, and methane gas. Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois also have entered into various long-term commitments for purchased power and natural gas for distribution. The table below presents our estimated minimum fuel, purchased power, and other commitments at December 31, 2019. Ameren’s and Ameren Illinois’ purchased power commitments include the Ameren Illinois agreements entered into as part of the IPA-administered power procurement process. Included in the Other column are minimum purchase commitments under contracts for equipment, design and construction, and meter reading services, among other agreements, at December 31, 2019.
 
Coal
 
Natural
Gas(a)
 
Nuclear
Fuel
 
Purchased
Power(b)(c)
 
Methane
Gas
 
Other
 
Total
Ameren:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020
$
325

 
$
171

 
$
42

 
$
147

(d) 
$
3

 
$
75

 
$
763

2021
197

 
109

 
60

 
51

 
3

 
33

 
453

2022
137

 
55

 
13

 
13

 
3

 
22

 
243

2023
46

 
35

 
43

 
3

 
3

 
22

 
152

2024
53

 
12

 
15

 

 
3

 
25

 
108

Thereafter
27

 
43

 
15

 

 
24

 
58

 
167

Total
$
785

 
$
425

 
$
188

 
$
214

 
$
39

 
$
235

 
$
1,886

Ameren Missouri:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020
$
325

 
$
40

 
$
42

 
$

 
$
3

 
$
61

 
$
471

2021
197

 
26

 
60

 

 
3

 
26

 
312

2022
137

 
14

 
13

 

 
3

 
22

 
189

2023
46

 
13

 
43

 

 
3

 
22

 
127

2024
53

 
6

 
15

 

 
3

 
25

 
102

Thereafter
27

 
19

 
15

 

 
24

 
24

 
109

Total
$
785

 
$
118

 
$
188

 
$

 
$
39

 
$
180

 
$
1,310

Ameren Illinois:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020
$

 
$
131

 
$

 
$
147

(d) 
$

 
$
3

 
$
281

2021

 
83

 

 
51

 

 
2

 
136

2022

 
41

 

 
13

 

 

 
54

2023

 
22

 

 
3

 

 

 
25

2024

 
6

 

 

 

 

 
6

Thereafter

 
24

 

 

 

 

 
24

Total
$

 
$
307

 
$

 
$
214

 
$

 
$
5

 
$
526

(a)
Includes amounts for generation and for distribution.
(b)
The purchased power amounts for Ameren and Ameren Illinois exclude agreements for renewable energy credits through 2035 with various renewable energy suppliers due to the contingent nature of the payment amounts, with the exception of expected payments of $13 million through 2024.
(c)
The purchased power amounts for Ameren and Ameren Missouri exclude a 102-megawatt power purchase agreement with a wind farm operator, which expires in 2024, due to the contingent nature of the payment amounts.
(d)
In January 2018, as required by the FEJA, Ameren Illinois entered into agreements to acquire zero emission credits, through 2026. Annual zero emission credit commitment amounts will be published by the IPA each May prior to the start of the subsequent planning year. The amounts above reflect Ameren Illinois’ commitment to acquire approximately $27 million of zero emission credits through May 2020.
Environmental Matters
We are subject to various environmental laws, including statutes and regulations, enforced by federal, state, and local authorities. The development and operation of electric generation, transmission, and distribution facilities and natural gas storage, transmission, and distribution facilities can trigger compliance obligations with respect to environmental laws. These laws address emissions, discharges to water, water intake, impacts to air, land, and water, and chemical and waste handling. Complex and lengthy processes are required to obtain and renew approvals, permits, and licenses for new, existing or modified facilities. Additionally, the use and handling of various chemicals or hazardous materials require release prevention plans and emergency response procedures.
The EPA has promulgated environmental regulations that have a significant impact on the electric utility industry. Over time, compliance with these regulations could be costly for Ameren Missouri, which operates coal-fired power plants. Regulations that apply to air emissions from the electric utility industry include the NSPS, the CSAPR, the MATS, and the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, which are subject to periodic review for certain pollutants. Collectively, these regulations cover a variety of pollutants, such as SO2, particulate matter, NOx, mercury, toxic metals, and acid gases, and CO2 emissions from new power plants. Water intake and discharges from power plants are regulated under the Clean Water Act. Such regulation could require modifications to water intake structures or more stringent limitations on wastewater discharges at Ameren Missouri’s energy centers, either of which could result in significant capital expenditures. The management
and disposal of coal ash is regulated under the CCR rule, which will require the closure of surface impoundments and the installations of dry ash handling systems at several of Ameren Missouri’s energy centers. The individual or combined effects of existing environmental regulations could result in significant capital expenditures, increased operating costs, or the closure or alteration of operations at some of Ameren Missouri’s energy centers. Ameren and Ameren Missouri expect that such compliance costs would be recoverable through rates, subject to MoPSC prudence review, but the timing of costs and their recovery could be subject to regulatory lag.
Ameren and Ameren Missouri estimate that they will need to make capital expenditures of $200 million to $250 million from 2020 through 2024 in order to comply with existing environmental regulations. Additional environmental controls beyond 2024 could be required. This estimate of capital expenditures includes expenditures required by the CCR regulations, by the Clean Water Act rule applicable to cooling water intake structures at existing power plants, and by effluent limitation guidelines applicable to steam electric generating units, all of which are discussed below. This estimate does not include capital expenditures that may be required as a result of the NSR and Clean Air Act litigation discussed below. Ameren Missouri’s current plan for compliance with existing air emission regulations includes burning low-sulfur coal and installing new or optimizing existing air pollution control equipment. The actual amount of capital expenditures required to comply with existing environmental regulations may vary substantially from the above estimate because of uncertainty as to whether the EPA will substantially revise regulatory obligations, exactly which compliance strategies will be used and their ultimate cost, among other things.
The following sections describe the more significant environmental laws and rules and environmental enforcement and remediation matters that affect or could affect our operations. The EPA has initiated an administrative review of several regulations and proposed amendments to regulations and guidelines, including to the effluent limitation guidelines and the CCR Rule, which could ultimately result in the revision of all or part of such rules.
Clean Air Act
Federal and state laws, including CSAPR, regulate emissions of SO2 and NOx through the reduction of emissions at their source and the use and retirement of emission allowances. The first phase of the CSAPR emission reduction requirements became effective in 2015. The second phase of emission reduction requirements, which were revised by the EPA in 2016, became effective in 2017; additional emission reduction requirements may apply in subsequent years. To achieve compliance with the CSAPR, Ameren Missouri burns low-sulfur coal, operates two scrubbers at its Sioux Energy Center, and optimizes other existing air pollution control equipment. Ameren Missouri expects to incur additional costs to lower its emissions at one or more of its energy centers to comply with the CSAPR in future years. These higher costs are expected to be recovered from customers through the FAC or higher base rates.
CO2 Emissions Standards
In July 2019, the EPA issued the Affordable Clean Energy Rule, which establishes emission guidelines for states to follow in developing plans to limit CO2 emissions from coal-fired electric generating units. The EPA has identified certain efficiency measures as the best system of emission reduction for coal-fired electric generating units. The Affordable Clean Energy Rule went into effect on September 6, 2019. The rule requires the state of Missouri to develop a compliance plan and submit it to the EPA for approval by September 2022. The plan is expected to include a standard of performance for each affected generating unit. We are evaluating the impact of the adoption and implementation of the Affordable Clean Energy Rule and, along with other stakeholders, will be working with the state of Missouri to develop the compliance plan submitted to the EPA. At this time, we cannot predict the outcome of Missouri’s compliance plan development process. As such, the impact on the results of operations, financial position, and liquidity of Ameren and Ameren Missouri is uncertain. We also cannot predict the outcome of any potential legal challenges to the rule.
NSR and Clean Air Act Litigation
In January 2011, the Department of Justice, on behalf of the EPA, filed a complaint against Ameren Missouri in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri alleging that in performing projects at its coal-fired Rush Island Energy Center in 2007 and 2010, Ameren Missouri violated provisions of the Clean Air Act and Missouri law. In January 2017, the district court issued a liability ruling and, in September 2019, entered a final order that required Ameren Missouri to install a flue gas desulfurization system at the Rush Island Energy Center and a dry sorbent injection system at the Labadie Energy Center. There were no fines in the order. In October 2019, Ameren Missouri appealed the district court’s ruling to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Additionally, in October 2019, following a request by Ameren Missouri, the district court stayed implementation of the majority of its order’s requirements while the case is appealed. Ameren Missouri believes that the district court both misinterpreted and misapplied the law in its ruling. We are unable to predict the ultimate resolution of this matter. Based on the initial procedural schedule, the Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit is expected to hear oral arguments in 2020; however, it is under no deadline to issue a ruling in this case.
The ultimate resolution of this matter could have a material adverse effect on the results of operations, financial position, and liquidity of Ameren and Ameren Missouri. Among other things and subject to economic and regulatory considerations, resolution of this matter could result in increased capital expenditures for the installation of air pollution control equipment, as well as increased operations and maintenance expenses. Based upon engineering studies, capital expenditures to comply with the district court’s order for installation of a flue
gas desulfurization system at the Rush Island Energy Center are estimated at approximately $1 billion. Further, the flue gas desulfurization system would result in additional operation and maintenance expenses of $30 million to $50 million annually for the life of the energy center. Engineering studies required to develop estimated capital expenditures and estimated additional operation and maintenance expenses for the Labadie Energy Center to comply with the district court’s order will not be undertaken while the case is under appeal. As a result of the district court’s stay, Ameren Missouri does not expect to make significant capital expenditures or incur operations and maintenance expenses related to the district court’s order while the case is under appeal.
Clean Water Act
In July 2018, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld the EPA’s Section 316(b) Rule applicable to cooling water intake structures at existing power plants. The rule requires a case-by-case evaluation and plan for reducing the number of aquatic organisms impinged on a power plant’s cooling water intake screens or entrained through the plant’s cooling water system. All of Ameren Missouri’s coal-fired and nuclear energy centers are subject to the cooling water intake structures rule. Requirements of the rule are being implemented by Ameren Missouri during the permit renewal process of each energy center’s water discharge permit, which is expected to be completed by 2023.
In 2015, the EPA issued a rule to revise the effluent limitation guidelines applicable to steam electric generating units. These guidelines established national standards for water discharges that are based on the effectiveness of available control technology. The EPA’s 2015 rule prohibits effluent discharges of certain waste streams and imposes more stringent limitations on certain water discharges from power plants. In September 2017, the EPA published a rule that postponed the compliance dates by two years for the limitations applicable to two specific waste streams so that it could potentially revise those standards. To meet the requirements of the guidelines, Ameren Missouri is constructing wastewater treatment facilities and dry ash handling systems at three of its energy centers and is scheduled to complete the projects in 2020. Estimated capital expenditures to complete these projects are included in the CCR management compliance plan, discussed below.
CCR Management
In 2015, the EPA issued the CCR rule, which established requirements for the management and disposal of CCR from coal-fired power plants. These regulations affect CCR disposal and handling costs at Ameren Missouri’s energy centers. Ameren Missouri is in the process of closing its surface impoundments, with the last of such closures scheduled for 2023. The EPA issued revisions to the CCR rule in July 2018, proposed additional revisions in July and November 2019, and indicated that additional revisions to the CCR rule are likely. Ameren and Ameren Missouri have AROs of $151 million recorded on their respective balance sheets as of December 31, 2019, associated with CCR storage facilities. Ameren Missouri estimates it will need to make capital expenditures of $75 million to $125 million from 2020 through 2024 to implement its CCR management compliance plan, which includes installation of dry ash handling systems, wastewater treatment facilities, and groundwater monitoring equipment.
Remediation
The Ameren Companies are involved in a number of remediation actions to clean up sites impacted by the use or disposal of materials containing hazardous substances. Federal and state laws can require responsible parties to fund remediation regardless of their degree of fault, the legality of original disposal, or the ownership of a disposal site. Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois have each been identified as a potentially responsible party at several contaminated sites.
As of December 31, 2019, Ameren Illinois has remediated the majority of the 44 former MGP sites in Illinois it owned or for which it was otherwise responsible. Ameren Illinois estimates it could substantially conclude remediation efforts at the remaining sites by 2023. The ICC allows Ameren Illinois to recover such remediation and related litigation costs from its electric and natural gas utility customers through environmental cost riders. Costs are subject to annual prudence review by the ICC. As of December 31, 2019, Ameren Illinois estimated the remaining obligation related to these former MGP sites at $129 million to $213 million. Ameren and Ameren Illinois recorded a liability of $129 million to represent the estimated minimum obligation for these sites, as no other amount within the range was a better estimate.
The scope of the remediation activities at these former MGP sites may increase as remediation efforts continue. Considerable uncertainty remains in these estimates because many site-specific factors can influence the ultimate actual costs, including unanticipated underground structures, the degree to which groundwater is encountered, regulatory changes, local ordinances, and site accessibility. The actual costs and timing of completion may vary substantially from these estimates.
Our operations or those of our predecessor companies involve the use of, disposal of, and, in appropriate circumstances, the cleanup of substances regulated under environmental laws. We are unable to determine whether such practices will result in future environmental commitments or will affect our results of operations, financial position, or liquidity.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Supplemental Information
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Supplemental Information [Abstract]  
Supplemental Information SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the balance sheets and the statements of cash flows as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
December 31, 2019
 
 
December 31, 2018
Ameren
Ameren
Missouri
Ameren
Illinois
 
 
Ameren
Ameren
Missouri
Ameren
Illinois
Cash and cash equivalents
$
16

$
9

$

 
 
$
16

$

$

Restricted cash included in “Other current assets”
14

4

5

 
 
13

4

6

Restricted cash included in “Other assets”
120


120

 
 
74


74

Restricted cash included in “Nuclear decommissioning trust fund”
26

26


 
 
4

4


Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$
176

$
39

$
125

 
 
$
107

$
8

$
80


Restricted cash included in “Other current assets” primarily represents funds held by an irrevocable Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) trust, which provides health care benefits for active employees. Restricted cash included in “Other assets” on Ameren’s and Ameren Illinois’ balance sheets primarily represents amounts collected under a cost recovery rider that are restricted for use in the procurement of renewable energy credits and amounts in a trust fund restricted for the use of funding certain asbestos-related claims.
Accounts Receivable
“Accounts receivable – trade” on Ameren’s and Ameren Illinois’ balance sheets include certain receivables purchased at a discount from alternative retail electric suppliers that elect to participate in the utility consolidated billing program. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, “Other current liabilities” on Ameren’s and Ameren Illinois’ balance sheets included payables for purchased receivables of $32 million and $33 million, respectively.
For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, the Ameren Companies recorded immaterial bad debt expense.
Inventories
The following table presents the components of inventories for each of the Ameren Companies at December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
December 31, 2019
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
Ameren
Missouri
Ameren
Illinois
Ameren
 
 
Ameren
Missouri
Ameren
Illinois
Ameren
Fuel(a)
$
126

$

$
126

 
 
$
123

$

$
123

Natural gas stored underground
6

57

63

 
 
7

64

71

Materials, supplies, and other
241

64

305

 
 
228

61

289

Total inventories
$
373

$
121

$
494

 
 
$
358

$
125

$
483

(a)
Consists of coal, oil, and propane.
Leases
In the first quarter of 2019, we adopted authoritative accounting guidance related to leases, which affected our financial position, but did not materially affect our results of operations or liquidity. The most significant impact for us was the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for operating leases, while the accounting for our finance leases remained substantially unchanged. Ameren and Ameren Missouri recognized right-of-use assets and offsetting lease liabilities of $38 million and $36 million at January 1, 2019, respectively, primarily related to rail car leases. The effect of the adoption was immaterial at Ameren Illinois. No adjustment to comparative periods was made. We elected the available practical expedients upon adoption.
Ameren Missouri primarily leases rail cars under operating lease arrangements for the transportation of coal inventory to its energy centers. Although Ameren Missouri has options to renew a portion of these arrangements for up to five years on similar terms, the exercise of these options was not assumed in the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease obligations. For rail car leases, we account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component.
The operating lease expense and the cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities at Ameren and Ameren Missouri were immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017.
The following table provides supplemental balance sheet information related to operating leases as of December 31, 2019:
 
Ameren
 
Ameren Missouri
Other assets
$
36

 
$
34

Other current liabilities
7

 
7

Other deferred credits and liabilities
29

 
27

Weighted average remaining operating lease term
5 years

 
5 years

Weighted average discount rate(a)
3.5
%
 
3.4
%
(a)
As an implicit rate is not readily determinable under most of our lease agreements, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. We use an implicit rate when readily determinable.
The following table presents remaining maturities of operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2019:
 
Ameren
 
Ameren Missouri
2020
$
8

 
$
8

2021
8

 
7

2022
7

 
6

2023
6

 
6

2024
5

 
5

Thereafter
5

 
5

Total lease payments
39

 
37

Less imputed interest
3

 
3

Total(a)
$
36

 
$
34

(a)
The amount of remaining maturities of operating lease liabilities under previous authoritative accounting guidance as of December 31, 2018, is materially consistent with the amount as of December 31, 2019. Maturities of certain financing arrangements, including the Peno Creek and Audrain energy centers' long-term agreements, are no longer required to be disclosed as lease-related maturities. See Note 5 – Long-Term Debt and Equity Financings, for further information on financing arrangements.
Asset Retirement Obligations
The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending carrying amount of AROs for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
December 31, 2019
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
Ameren
Missouri
 
Ameren
Illinois
 
Ameren
 
 
 
Ameren
Missouri
 
Ameren
Illinois
 
Ameren
 
Beginning balance at January 1
$
646

(a) 
$
4

(b) 
$
650

(a) 
 
 
$
640

 
$
4

 
$
644

 
Liabilities settled
(20
)
 

 
(20
)
 
 
 
(7
)
 

 
(7
)
 
Accretion(c)
28

 

 
28

 
 
 
27

 

 
27

 
Change in estimates
33

(d) 

 
33

(d) 
 
 
(14
)
(e) 

 
(14
)
(e) 
Ending balance at December 31
$
687

(a) 
$
4

(b) 
$
691

(a) 
 
 
$
646

(a) 
$
4

(b) 
$
650

(a) 
(a)
Balance included $53 million and $23 million in “Other current liabilities” on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(b)
Included in “Other deferred credits and liabilities” on the balance sheet.
(c)
Ameren Missouri’s accretion expense was deferred as a decrease to regulatory liabilities.
(d)
Ameren Missouri changed its fair value estimate primarily due to an increase in the cost estimate for closure of certain CCR storage facilities.
(e)
Ameren Missouri changed its fair value estimate primarily due to a reduction in the cost estimate for closure of certain CCR storage facilities.
Noncontrolling Interests
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, Ameren’s noncontrolling interests included the preferred stock of Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois.
Deferred Compensation
As of December 31, 2019, and 2018, “Other current liabilities’ and “Other deferred credits and liabilities” on Ameren’s balance sheet included deferred compensation obligations of $86 million and $80 million, respectively, recorded at the present value of future benefits to be paid.
Excise Taxes
Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois collect from their customers excise taxes, including municipal and state excise taxes and gross receipts taxes, that are levied on the sale or distribution of natural gas and electricity. The following table presents the excise taxes recorded on a gross basis in “Operating Revenues – Electric,” “Operating Revenues – Natural gas” and “Operating Expenses – Taxes other than income taxes” on the statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
Ameren Missouri
$
147

 
$
164

 
$
153

 
Ameren Illinois
117

 
118

 
112

 
Ameren
$
264

 
$
282

 
$
265

 

Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
The following table presents the average rate that was applied to eligible construction work in progress and the amounts of allowance for funds used during construction capitalized in 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
Average rate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ameren Missouri
6
%
 
7
%
 
7
%
 
Ameren Illinois
5
%
 
5
%
 
4
%
 
Ameren:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
$
28

 
$
36

 
$
24

 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
20

 
21

 
14

 
Total Ameren
$
48

 
$
57

 
$
38

 
Ameren Missouri:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
$
19

 
$
27

 
$
21

 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
12

 
14

 
10

 
Total Ameren Missouri
$
31

 
$
41

 
$
31

 
Ameren Illinois:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
$
9

 
$
9

 
$
3

 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
8

 
7

 
4

 
Total Ameren Illinois
$
17

 
$
16

 
$
7

 

Earnings per Share
Earnings per basic and diluted share are computed by dividing “Net Income Attributable to Ameren Common Shareholders” by the weighted-average number of basic and diluted common shares outstanding, respectively, during the applicable period. The weighted-average shares outstanding for earnings per diluted share includes the incremental effects resulting from performance share units, restricted stock units, and the forward sale agreement relating to common stock when the impact would be dilutive, as calculated using the treasury stock method. For information regarding performance share units and restricted stock units, see Note 11 – Stock-based Compensation. For information regarding the forward sale agreement, see Note 5 – Long-term Debt and Equity Financings.
The following table reconciles the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding to the diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:


2019
 
2018
 
2017
Weighted-average Common Shares Outstanding – Basic
245.6

 
243.8

 
242.6

Assumed settlement of performance share units and restricted stock units
1.4

 
2.0

 
1.6

Dilutive effect of forward sale agreement related to common stock
0.1

 

 

Weighted-average Common Shares Outstanding – Diluted(a)
247.1

 
245.8

 
244.2

(a)
There were no potentially dilutive securities excluded from the earnings per diluted share calculations for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017.
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
The following table provides noncash financing and investing activity excluded from the statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. There was no noncash financing or investing activity for the year ended December 31, 2017.
 
December 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Ameren
Ameren
Missouri
Ameren
Illinois
 
Ameren
Ameren
Missouri
Ameren
Illinois
 
Ameren
Ameren
Missouri
Ameren
Illinois
Investing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exchange of bond investments for the extinguishment of senior unsecured notes(a)
$
17

$

$
17

 
$

$

$

 
$

$

$

Accrued capital expenditures
333

140

163

 
272

121

138

 
361

159

175

Accrued nuclear fuel expenditures
19

19


 
20

20


 
10

10


Net realized and unrealized gain  nuclear decommissioning trust fund
143

143


 
(38
)
(38
)

 
3

3


Financing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exchange of bond investments for the extinguishment of senior unsecured notes(a)
$
(17
)
$

$
(17
)
 
$

$

$

 
$

$

$

Issuance of common stock for stock-based compensation
54



 
35



 



(a)
See Note 4 – Long-term Debt and Equity Financings for additional information.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Segment Information
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
SEGMENT INFORMATION SEGMENT INFORMATION
Ameren has four segments: Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution, Ameren Illinois Natural Gas, and Ameren Transmission. The Ameren Missouri segment includes all of the operations of Ameren Missouri. Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution consists of the electric distribution business of Ameren Illinois. Ameren Illinois Natural Gas consists of the natural gas business of Ameren Illinois. Ameren Transmission primarily consists of the aggregated electric transmission businesses of Ameren Illinois and ATXI. The category called Other primarily includes Ameren (parent) activities and Ameren Services.
Ameren Missouri has one segment. Ameren Illinois has three segments: Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution, Ameren Illinois Natural Gas, and Ameren Illinois Transmission. See Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for additional information regarding the operations of Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois, and ATXI.
Segment operating revenues and a majority of operating expenses are directly recognized and incurred by Ameren Illinois to each Ameren Illinois segment. Common operating expenses, miscellaneous income and expenses, interest charges, and income tax expense are allocated by Ameren Illinois to each Ameren Illinois segment based on certain factors, which primarily relate to the nature of the cost. Additionally, Ameren Illinois Transmission earns revenue from transmission service provided to Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution, other retail electric suppliers, and wholesale customers. The transmission expense for Illinois customers who have elected to purchase their power from Ameren Illinois is recovered through a cost recovery mechanism with no net effect on Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution earnings, as costs are offset by corresponding revenues. Transmission revenues from these transactions are reflected in Ameren Transmission’s and Ameren Illinois Transmission’s operating revenues. An intersegment elimination at Ameren and Ameren Illinois occurs to eliminate these transmission revenues and expenses.
The following tables present information about the reported revenue and specified items reflected in net income attributable to common shareholders and capital expenditures by segment at Ameren and Ameren Illinois for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017. Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois management review segment capital expenditure information rather than any individual or total asset amount.
Ameren
 
Ameren Missouri
 
Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution
 
Ameren Illinois Natural Gas
 
Ameren Transmission
 
Other
 
Intersegment Eliminations
 
Ameren
 
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External revenues
$
3,212

 
$
1,487

 
$
791

 
$
401

 
$

 
$

 
$
5,891

 
Intersegment revenues
31

 
17

 
6

 
63

(a) 

 
(98
)
 
19

(b) 
Depreciation and amortization
556

 
273

 
78

 
84

 
4

 

 
995

 
Interest income
26

 
6

 

 
1

 
5

 
(5
)
 
33

 
Interest charges
178

 
71

 
38

 
74

(c) 
25

 
(5
)
 
381

 
Income taxes (benefit)
68

 
45

 
30

 
64

 
(25
)
 

 
182

 
Net income (loss) attributable to Ameren common shareholders
426

 
146

 
84

 
185

 
(13
)
 

 
828

 
Capital expenditures
1,076

 
518

 
318

 
528

 
3

 
(32
)
(d) 
2,411

 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External revenues
$
3,555

 
$
1,544

 
$
814

 
$
378

 
$

 
$

 
$
6,291

 
Intersegment revenues
34

 
3

 
1

 
55

(a) 

 
(93
)
 

 
Depreciation and amortization
550

 
259

 
65

 
77

 
4

 

 
955

 
Interest income
28

 
6

 

 

 
4

 
(5
)
 
33

 
Interest charges
200

 
73

 
38

 
75

(c) 
19

 
(4
)
 
401

 
Income taxes (benefit)
124

 
41

 
25

 
56

 
(9
)
 

 
237

 
Net income (loss) attributable to Ameren common shareholders
478

 
136

 
70

 
164

 
(33
)
 

 
815

 
Capital expenditures
914

 
503

 
311

 
562

 
5

 
(9
)
 
2,286

 
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External revenues
$
3,488

 
$
1,564

 
$
742

 
$
382

 
$
(2
)
 
$

 
$
6,174

 
Intersegment revenues
49

 
4

 
1

 
44

(a) 

 
(98
)
 

 
Depreciation and amortization
533

 
239

 
59

 
60

 
5

 

 
896

 
Interest income
27

 
7

 

 

 
11

 
(11
)
 
34

 
Interest charges
207

 
73

 
36

 
67

(c) 
19

 
(11
)
 
391

 
Income taxes
254

 
83

 
36

 
90

 
113

 

 
576

 
Net income (loss) attributable to Ameren common shareholders
323

 
131

 
60

 
140

 
(131
)
 

 
523

 
Capital expenditures
773

 
476

 
245

 
644

 
1

 
(7
)
 
2,132

 

(a)
Ameren Transmission earns revenue from transmission service provided to Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution. See discussion of transactions above.
(b)
Intersegment revenues at Ameren include $14 million and $5 million of revenue from Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution and Ameren Illinois Natural Gas, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2019, for a software licensing agreement with Ameren Missouri. Under authoritative accounting guidance for rate-regulated entities, the revenue recognized by Ameren Illinois was not eliminated upon consolidation. See Note 13 – Related-party Transactions for additional information.
(c)
Ameren Transmission interest charges include an allocation of financing costs from Ameren (parent).
(d)
Intersegment capital expenditure eliminations include $24 million of eliminations for the year ended December 31, 2019 for a software licensing agreement between Ameren Illinois and Ameren Missouri. See Note 13 – Related-party Transactions for additional information.
Ameren Illinois
 
Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution
 
Ameren Illinois
Natural Gas
 
Ameren Illinois Transmission
 
Intersegment Eliminations
 
Ameren Illinois
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External revenues
$
1,504

 
$
797

 
$
226

 
$

 
$
2,527

Intersegment revenues

 

 
62

(a) 
(62
)
 

Depreciation and amortization
273

 
78

 
55

 

 
406

Interest income
6

 

 

 

 
6

Interest charges
71

 
38

 
38

 

 
147

Income taxes
45

 
30

 
35

 

 
110

Net income available to common shareholder
146

 
84

 
113

 

 
343

Capital expenditures
518

 
318

 
372

 

 
1,208

2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External revenues
$
1,547

 
$
815

 
$
214

 
$

 
$
2,576

Intersegment revenues

 

 
53

(a) 
(53
)
 

Depreciation and amortization
259

 
65

 
50

 

 
374

Interest income
6

 

 

 

 
6

Interest charges
73

 
38

 
38

 

 
149

Income taxes
41

 
25

 
32

 

 
98

Net income available to common shareholder
136

 
70

 
98

 

 
304

Capital expenditures
503

 
311

 
444

 

 
1,258

2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External revenues
$
1,568

 
$
743

 
$
216

 
$

 
$
2,527

Intersegment revenues

 

 
42

(a) 
(42
)
 

Depreciation and amortization
239

 
59

 
43

 

 
341

Interest income
7

 

 

 

 
7

Interest charges
73

 
36

 
35

 

 
144

Income taxes
83

 
36

 
47

 

 
166

Net income available to common shareholder
131

 
60

 
77

 

 
268

Capital expenditures
476

 
245

 
355

 

 
1,076

(a)
Ameren Illinois Transmission earns revenue from transmission service provided to Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution. See discussion of transactions above.
The following tables present disaggregated revenues by segment at Ameren and Ameren Illinois for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017. Economic factors affect the nature, timing, amount, and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows in a similar manner across customer classes. Revenues from alternative revenue programs have a similar distribution among customer classes as revenues from contracts with customers. Other revenues not associated with contracts with customers are presented in the Other customer classification, along with electric transmission and off-system revenues.

Ameren
 
Ameren Missouri
 
Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution
 
Ameren Illinois Natural Gas
 
Ameren Transmission
 
Other
 
Intersegment Eliminations
 
Ameren
 
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
$
1,403

 
$
848

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,251

 
Commercial
1,157

 
497

 

 

 

 

 
1,654

 
Industrial
278

 
127

 

 

 

 

 
405

 
Other
271

 
32

(a) 

 
464

 

 
(96
)
 
671

 
Total electric revenues
$
3,109

 
$
1,504

 
$

 
$
464

 
$

 
$
(96
)
 
$
4,981

 
Residential
$
81

 
$

 
$
570

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
651

 
Commercial
34

 

 
154

 

 

 

 
188

 
Industrial
4

 

 
13

 

 

 

 
17

 
Other
15

 

 
60

(a) 

 

 
(2
)
 
73

 
Total gas revenues
$
134

 
$

 
$
797

 
$

 
$

 
$
(2
)
 
$
929

 
Total revenues(b)
$
3,243

 
$
1,504

 
$
797

 
$
464

 
$

 
$
(98
)
 
$
5,910

 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
$
1,560

 
$
867

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,427

 
Commercial
1,271

 
511

 

 

 

 

 
1,782

 
Industrial
312

 
130

 

 

 

 

 
442

 
Other
308

(c) 
39

 

 
433

 

 
(92
)
 
688

(c) 
Total electric revenues
$
3,451

 
$
1,547

 
$

 
$
433

 
$

 
$
(92
)
 
$
5,339

 
Residential
$
90

 
$

 
$
581

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
671

 
Commercial
37

 

 
159

 

 

 

 
196

 
Industrial
4

 

 
17

 

 

 

 
21

 
Other
7

 

 
58

 

 

 
(1
)
 
64

 
Total gas revenues
$
138

 
$

 
$
815

 
$

 
$

 
$
(1
)
 
$
952

 
Total revenues(b)
$
3,589

 
$
1,547

 
$
815

 
$
433

 
$

 
$
(93
)
 
$
6,291

 
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
$
1,417

 
$
870

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,287

 
Commercial
1,208

 
527

 

 

 

 

 
1,735

 
Industrial
305

 
113

 

 

 

 

 
418

 
Other
481

 
58

 

 
426

 
(2
)
 
(96
)
 
867

 
Total electric revenues
$
3,411

 
$
1,568

 
$

 
$
426

 
$
(2
)
 
$
(96
)
 
$
5,307

 
Residential
$
77

 
$

 
$
531

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
608

 
Commercial
31

 

 
146

 

 

 

 
177

 
Industrial
4

 

 
12

 

 

 

 
16

 
Other
14

 

 
54

 

 

 
(2
)
 
66

 
Total gas revenues
$
126

 
$

 
$
743

 
$

 
$

 
$
(2
)
 
$
867

 
Total revenues(b)
$
3,537

 
$
1,568

 
$
743

 
$
426

 
$
(2
)
 
$
(98
)
 
$
6,174

 
(a)
Includes $14 million and $5 million for Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution and Ameren Illinois Natural Gas, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2019, for a software licensing agreement with Ameren Missouri. See Note 13 – Related-party Transactions for additional information.
(b)The following table presents increases/(decreases) in revenues from alternative revenue programs and other revenues not from contracts with customers for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
Ameren Missouri
 
Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution
 
Ameren Illinois Natural Gas
 
Ameren Transmission
 
Ameren
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues from alternative revenue programs
$
35

 
$
(74
)
 
$

 
$
(31
)
 
$
(70
)
Other revenues not from contracts with customers
19

 
7

 
2

 

 
28

2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues from alternative revenue programs
$
(8
)
 
$
(3
)
 
$
(23
)
 
$
(25
)
 
$
(59
)
Other revenues not from contracts with customers
24

 
16

 
2

 

 
42

2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues from alternative revenue programs
$
(28
)
 
$
(5
)
 
$
5

 
$
13

 
$
(15
)
Other revenues not from contracts with customers
15

 
6

 
2

 

 
23

(c)
Includes $60 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, for the reduction to revenue for the excess amounts collected in rates to be refunded related to the TCJA from January 1, 2018, through July 31, 2018. See Note 2 – Rate and Regulatory Matters for additional information.
Ameren Illinois
 
Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution
 
Ameren Illinois Natural Gas
 
Ameren Illinois Transmission
 
Intersegment Eliminations
 
Ameren Illinois
 
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
$
848

 
$
570

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,418

 
Commercial
497

 
154

 

 

 
651

 
Industrial
127

 
13

 

 

 
140

 
Other
32

(a) 
60

(a) 
288

 
(62
)
 
318

 
Total revenues(b)
$
1,504

 
$
797

 
$
288

 
$
(62
)
 
$
2,527

 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
$
867

 
$
581

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,448

 
Commercial
511

 
159

 

 

 
670

 
Industrial
130

 
17

 

 

 
147

 
Other
39

 
58

 
267

 
(53
)
 
311

 
Total revenues(b)
$
1,547

 
$
815

 
$
267

 
$
(53
)
 
$
2,576

 
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
$
870

 
$
531

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,401

 
Commercial
527

 
146

 

 

 
673

 
Industrial
113

 
12

 

 

 
125

 
Other
58

 
54

 
258

 
(42
)
 
328

 
Total revenues(b)
$
1,568

 
$
743

 
$
258

 
$
(42
)
 
$
2,527

 
(a)
Includes $14 million and $5 million for Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution and Ameren Illinois Natural Gas, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2019, for a software licensing agreement with Ameren Missouri. See Note 13 – Related-party Transactions for additional information.
(b)
The following table presents increases/(decreases) in revenues from alternative revenue programs and other revenues not from contracts with customers for the Ameren Illinois segments for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution
 
Ameren Illinois Natural Gas
 
Ameren Illinois Transmission
 
Ameren Illinois
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues from alternative revenue programs
$
(74
)
 
$

 
$
(33
)
 
$
(107
)
Other revenues not from contracts with customers
7

 
2

 

 
9

2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues from alternative revenue programs
$
(3
)
 
$
(23
)
 
$
(25
)
 
$
(51
)
Other revenues not from contracts with customers
16

 
2

 

 
18

2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues from alternative revenue programs
$
(5
)
 
$
5

 
$
9

 
$
9

Other revenues not from contracts with customers
6

 
2

 

 
8


v3.19.3.a.u2
Selected Quarterly Information
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]  
SELECTED QUARTERLY INFORMATION
SELECTED QUARTERLY INFORMATION (Unaudited) (In millions, except per share amounts)
Ameren
2019
 
 
2018
 
Quarter ended
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
 
 
March 31

 
June 30

 
September 30
 
December 31
 
Operating revenues
$
1,556

 
$
1,379

 
$
1,659

 
$
1,316

 
 
$
1,585

 
$
1,563

 
$
1,724

 
$
1,419

 
Operating income
288

 
280

 
520

 
179

 
 
273

 
385

 
533

 
166

 
Net income
193

 
180

 
366

 
95

 
 
153

 
240

 
359

 
69

 
Net income attributable to Ameren common shareholders
$
191

 
$
179

 
$
364

 
$
94

 
 
$
151

 
$
239

 
$
357

 
$
68

 
Earnings per common share – basic
$
0.78

 
$
0.73

 
$
1.48

 
$
0.38

 
 
$
0.62

 
$
0.98

 
$
1.46

 
$
0.28

 
Earnings per common share – diluted
$
0.78

 
$
0.72

 
$
1.47

 
$
0.38

 
 
$
0.62

 
$
0.97

 
$
1.45

 
$
0.28

 

Ameren Missouri
Quarter ended
 
Operating
Revenues
 
Operating
Income
 
Net Income (Loss)
 
Net Income (Loss)
Available
to Common
Shareholder
March 31, 2019
 
$
758

 
$
79

 
$
40

 
$
39

March 31, 2018
 
792

 
90

 
39

 
38

June 30, 2019
 
798

 
152

 
108

 
107

June 30, 2018
 
955

 
258

 
169

 
168

September 30, 2019
 
1,059

 
381

 
301

 
300

September 30, 2018
 
1,129

 
394

 
295

 
294

December 31, 2019
 
628

 
5

 
(20
)
 
(20
)
December 31, 2018
 
713

 
7

 
(22
)
 
(22
)

Ameren Illinois
Quarter ended
 
Operating
Revenues
 
Operating
Income
 
Net Income
 
Net Income
Available
to Common
Shareholder
March 31, 2019
 
$
762

 
$
186

 
$
121

 
$
120

March 31, 2018
 
760

 
159

 
96

 
95

June 30, 2019
 
547

 
104

 
63

 
62

June 30, 2018
 
578

 
105

 
63

 
62

September 30, 2019
 
564

 
110

 
65

 
65

September 30, 2018
 
564

 
113

 
63

 
63

December 31, 2019
 
654

 
150

 
97

 
96

December 31, 2018
 
674

 
135

 
85

 
84


v3.19.3.a.u2
Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information Of Parent
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]  
Condensed Financial Information Of Parent
SCHEDULE I – CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT
AMEREN CORPORATION
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
For the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017
(In millions)
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Operating revenues
$

 
$

 
$

Operating expenses
15

 
11

 
15

Operating loss
(15
)
 
(11
)
 
(15
)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
850

 
857

 
659

Interest income from affiliates
5

 
3

 
9

Total other income (expense), net
(2
)
 
(12
)
 
2

Interest charges
39

 
34

 
31

Income tax (benefit)
(29
)
 
(12
)
 
101

Net Income Attributable to Ameren Common Shareholders
$
828

 
$
815

 
$
523

 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income Attributable to Ameren Common Shareholders
$
828

 
$
815

 
$
523

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Taxes
 
 
 
 
 
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan activity, net of income taxes (benefit) of $1, $(1), and $3, respectively
5

 
(4
)
 
5

Comprehensive Income Attributable to Ameren Common Shareholders
$
833

 
$
811

 
$
528


SCHEDULE I – CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT
AMEREN CORPORATION
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET
(In millions)
December 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$

 
$

Advances to money pool
102

 
76

Accounts receivable – affiliates
73

 
43

Miscellaneous accounts and notes receivable
4

 
2

Other current assets
3

 
2

Total current assets
182

 
123

Investments in subsidiaries
9,108

 
8,559

Note receivable – ATXI
75

 
75

Accumulated deferred income taxes, net
49

 
108

Other assets
145

 
126

Total assets
$
9,559

 
$
8,991

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
$
350

 
$

Short-term debt
153

 
470

Borrowings from money pool
24

 
46

Accounts payable – affiliates
39

 
10

Other current liabilities
23

 
12

Total current liabilities
589

 
538

Long-term debt
794

 
697

Pension and other postretirement benefits
37

 
43

Other deferred credits and liabilities
80

 
82

Total liabilities
1,500

 
1,360

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 5)
 
 
 
Shareholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
Common stock, $.01 par value, 400.0 shares authorized – shares outstanding of 246.2 and 244.5, respectively
2

 
2

Other paid-in capital, principally premium on common stock
5,694

 
5,627

Retained earnings
2,380

 
2,024

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(17
)
 
(22
)
Total shareholders’ equity
8,059

 
7,631

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
9,559

 
$
8,991


SCHEDULE I – CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF PARENT
AMEREN CORPORATION
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017
(In millions)
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Net cash flows provided by operating activities
$
491

 
$
550

 
$
454

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Money pool advances, net
(26
)
 
(63
)
 
14

Notes receivable – ATXI, net

 

 
275

Investments in subsidiaries
(142
)
 
(208
)
 
(151
)
Other
5

 
5

 
6

Net cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities
(163
)
 
(266
)
 
144

Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends on common stock
(472
)
 
(451
)
 
(431
)
Short-term debt, net
(317
)
 
87

 
(124
)
Money pool borrowings, net
(22
)
 
18

 
(5
)
Issuances of long-term debt
450

 

 

Issuances of common stock
68

 
74

 

Repurchases of common stock for stock-based compensation

 

 
(24
)
Employee payroll taxes related to stock-based compensation
(29
)
 
(19
)
 
(15
)
Debt issuance costs
(4
)
 

 

Net cash flows used in financing activities
(326
)
 
(291
)
 
(599
)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$
2

 
$
(7
)
 
$
(1
)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year
1

 
8

 
9

Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year
$
3

 
$
1

 
$
8

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividends received from consolidated subsidiaries
$
445

 
$
450

 
$
362

 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncash financing activity – Issuance of common stock for stock-based compensation
$
54

 
$
35

 
$


AMEREN CORPORATION (parent company only)
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DECEMBER 31, 2019
NOTE 1 BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Ameren Corporation (parent company only) is a public utility holding company that conducts substantially all of its business operations through its subsidiaries. Ameren Corporation (parent company only) has accounted for its subsidiaries using the equity method. These financial statements are presented on a condensed basis.
See Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies under Part II, Item 8, of this report for additional information. See Note 13 – Related-party Transactions under Part II, Item 8, of this report for information on the tax allocation agreement between Ameren Corporation (parent company only) and its subsidiaries.
NOTE 2 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
2019
 
2018
Cash and cash equivalents
$

 
$

Restricted cash included in “Other current assets”
3

 
1

Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$
3

 
$
1


See Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies under Part II, Item 8, of this report for additional information.
NOTE 3 – SHORT-TERM DEBT AND LIQUIDITY
Ameren, Ameren Services, and other non-state-regulated Ameren subsidiaries have the ability, subject to Ameren parent company and applicable regulatory short-term borrowing authorizations, to access funding from the Credit Agreements and the commercial paper programs
through a non-state-regulated subsidiary money pool agreement. All participants may borrow from or lend to the non-state-regulated money pool. The total amount available to pool participants from the non-state-regulated subsidiary money pool at any given time is reduced by the amount of borrowings made by participants, but is increased to the extent that the pool participants advance surplus funds to the non-state-regulated subsidiary money pool or remit funds from other external sources. The non-state-regulated subsidiary money pool was established to coordinate and to provide short-term cash and working capital for the participants. Participants receiving a loan under the non-state-regulated subsidiary money pool agreement must repay the principal amount of such loan, together with accrued interest. The rate of interest depends on the composition of internal and external funds in the non-state-regulated subsidiary money pool. Interest revenues and interest charges related to non-state-regulated money pool advances and borrowings were immaterial in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
Ameren Corporation (parent company only) had a total of $10 million in guarantees outstanding, primarily for ATXI, that were not recorded on its December 31, 2019 balance sheet. The ATXI guarantees were issued to local governments as assurance for potential remediation of damage caused by ATXI construction.
See Note 4 – Short-term Debt and Liquidity under Part II, Item 8, of this report for a description and details of short-term debt and liquidity needs of Ameren Corporation (parent company only).
NOTE 4 LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS
See Note 5 – Long-term Debt and Equity Financings under Part II, Item 8, of this report for additional information on Ameren Corporation’s (parent company only) long-term debt, indenture provisions, and forward sale agreement related to common stock.
NOTE 5 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
See Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies under Part II, Item 8, of this report for a description of all material contingencies of Ameren Corporation (parent company only).
NOTE 6 OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET
The following table presents the components of “Other Income (Expense), Net” in the Condensed Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Other Income (Expense), Net
 
 
 
 
 
Non-service cost components of net periodic benefit income
$
2

 
$
2

 
$
2

Charitable donations
(3
)
 
(13
)
 

Other expense, net
(1
)
 
(1
)
 

Total Other Income (Expense), Net
$
(2
)
 
$
(12
)
 
$
2


NOTE 7 INCOME TAXES
During the year ended December 31, 2017, Ameren (parent) recorded $110 million in income tax expense and reduction in accumulated deferred income taxes as a result of the TCJA. During the year ended December 31, 2018, Ameren (parent) updated its provisional estimate and recorded $5 million of income tax expense and reduction in accumulated deferred income taxes, primarily due to the application of proposed IRS regulations on depreciation transition rules.
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents Including Restricted Cash
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the balance sheets and the statements of cash flows as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
December 31, 2019
 
 
December 31, 2018
Ameren
Ameren
Missouri
Ameren
Illinois
 
 
Ameren
Ameren
Missouri
Ameren
Illinois
Cash and cash equivalents
$
16

$
9

$

 
 
$
16

$

$

Restricted cash included in “Other current assets”
14

4

5

 
 
13

4

6

Restricted cash included in “Other assets”
120


120

 
 
74


74

Restricted cash included in “Nuclear decommissioning trust fund”
26

26


 
 
4

4


Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$
176

$
39

$
125

 
 
$
107

$
8

$
80


The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
2019
 
2018
Cash and cash equivalents
$

 
$

Restricted cash included in “Other current assets”
3

 
1

Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$
3

 
$
1


Other Income And Expenses
The following table presents the components of “Other Income, Net” in the Ameren Companies’ statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Ameren:
 
 
 
 
 
Other Income, Net
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
$
28

 
$
36

 
$
24

Interest income on industrial development revenue bonds
25

 
26

 
26

Other interest income
8

 
7

 
8

Non-service cost components of net periodic benefit income
90

(a) 
70

(a) 
44

Other income
6

 
8

 
5

Charitable donations
(12
)
 
(33
)
 
(8
)
Other expense
(15
)
 
(12
)
 
(13
)
Total Other Income, Net
$
130

 
$
102

 
$
86

Ameren Missouri:
 
 
 
 
 
Other Income, Net
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
$
19

 
$
27

 
$
21

Interest income on industrial development revenue bonds
25

 
26

 
26

Other interest income
1

 
2

 
1

Non-service cost components of net periodic benefit income
18

(a) 
17

(a) 
22

Other income
5

 
4

 
3

Charitable donations
(3
)
 
(14
)
 
(2
)
Other expense
(7
)
 
(6
)
 
(6
)
Total Other Income, Net
$
58

 
$
56

 
$
65


 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Ameren Illinois:
 
 
 
 
 
Other Income, Net
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
$
9

 
$
9

 
$
3

Interest income
6

 
6

 
7

Non-service cost components of net periodic benefit income
47

 
34

 
10

Other income
3

 
3

 
2

Charitable donations
(5
)
 
(6
)
 
(5
)
Other expense
(7
)
 
(4
)
 
(5
)
Total Other Income, Net
$
53

 
$
42

 
$
12


(a)
For the years ended December 31, 2019, and 2018, the non-service cost components of net periodic benefit income were partially offset by a deferral of $29 million and $17 million, respectively, due to a regulatory tracking mechanism for the difference between the level of such costs incurred by Ameren Missouri under GAAP and the level of such costs included in rates.
The following table presents the components of “Other Income (Expense), Net” in the Condensed Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Other Income (Expense), Net
 
 
 
 
 
Non-service cost components of net periodic benefit income
$
2

 
$
2

 
$
2

Charitable donations
(3
)
 
(13
)
 

Other expense, net
(1
)
 
(1
)
 

Total Other Income (Expense), Net
$
(2
)
 
$
(12
)
 
$
2


v3.19.3.a.u2
Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]  
Valuation And Qualifying Accounts
SCHEDULE II – VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2018, AND 2017
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Column A
 
Column B
 
Column C
 
Column D
 
Column E
Description
 
Balance at
Beginning
of Period
 
(1)
Charged to Costs
and Expenses
 
(2)
Charged to Other
Accounts(a)
 
Deductions(b)
 
Balance at End
of Period
Ameren:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deducted from assets – allowance for doubtful accounts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
 
$
18

 
$
26

 
$
4

 
$
31

 
$
17

2018
 
19

 
27

 
4

 
32

 
18

2017
 
19

 
26

 
7

 
33

 
19

Deferred tax valuation allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
 
$
5

 
$
(2
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
3

2018
 
5

 

 

 

 
5

2017
 
11

 
(6
)
(c) 

 

 
5

Ameren Missouri:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deducted from assets – allowance for doubtful accounts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
 
$
7

 
$
9

 
$

 
$
9

 
$
7

2018
 
7

 
9

 

 
9

 
7

2017
 
7

 
9

 

 
9

 
7

Ameren Illinois:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deducted from assets – allowance for doubtful accounts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2019
 
$
11

 
$
17

 
$
4

 
$
22

 
$
10

2018
 
12

 
18

 
4

 
23

 
11

2017
 
12

 
17

 
7

 
24

 
12

(a)
Amounts associated with the allowance for doubtful accounts relate to the uncollectible account reserve associated with receivables purchased by Ameren Illinois from alternative retail electric suppliers, as required by the Illinois Public Utilities Act.
(b)
Uncollectible accounts charged off, less recoveries.
(c)
Includes an adjustment of $3 million to Ameren (parent)’s valuation allowance for certain deferred tax assets existing at December 31, 2017, for the reduction in the income tax rate.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
General
Ameren, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a public utility holding company whose primary assets are its equity interests in its subsidiaries. Ameren’s subsidiaries are separate, independent legal entities with separate businesses, assets, and liabilities. Dividends on Ameren’s common stock and the payment of expenses by Ameren depend on distributions made to it by its subsidiaries. Ameren’s principal subsidiaries are listed below. Ameren also has other subsidiaries that conduct other activities, such as providing shared services.
Union Electric Company, doing business as Ameren Missouri, operates a rate-regulated electric generation, transmission, and distribution business and a rate-regulated natural gas distribution business in Missouri. Ameren Missouri was incorporated in Missouri in 1922 and is successor to a number of companies, the oldest of which was organized in 1881. It is the largest electric utility in the state of Missouri. It supplies electric and natural gas service to a 24,000-square-mile area in central and eastern Missouri, which includes the Greater St. Louis area. Ameren Missouri supplies electric service to 1.2 million customers and natural gas service to 0.1 million customers.
Ameren Illinois Company, doing business as Ameren Illinois, operates rate-regulated electric transmission, electric distribution, and natural gas distribution businesses in Illinois. Ameren Illinois was incorporated in Illinois in 1923 and is the successor to a number of companies, the oldest of which was organized in 1902. Ameren Illinois supplies electric and natural gas utility service to a 43,700 square mile area in central and southern Illinois. Ameren Illinois supplies electric service to 1.2 million customers and natural gas service to 0.8 million customers.
Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois, doing business as ATXI, operates a FERC rate-regulated electric transmission business in the MISO. ATXI was incorporated in Illinois in 2006. ATXI is constructing the Illinois Rivers project, a MISO-approved electric transmission project, and eight of its nine line segments have been completed and placed in service as of December 31, 2018. ATXI operates the Spoon River project and the Mark Twain project, which were placed in service in February 2018 and December 2019, respectively.
Consolidation
Ameren’s financial statements are prepared on a consolidated basis and therefore include the accounts of its majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated, except as disclosed in Note 13 – Related-party Transactions. Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois have no subsidiaries. All tabular dollar amounts are in millions, unless otherwise indicated.
Our accounting policies conform to GAAP. Our financial statements reflect all adjustments (which include normal, recurring adjustments) that are necessary, in our opinion, for a fair presentation of our results. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions. Such estimates and assumptions affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Public Utilities
Regulation
Our customer rates are regulated by the MoPSC, the ICC, and the FERC. We defer certain costs as assets pursuant to actions of rate regulators or because of expectations that we will be able to recover such costs in future rates charged to customers. We also defer certain amounts as liabilities pursuant to actions of rate regulators or based on the expectation that such amounts will be returned to customers in future rates. Regulatory assets and liabilities are amortized consistent with the period of expected regulatory treatment. See Note 2 – Rate and Regulatory Matters for additional information on our regulatory frameworks, regulatory recovery mechanisms, and regulatory assets and liabilities recorded at December 31, 2019 and 2018.
We continually assess the recoverability of our respective regulatory assets. Regulatory assets are charged to earnings when it is no longer probable that such amounts will be recovered through future revenues. To the extent that reductions in customers’ rates or refunds to customers related to regulatory liabilities are no longer probable, the amounts are credited to earnings.
Environmental Costs
Liabilities for environmental costs are recorded on an undiscounted basis when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated. Costs are expensed or deferred as a regulatory asset when it is expected that the costs will be recovered from customers in future rates. See Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies for additional information on liabilities for environmental costs.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash
Cash and cash equivalents include short-term, highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents subject to legal or contractual restrictions and not readily available for use for general corporate purposes are classified as restricted cash. See Note 15 – Supplemental Information for a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
reported within the balance sheets and the statements of cash flows.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable
The allowance for doubtful accounts represents our estimate of existing accounts receivable that will ultimately be uncollectible. The allowance is calculated by applying estimated loss factors to various classes of outstanding receivables, including unbilled revenue. The loss factors used to estimate uncollectible accounts are based upon both historical collections experience and management’s estimate of future collections success given the existing and anticipated future collections environment. Ameren Illinois has a bad debt rider that adjusts rates for net write-offs of customer accounts receivable above or below those being collected in rates.
Materials and Supplies
Inventories
Inventories are recorded at the lower of weighted-average cost or net realizable value. Inventories are capitalized when purchased and then expensed as consumed or capitalized as property, plant, and equipment when installed, as appropriate. See Note 15 – Supplemental Information for the components of inventories.
Property and Plant
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net
We capitalize the cost of additions to, and betterments of, units of property, plant, and equipment. The cost includes labor, material, applicable taxes, and overhead. An allowance for funds used during construction, as discussed below, is also capitalized as a cost of our rate-regulated assets. Maintenance expenditures are expensed as incurred. Beginning in 2020, maintenance expenses related to scheduled Callaway nuclear refueling and maintenance outages, which were previously expensed as incurred, are deferred and amortized over approximately 18 months. See Note 2 – Rate and Regulatory Matters for additional information. When units of depreciable property are retired, the original costs, and the associated removal cost, net of salvage, are charged to accumulated depreciation. If environmental expenditures are related to assets currently in use, as in the case of the installation of pollution control equipment, the cost is capitalized and depreciated over the expected life of the asset. See Asset Retirement Obligations section below and Note 3 – Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net for additional information.
Ameren Missouri’s cost of nuclear fuel is capitalized as a part of “Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net” on the balance sheet and then amortized to “Operating Expenses – Fuel” in the statement of income on a unit-of-production basis.
Depreciation
Depreciation is provided over the estimated lives of the various classes of depreciable property by applying composite rates on a straight-line basis to the cost basis of such property. The composite rates include a provision for the estimated removal cost of property, plant, and equipment retired from service, net of salvage. The provision for depreciation for the Ameren Companies in 2019, 2018, and 2017 ranged from 3% to 4% of the average depreciable cost. See Note 3 – Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net for additional information on estimated depreciable lives.
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
As a part of "Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net" on the balance sheet, we capitalize allowance for funds used during construction, which is the cost of borrowed funds and the cost of equity funds (preferred and common shareholders' equity) applicable to eligible rate-regulated construction work in progress, in accordance with the utility industry’s accounting practice and GAAP. The amount of allowance for funds used during construction is calculated using a FERC-prescribed formula based on a rate, which includes the average cost of short-term debt, the average cost of long-term debt, and the cost of equity funds. The portion attributable to borrowed funds is recorded as a reduction of "Interest Charges" on the statements of income. The portion attributable to equity funds is recorded within "Other Income, Net" on the statements of income. This accounting practice offsets the effect on earnings of the cost of financing during construction. See Note 15 – Supplemental Information for the amount of allowance for funds used during construction capitalized and the average rate applied to eligible construction work in progress.
Allowance for funds used during construction does not represent a current source of cash funds. Under accepted ratemaking practice, cash recovery of allowance for funds used during construction and other construction costs occurs when completed projects are placed in service and reflected in customer rates.
Goodwill
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Ameren and Ameren Illinois had goodwill of $411 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018. Ameren has four reporting units: Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution, Ameren Illinois Natural Gas, and Ameren Transmission. Ameren Illinois has three reporting units: Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution, Ameren Illinois Natural Gas, and Ameren Illinois Transmission. Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution, Ameren Illinois
Natural Gas, and Ameren Illinois Transmission had goodwill of $238 million, $80 million, and $93 million, respectively, at December 31, 2019 and 2018. The Ameren Transmission reporting unit had the same $93 million of goodwill as the Ameren Illinois Transmission reporting unit at December 31, 2019 and 2018.
Ameren and Ameren Illinois evaluate goodwill for impairment in each of their reporting units as of October 31 each year, or more frequently if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of their reporting units below their carrying amounts. To determine whether the fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not greater than its carrying amount, Ameren and Ameren Illinois elect to perform either a qualitative assessment or to bypass the qualitative assessment and perform a quantitative test.
Ameren and Ameren Illinois elected to perform a qualitative assessment for their annual goodwill impairment test conducted as of October 31, 2019. As part of this qualitative assessment, Ameren and Ameren Illinois evaluated, among other things, macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations such as observable industry market multiples, regulatory frameworks, cost factors, overall financial performance, and entity-specific events. The results of Ameren’s and Ameren Illinois’ qualitative assessment indicated that it was more likely than not that the fair value of each reporting unit exceeded its carrying value as of October 31, 2019, resulting in no impairment of Ameren’s or Ameren Illinois’ goodwill.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
We evaluate long-lived assets classified as held and used for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. Whether an impairment has occurred is determined by comparing the estimated undiscounted cash flows attributable to the assets to the carrying value of the assets. If the carrying value exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, we recognize an impairment charge equal to the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets. In the period in which we determine that an asset meets held for sale criteria, we record an impairment charge to the extent the book value exceeds its estimated fair value less cost to sell. We did not identify any events or changes in circumstances that indicated that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable in 2019 or 2018.
Consolidation, Variable Interest Entity, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Variable Interest Entities
As of December 31, 2019, Ameren and Ameren Missouri had interests in unconsolidated variable interest entities that were established to construct wind generation facilities and, ultimately, sell those constructed facilities to Ameren Missouri. Neither Ameren nor Ameren Missouri are the primary beneficiary of these variable interest entities because neither has the power to direct matters that most significantly affect the entities’ activities, which include designing, financing, and constructing the wind generation facilities. As a result, these variable interest entities are not required to be consolidated. As of December 31, 2019, the maximum exposure to loss related to these variable interest entities was approximately $13 million, which primarily represents legal costs incurred. The risk of a loss was assessed to be remote and, accordingly, Ameren and Ameren Missouri have not recognized a liability associated with any portion of the maximum exposure to loss. See Note 2 – Rate and Regulatory Matters for additional information on the agreements to acquire these wind generation facilities.
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, Ameren had unconsolidated variable interests as a limited partner in various equity method investments, totaling $28 million and $22 million, respectively, included in “Other assets” on Ameren’s consolidated balance sheet. Ameren is not the primary beneficiary of these investments because it does not have the power to direct matters that most significantly affect the activities of these variable interest entities. As of December 31, 2019, the maximum exposure to loss related to these variable interest entities is limited to the investment in these partnerships of $28 million plus associated outstanding funding commitments of $35 million.
Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset Retirement Obligations
We record the estimated fair value of legal obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets in the period in which the liabilities are incurred and capitalize a corresponding amount as part of the book value of the related long-lived asset. In subsequent periods, we adjust AROs for accretion and based on changes in the estimated fair values of the obligations with a corresponding increase or decrease in the asset book value. Asset book values, reflected within “Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net” on the balance sheet, are depreciated over the remaining useful life of the related asset. Due to regulatory recovery, that depreciation is deferred as a regulatory balance. The depreciation of the asset book values at Ameren Missouri was $18 million, $14 million, and $26 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively, which was deferred as a reduction to the net regulatory liability. The net regulatory liability also reflects deferrals of net realized and unrealized gains and losses within the nuclear decommissioning trust fund for the Callaway Energy
Center. The depreciation deferred to the regulatory asset at Ameren Illinois was immaterial in each respective period. Uncertainties as to the probability, timing, or amount of cash expenditures associated with AROs affect our estimates of fair value. Ameren and Ameren Missouri have recorded AROs for retirement costs associated with Ameren Missouri’s Callaway Energy Center decommissioning, CCR facilities, and river structures. Also, Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois have recorded AROs for retirement costs associated with asbestos removal and the disposal of certain transformers. See Note 15 – Supplemental Information for a reconciliation of the beginning and ending carrying amount of AROs.
Estimated funds collected from customers to pay for the future removal cost of property, plant, and equipment retired from service, net of salvage, represent a cost of removal regulatory liability. See the cost of removal regulatory liability balance in Note 2 – Rate and Regulatory Matters.
Life Insurance, Corporate or Bank Owned [Text Block]
Company-owned Life Insurance
Ameren and Ameren Illinois have company-owned life insurance, which is recorded at the net cash surrender value. The net cash surrender value is the amount that can be realized under the insurance policies at the balance sheet date. As of December 31, 2019, the cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance at Ameren and Ameren Illinois was $264 million (December 31, 2018 – $244 million) and $123 million (December 31, 2018 – $122 million), respectively, while total borrowings against the policies were $114 million (December 31, 2018 – $113 million) at both Ameren and Ameren Illinois. Ameren and Ameren Illinois have the right to offset the borrowings against the cash surrender value of the policies and, consequently, present the net asset in “Other assets” on their respective balance sheets. The net cash surrender value of Ameren’s company-owned life insurance is affected by the investment performance of a separate account in which Ameren holds a beneficial interest.
Revenue
Operating Revenues
We record revenues from contracts with customers for various electric and natural gas services, which primarily consist of retail distribution, electric transmission, and off-system arrangements. When more than one performance obligation exists in a contract, the consideration under the contract is allocated to the performance obligations based on the relative standalone selling price.
Electric and natural gas retail distribution revenues are earned when the commodity is delivered to our customers. We accrue an estimate of electric and natural gas retail distribution revenues for service provided but unbilled at the end of each accounting period.
Electric transmission revenues are earned as electric transmission services are provided.
Off-system revenues are primarily comprised of MISO revenues and wholesale bilateral revenues. MISO revenues include the sale of electricity, capacity, and ancillary services. Wholesale bilateral revenues include the sale of electricity and capacity. MISO-related electricity and wholesale bilateral electricity revenues are earned as electricity is delivered. MISO-related capacity and ancillary service revenues and wholesale bilateral capacity revenues are earned as services are provided.
Retail distribution, electric transmission, and off-system revenues, including the underlying components described above, represent a series of goods or services that are substantially the same and have the same pattern of transfer over time to our customers. Revenues from contracts with customers are equal to the amounts billed and our estimate of electric and natural gas retail distribution services provided but unbilled at the end of each accounting period. Customers are billed at least monthly, and payments are due less than one month after goods and/or services are provided. See Note 16 – Segment Information for disaggregated revenue information.
For certain regulatory recovery mechanisms that are alternative revenue programs rather than revenues from contracts with customers, we recognize revenues that have been authorized for rate recovery, are objectively determinable and probable of recovery, and are expected to be collected from customers within two years from the end of the year. Our alternative revenue programs include revenue requirement reconciliations, the MEEIA, and the VBA. These revenues are subsequently recognized as revenues from contracts with customers when billed, with an offset to alternative revenue program revenues.
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, our remaining performance obligations were immaterial. The Ameren Companies elected not to disclose the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to the performance obligations that are unsatisfied as of the end of the reporting period for contracts with an initial expected term of one year or less.
Cost Of Sales
Accounting for MISO Transactions
MISO-related purchase and sale transactions are recorded by Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois using settlement information provided by the MISO. Ameren Missouri records these purchase and sale transactions on a net hourly position. Ameren Missouri records net purchases in a single hour in “Operating Expenses – Purchased power” and net sales in a single hour in “Operating Revenues – Electric” in its statement of income. Ameren Illinois records net purchases in “Operating Expenses – Purchased power” in its statement of
income to reflect all of its MISO transactions relating to the procurement of power for its customers. On occasion, Ameren Missouri’s and Ameren Illinois’ prior-period transactions will be resettled outside the routine settlement process because of a change in the MISO’s tariff or a material interpretation thereof. In these cases, Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois recognize revenues and expenses associated with resettlements once the resettlement is probable and the resettlement amount can be estimated. There were no material MISO resettlements in 2019, 2018, or 2017.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based Compensation
Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award, net of an assumed forfeiture rate. Ameren recognizes as compensation expense the estimated fair value of stock-based compensation on a straight-line basis over the requisite vesting period. See Note 11 – Stock-based Compensation for additional information.
Unamortized Debt Discount, Premium, And Expense
Unamortized Debt Discounts, Premiums, and Issuance Costs
Long-term debt discounts, premiums, and issuance costs are amortized over the lives of the related issuances. Credit agreement fees are amortized over the term of the agreement.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes
Ameren uses an asset and liability approach for its financial accounting and reporting of income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for transactions that are treated differently for financial reporting and income tax return purposes. These deferred tax assets and liabilities are based on statutory tax rates.
We expect that regulators will reduce future revenues for deferred tax liabilities that were initially recorded at rates in excess of the current statutory rate. Therefore, reductions in certain deferred tax liabilities that were recorded because of decreases in the statutory rate have been credited to a regulatory liability. A regulatory asset has been established to recognize the probable recovery through future customer rates of tax benefits related to the equity component of allowance for funds used during construction, as well as the effects of tax rate increases. To the extent deferred tax balances are included in rate base, the revaluation of deferred taxes is recorded as a regulatory asset or liability on the balance sheet and will be collected from, or refunded to, customers. For deferred tax balances not included in rate base, the revaluation of deferred taxes is recorded as an adjustment to income tax expense on the income statement. See Note 12 – Income Taxes for further information regarding the revaluation of deferred taxes related to the TCJA and Missouri and Illinois state corporate income tax rate changes.
Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois, and all the other Ameren subsidiary companies are parties to a tax allocation agreement with Ameren (parent) that provides for the allocation of consolidated tax liabilities. The tax allocation agreement specifies that each party be allocated an amount of tax using a stand-alone calculation, which is similar to what would be owed or refunded had the party been separately subject to tax without considering the impact of consolidation. Any net benefit attributable to Ameren (parent) is reallocated to the other parties. This reallocation is treated as a capital contribution to the party receiving the benefit. See Note 13 – Related-party Transactions for information regarding capital contributions under the tax allocation agreement.
Accounting Changes and Other Matters
Accounting Changes and Other Matters
The following is a summary of recently adopted authoritative accounting guidance, as well as guidance issued but not yet adopted, that could affect the Ameren Companies.
In the first quarter of 2019, the Ameren Companies adopted authoritative accounting guidance on leases. See Note 15 – Supplemental Information for additional information.
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments
In June 2016, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that requires an entity to recognize an allowance for financial instruments that reflects its current estimate of credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the financial instruments. The guidance requires an entity to measure expected credit losses using relevant information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectibility of the reported amount. This guidance will be effective for the Ameren Companies in the first quarter of 2020, and will require changes to be applied retrospectively with a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the adoption date. The adoption of this guidance will not have a significant impact on the Ameren Companies’ financial statements.
Fair Value Measurement Disclosures
In August 2018, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that affects disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. This guidance will be effective for the Ameren Companies in the first quarter of 2020.
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosures
In August 2018, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that affects disclosure requirements for defined benefit plans. This guidance will be effective for the Ameren Companies in the fourth quarter of 2020, and will require changes to be applied retrospectively to each period presented.
Derivatives, Policy The Ameren Companies elect to present the fair value amounts of derivative assets and derivative liabilities subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement at the gross amounts on the balance sheet.
an unrealized appreciation or depreciation of our contracted commitments to purchase or sell when purchase or sale prices under the commitments are compared with current commodity prices;
market values of natural gas and uranium inventories that differ from the cost of those commodities in inventory;
actual cash outlays for the purchase of these commodities that differ from anticipated cash outlays; and
actual off-system sales revenues that differ from anticipated revenues.
The derivatives that we use to hedge these risks are governed by our risk management policies for forward contracts, futures, options, and swaps. Our net positions are continually assessed within our structured hedging programs to determine whether new or offsetting transactions are required. The goal of the hedging program is generally to mitigate financial risks while ensuring that sufficient volumes are available to meet our requirements. Contracts we enter into as part of our risk management program may be settled financially, settled by physical delivery, or net settled with the counterparty.
Consolidation, Subsidiaries or Other Investments, Consolidated Entities, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Noncontrolling Interests
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, Ameren’s noncontrolling interests included the preferred stock of Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois.
Excise Taxes
Excise Taxes
Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois collect from their customers excise taxes, including municipal and state excise taxes and gross receipts taxes, that are levied on the sale or distribution of natural gas and electricity.
Earnings Per Share, Policy
Earnings per Share
Earnings per basic and diluted share are computed by dividing “Net Income Attributable to Ameren Common Shareholders” by the weighted-average number of basic and diluted common shares outstanding, respectively, during the applicable period. The weighted-average shares outstanding for earnings per diluted share includes the incremental effects resulting from performance share units, restricted stock units, and the forward sale agreement relating to common stock when the impact would be dilutive, as calculated using the treasury stock method.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Rate And Regulatory Matters (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Abstract]  
Schedule of Wind Generation Facilities The following table provides information with respect to each build-transfer agreement:
 
 
Up-to 400-Megawatt Facility
 
Up-to 300-Megawatt Facility
Build-transfer agreement date
 
April 2018
 
May 2019
Wind facility developer
 
Terra-Gen, LLC
 
Invenergy Renewables, LLC
Location
 
Northeastern Missouri
 
Northwestern Missouri
Status of certificate of convenience and necessity from the MoPSC
 
Approved October 2018
 
Approved August 2019
Status of final interconnection costs
 
Received July 2019
 
Received July 2019
Status of RTO transmission interconnection agreement
 
Executed August 2019
 
Executed October 2019
Status of FERC approval
 
Received December 2018
 
Received October 2019
Expected completion date
 
By the end of 2020
 
By the end of 2020

Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities
The following table presents our regulatory assets and regulatory liabilities at December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
 
Ameren
Missouri
 
Ameren
Illinois
 
Ameren
 
 
Ameren
Missouri
 
Ameren
Illinois
 
Ameren
Regulatory assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Under-recovered Illinois electric power costs(a)
 
$

 
$
4

 
$
4

 
 
$

 
$

 
$

Under-recovered PGA(a)
 

 

 

 
 

 
7

 
7

MTM derivative losses(b)
 
12


242

 
254

 
 
19

 
197

 
216

IEIMA revenue requirement reconciliation adjustment(c)(d)
 

 
17

 
17

 
 

 
70

 
70

FERC revenue requirement reconciliation adjustment(e)
 

 
1

 
16

 
 

 
16

 
30

Pension and postretirement benefit costs(f)
 
7

 
26

 
33

 
 
103

 
149

 
252

Income taxes(g)
 
114

 
61

 
177

 
 
119

 
68

 
185

Callaway costs(d)(h)
 
18

 

 
18

 
 
22

 

 
22

Unamortized loss on reacquired debt(i)
 
55

 
31

 
86

 
 
58

 
40

 
98

Environmental cost riders(j)
 

 
127

 
127

 
 

 
148

 
148

Storm costs(d)(k)
 

 
7

 
7

 
 

 
13

 
13

Workers’ compensation claims(l)
 
4

 
7

 
11

 
 
4

 
7

 
11

Construction accounting for pollution control equipment(d)(m)
 
15

 

 
15

 
 
16

 

 
16

Solar rebate program(n)
 
5

 

 
5

 
 
14

 

 
14

PISA(o)(d)
 
41

 

 
41

 
 
1

 

 
1

RESRAM(p)
 
9

 

 
9

 
 

 

 

FEJA energy-efficiency rider(d)(q)
 

 
211

 
211

 
 

 
136

 
136

Other
 
13

 
17

 
30

 
 
24

 
18

 
42

Total regulatory assets
 
$
293

 
$
751

 
$
1,061

 
 
$
380

 
$
869

 
$
1,261

Less: current regulatory assets
 
(8
)
 
(57
)
 
(69
)
 
 
(14
)
 
(110
)
 
(134
)
Noncurrent regulatory assets
 
$
285

 
$
694

 
$
992

 
 
$
366

 
$
759

 
$
1,127

Regulatory liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Over-recovered FAC(r)
 
$
39

 
$

 
$
39

 
 
$
34

 
$

 
$
34

Over-recovered Illinois electric power costs(a)
 

 
11

 
11

 
 

 
12

 
12

Over-recovered PGA(a)
 
8

 
14

 
22

 
 
7

 
3

 
10

Over-recovered VBA rider(s)
 

 
8

 
8

 
 

 
8

 
8

MTM derivative gains(b)
 
18

 
3

 
21


 
5

 
3

 
8

IEIMA revenue requirement reconciliation adjustment(c)
 

 
18

 
18

 
 

 

 

FERC revenue requirement reconciliation adjustment(e)
 

 
37

 
38

 
 

 
17

 
19

MEEIA energy-efficiency rider(t)
 
3

 

 
3

 
 
19

 

 
19

Estimated refund for FERC complaint cases(u)
 

 
23

 
40

 
 

 
26

 
44

Income taxes(g)
 
1,428

 
813

 
2,326

 
 
1,484

 
843

 
2,413

Cost of removal(v)
 
1,041

 
827

 
1,884

 
 
1,027

 
774

 
1,811

AROs(w)
 
303

 

 
303

 
 
175

 

 
175

Pension and postretirement benefit costs tracker(x)
 
72

 

 
72

 
 
43

 

 
43

Renewable energy credits and zero emission credits(y)
 

 
155

 
155

 
 

 
102

 
102

Excess income taxes collected in 2018(z)
 
60

 

 
60

 
 
60

 

 
60

Other
 
27

 
24

 
51

 
 
13

 
15

 
28

Total regulatory liabilities
 
$
2,999

 
$
1,933

 
$
5,051

 
 
$
2,867

 
$
1,803

 
$
4,786

Less: current regulatory liabilities
 
(62
)
 
(84
)
 
(164
)
 
 
(68
)
 
(62
)
 
$
(149
)
Noncurrent regulatory liabilities
 
$
2,937

 
$
1,849

 
$
4,887

 
 
$
2,799

 
$
1,741

 
$
4,637

(a)
Under-recovered or over-recovered costs from utility customers. Amounts will be recovered from, or refunded to, customers within one year of the deferral.
(b)
Deferral of commodity-related derivative MTM losses or gains. See Note 7 – Derivative Financial Instruments for additional information.
(c)
The difference between Ameren Illinois’ electric distribution service annual revenue requirement calculated under the performance-based formula ratemaking framework and the revenue requirement included in customer rates for that year. Any under-recovery or over-recovery will be recovered from, or refunded to, customers with interest within two years.
(d)
These assets earn a return at the applicable WACC.
(e)
Ameren Illinois’ and ATXI’s annual revenue requirement reconciliation calculated pursuant to the FERC’s electric transmission formula ratemaking framework. Any under-recovery or over-recovery will be recovered from, or refunded to, customers within two years.
(f)
These costs are being amortized in proportion to the recognition of prior service costs (credits) and actuarial losses (gains) attributable to Ameren’s pension plan and postretirement benefit plans. See Note 10 – Retirement Benefits for additional information.
(g)
The regulatory assets represent amounts that will be recovered from customers for deferred income taxes related to the equity component of allowance for funds used during construction and the effects of tax rate changes. The regulatory liabilities represent amounts that will be refunded to customers for deferred income taxes related to depreciation differences, other tax liabilities, and the unamortized portion of investment tax credits recorded at rates in excess of current statutory rates. Amounts associated with the equity component of allowance for funds used during construction, and the unamortized portion of investment tax credits will be amortized over the expected life of the related assets. For net regulatory liabilities related to deferred income taxes recorded at rates other than the current statutory rate, the weighted-average remaining amortization periods at Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois are 34, 26, and 43 years.
(h)
Ameren Missouri’s Callaway Energy Center operations and maintenance expenses, property taxes, and carrying costs incurred between the plant in-service date and the date the plant was reflected in rates. These costs are being amortized over the original remaining life of the energy center.
(i)
Losses related to reacquired debt. These amounts are being amortized over the lives of the related new debt issuances or the original lives of the old debt issuances if no new debt was issued.
(j)
The recoverable portion of accrued environmental site liabilities that will be collected from electric and natural gas customers through ICC-approved cost recovery riders. The period of recovery will depend on the timing of remediation expenditures. See Note 14 – Commitments and Contingencies for additional information.
(k)
Storm costs from 2016 and 2018 deferred in accordance with the IEIMA. These costs are being amortized over five-year periods beginning in the year the storm occurred.
(l)
The period of recovery will depend on the timing of actual expenditures.
(m)
The MoPSC’s May 2010 electric rate order allowed Ameren Missouri to record an allowance for funds used during construction for pollution control equipment at its Sioux Energy Center until the cost of that equipment was included in customer rates beginning in 2011. These costs are being amortized over the expected life of the Sioux Energy Center, currently through 2033.
(n)
Costs associated with Ameren Missouri’s solar rebate program. The amortization period for these assets will be determined in a future electric service regulatory rate review.
(o)
Under the PISA, Ameren Missouri is permitted to defer and recover 85% of the depreciation expense on certain property, plant, and equipment placed in service after September 1, 2018, and not included in base rates. Accumulated PISA deferrals are added to rate base prospectively and amortized over a period of 20 years following a regulatory rate review.
(p)
Costs associated with Ameren Missouri’s compliance with the state of Missouri’s renewable energy standard. Costs incurred over a twelve-month period beginning each August are amortized over a twelve-month period beginning February the following year.
(q)
The electric energy-efficiency investments are being amortized over their weighted-average useful lives beginning in the period in which they were made, with current remaining amortization periods ranging from 7 to 12 years.
(r)
Under-recovered or over-recovered fuel costs to be recovered or refunded through the FAC. Specific accumulation periods aggregate the under-recovered or over-recovered costs over four months, any related adjustments that occur over the following four months, and the recovery from, or refund to, customers that occurs over the next eight months.
(s)
Under-recovered or over-recovered natural gas revenue caused by sales volume deviations from weather normalized sales approved by the ICC in rate regulatory reviews. Each year’s amount will be recovered from or refunded to customers from April through December of the following year.
(t)
The MEEIA rider allows Ameren Missouri to collect from, or refund to, customers any annual difference in the actual amounts incurred and the amounts collected from customers for the MEEIA program costs, lost electric margins, and the performance incentive. Under the MEEIA rider, collections from or refunds to customers occur one year after the program costs, and lost electric margins are incurred or any performance incentive are earned.
(u)
The 2019 balances represent the estimated refunds to transmission customers related to the November 2019 FERC order in the November 2013 FERC complaint case. The 2018 balances represent the estimated refunds to transmission customers related to the February 2015 FERC complaint case, which was dismissed in the November 2019 order. See further discussion of the FERC ROE complaint cases above.
(v)
Estimated funds collected from customers to pay for the future removal cost of property, plant, and equipment retired from service, net of salvage.
(w)
Recoverable or refundable removal costs for AROs, including net realized and unrealized gains and losses related to the nuclear decommissioning trust fund investments. See Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Asset Retirement Obligations.
(x)
A regulatory recovery mechanism for the difference between the level of pension and postretirement benefit costs incurred by Ameren Missouri and the level of such costs included in customer rates. The period of refund varies based on MoPSC approval in a regulatory rate review. For costs incurred prior to December 2016, the weighted-average remaining amortization period is three years. For costs incurred after December 2016, the amortization period will be determined in the current electric service regulatory rate review.
(y)
Funds collected for the purchase of renewable energy credits and zero emission credits through IPA procurements. The balance will be amortized as the credits are purchased.
(z)
The excess amount collected in rates related to the TCJA from January 1, 2018, through July 31, 2018. The regulatory liability will be reflected in customer rates over a period of time to be determined by the MoPSC in the current electric service regulatory rate review.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Property And Plant, Net (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]  
Schedule Of Property And Plant, Net
The following table presents property, plant, and equipment, net, at December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
 
Ameren
Missouri(a)
 
Ameren
Illinois
 
Other
 
Ameren(a)
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant, and equipment at original cost:(b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric generation
 
$
11,880

 
$

 
$

 
$
11,880

Electric distribution
 
6,371

 
6,299

 

 
12,670

Electric transmission
 
1,405

 
3,101

 
1,642

 
6,148

Natural gas
 
528

 
3,024

 

 
3,552

Other(c)
 
1,173

 
993

 
236

 
2,402

 
 
21,357

 
13,417

 
1,878

 
36,652

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
9,195

 
3,536

 
275

 
13,006

 
 
12,162

 
9,881

 
1,603

 
23,646

Construction work in progress:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nuclear fuel in process
 
135

 

 

 
135

Other
 
338

 
202

 
55

 
595

Property, plant, and equipment, net
 
$
12,635

 
$
10,083

 
$
1,658

 
$
24,376

2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant, and equipment at original cost:(b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Electric generation
 
$
11,432

 
$

 
$

 
$
11,432

Electric distribution
 
5,989

 
5,970

 

 
11,959

Electric transmission
 
1,277

 
2,647

 
1,385

 
5,309

Natural gas
 
500

 
2,701

 

 
3,201

Other(c)
 
1,008

 
863

 
230

 
2,101

 
 
20,206

 
12,181

 
1,615

 
34,002

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
8,726

 
3,294

 
253

 
12,273

 
 
11,480

 
8,887

 
1,362

 
21,729

Construction work in progress:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nuclear fuel in process
 
217

 

 

 
217

Other
 
406

 
311

 
147

 
864

Property, plant, and equipment, net
 
$
12,103

 
$
9,198

 
$
1,509

 
$
22,810


(a)
Amounts include two CTs that have related financing obligations. The gross cumulative asset value of those agreements was $236 million and $235 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The total accumulated depreciation associated with the two CTs was $95 million and $89 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. See Note 5 – Long-term Debt and Equity Financings for additional information on these agreements.
(b)
The estimated lives for each asset group are as follows: 5 to 72 years for electric generation, excluding Ameren Missouri’s hydro generating assets which have useful lives of up to 150 years, 20 to 80 years for electric distribution, 50 to 75 years for electric transmission, 20 to 80 years for natural gas, and 5 to 55 years for other.
(c)
Other property, plant, and equipment includes assets used to support electric and natural gas services.
Schedule of Capitalized Software
Capitalized software costs are classified within “Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net” on the balance sheet and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected period of benefit, ranging from 5 to 10 years. The following table presents the amortization, gross carrying value, and related accumulated amortization of capitalized software by year:
 
 
Amortization Expense
 
Gross Carrying Value
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
 
2019
2018
2017
 
2019
2018
 
2019
2018
Ameren
 
$
78

$
71

$
58

 
$
901

$
734

 
$
(584
)
$
(514
)
Ameren Missouri
 
30

24

20

 
303

223

 
(153
)
(125
)
Ameren Illinois
 
45

44

36

 
377

297

 
(221
)
(183
)

Schedule of Capitalized Software, Future Amortization Expense
Annual amortization expense for capitalized costs for software placed in service as of December 31, 2019, is estimated to be as follows:
 
 
2020
 
2021
 
2022
 
2023
 
2024
Ameren
 
$
80

 
$
74

 
$
63

 
$
50

 
$
24

Ameren Missouri
 
36

 
34

 
29

 
24

 
12

Ameren Illinois
 
41

 
36

 
32

 
24

 
12


v3.19.3.a.u2
Short-Term Debt And Liquidity (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Line of Credit Facility [Abstract]  
Schedule Of Maximum Aggregate Amount Available On Credit Agreements The following table presents the maximum aggregate amount available to each borrower under each facility:
 
 
Missouri
Credit Agreement
Illinois
Credit Agreement
Ameren (parent)
 
$
900

$
500

Ameren Missouri
 
850

(a)

Ameren Illinois
 
(a)

800

(a)
Not applicable.
Schedule of Commercial Paper
The following table summarizes the borrowing activity and relevant interest rates under Ameren (parent)’s, Ameren Missouri’s, and Ameren Illinois’ commercial paper programs for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
 
Ameren (parent)
 
Ameren Missouri
 
Ameren Illinois
 
Ameren Consolidated
 
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average daily commercial paper outstanding
 
$
421

 
$
122

 
$
157

 
$
700

 
Outstanding borrowings at period-end
 
153

 
234

 
53

 
440

 
Weighted-average interest rate
 
2.66
%
 
2.62
%
 
2.43
%
 
2.60
%
 
Peak outstanding commercial paper during period(a)
 
$
651

 
$
549

 
$
356

 
$
1,113

 
Peak interest rate
 
3.80
%
(b) 
2.97
%
 
5.00
%
(b) 
5.00
%
(b) 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average daily commercial paper outstanding
 
$
410

 
$
61

 
$
108

 
$
579

 
Outstanding borrowings at period-end
 
470

 
55

 
72

 
597

 
Weighted-average interest rate
 
2.31
%
 
1.94
%
 
2.26
%
 
2.26
%
 
Peak outstanding commercial paper during period(a)
 
$
543

 
$
481

 
$
442

 
$
1,295

 
Peak interest rate
 
3.10
%
 
2.80
%
 
2.85
%
 
3.10
%
 

(a)
The timing of peak outstanding commercial paper issuances varies by company. Therefore, the sum of the peak amounts presented by the companies may not equal the Ameren consolidated peak amount for the period.
(b)
In 2019, the peak interest rate was affected by temporary disruptions in the commercial paper market.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments
The following table presents long-term debt outstanding, including maturities due within one year, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
2019
 
2018
Ameren (Parent):
 
 
 
2.70% Senior unsecured notes due 2020
$
350

 
$
350

2.50% Senior unsecured notes due 2024
450

 

3.65% Senior unsecured notes due 2026
350

 
350

Total long-term debt, gross
1,150

 
700

Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs
(6
)
 
(3
)
Less: Maturities due within one year
(350
)
 

Long-term debt, net
$
794

 
$
697

Ameren Missouri:
 
 
 
Bonds and notes:
 
 
 
6.70% Senior secured notes due 2019
$

 
$
329

5.10% Senior secured notes due 2019

 
244

5.00% Senior secured notes due 2020(a)
85

 
85

1.60% 1992 Series bonds due 2022(b)(c)
47

 
47

3.50% Senior secured notes due 2024(a)
350

 
350

2.95% Senior secured notes due 2027(a)
400

 
400

5.45% First mortgage bonds due 2028

 
(d)

3.50% First mortgage bonds due 2029(f)
450

 

2.90% 1998 Series A bonds due 2033(b)(c)
60

 
60

2.90% 1998 Series B bonds due 2033(b)(c)
50

 
50

2.75% 1998 Series C bonds due 2033(b)(c)
50

 
50

5.50% Senior secured notes due 2034(a)
184

 
184

5.30% Senior secured notes due 2037(a)
300

 
300

8.45% Senior secured notes due 2039(a)(e)
350

 
350

3.90% Senior secured notes due 2042(a)(e)
485

 
485

3.65% Senior secured notes due 2045(a)
400

 
400

4.00% First mortgage bonds due 2048(f)
425

 
425

3.25% First mortgage bonds due 2049(f)
330

 

Finance obligations:
 
 
 
City of Bowling Green agreement (Peno Creek CT) due 2022(g)
23

 
30

Audrain County agreement (Audrain County CT) due 2023(g)
240

 
240

Total long-term debt, gross
4,229

 
4,029

Less: Unamortized discount and premium
(9
)
 
(9
)
Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs
(30
)
 
(22
)
Less: Maturities due within one year
(92
)
 
(580
)
Long-term debt, net
$
4,098

 
$
3,418

 
2019
 
2018
Ameren Illinois:
 
 
 
Bonds and notes:
 
 
 
2.70% Senior secured notes due 2022(h)(i)
$
400

 
$
400

5.90% First mortgage bonds due 2023

 
(d)

5.70% First mortgage bonds due 2024

 
(d)

3.25% Senior secured notes due 2025(h)
300

 
300

6.125% Senior secured notes due 2028(h)
60

 
60

1993 Series B-1 Senior unsecured notes due 2028(c)

 
17

3.80% First mortgage bonds due 2028(j)
430

 
430

6.70% Senior secured notes due 2036(h)
61

 
61

6.70% Senior secured notes due 2036(h)
42

 
42

4.80% Senior secured notes due 2043(h)
280

 
280

4.30% Senior secured notes due 2044(h)
250

 
250

4.15% Senior secured notes due 2046(h)
490

 
490

3.70% First mortgage bonds due 2047(j)
500

 
500

4.50% First mortgage bonds due 2049(j)
500

 
500

3.25% First mortgage bonds due 2050(j)
300

 

Total long-term debt, gross
3,613

 
3,330

Less: Unamortized discount and premium
(4
)
 
(3
)
Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs
(34
)
 
(31
)
Long-term debt, net
$
3,575

 
$
3,296

ATXI:
 
 
 
3.43% Senior notes due 2050(k)
$
450

 
$
450

Total long-term debt, gross
450

 
450

Less: Unamortized debt issuance costs
(2
)
 
(2
)
Long-term debt, net
$
448

 
$
448

Ameren consolidated long-term debt, net
$
8,915

 
$
7,859


(a)
These notes are collaterally secured by first mortgage bonds issued by Ameren Missouri under the Ameren Missouri mortgage indenture. The notes have a fall-away lien provision and will remain secured only as long as any first mortgage bonds issued under the Ameren Missouri mortgage indenture remain outstanding. Redemption, purchase, or maturity of all first mortgage bonds, including first mortgage bonds currently outstanding and any that may be issued in the future, would result in a release of the first mortgage bonds currently securing these notes, at which time these notes would become unsecured obligations. Considering the 2049 maturity of the 3.25% first mortgage bonds and the restrictions preventing a release date to occur that are attached to certain senior secured notes described in footnote (e) below, Ameren Missouri does not expect the first mortgage lien protection associated with these notes to fall away.
(b)
These bonds are collaterally secured by first mortgage bonds issued by Ameren Missouri under the Ameren Missouri mortgage indenture and have a fall-away lien provision similar to that of Ameren Missouri’s senior secured notes.
(c)
Prior to the change in the method of determining the interest rates applicable to the Ameren Missouri bonds and the extinguishment of Ameren Illinois’ senior unsecured notes, the interest rates and the periods during which such rates apply varied depending on our selection of defined rate modes. The average interest rates for the respective applicable period in 2019 and the year ended December 31, 2018 were as follows:
 
2019
 
2018
Ameren Missouri 1992 Series due 2022
2.58%
 
2.37%
Ameren Missouri 1998 Series A due 2033
3.43%
 
2.76%
Ameren Missouri 1998 Series B due 2033
3.57%
 
2.79%
Ameren Missouri 1998 Series C due 2033
3.43%
 
2.83%
Ameren Illinois 1993 Series B-1 due 2028
1.68%
 
1.58%

(d)
Amount less than $1 million.
(e)
Ameren Missouri has agreed that so long as any of the 3.90% senior secured notes due 2042 are outstanding, Ameren Missouri will not permit a release date to occur, and so long as any of the 8.45% senior secured notes due 2039 are outstanding, Ameren Missouri will not optionally redeem, purchase, or otherwise retire in full the outstanding first mortgage bonds not subject to release provisions.
(f)
These bonds are first mortgage bonds issued by Ameren Missouri under the Ameren Missouri bond indenture. They are secured by substantially all Ameren Missouri property and franchises.
(g)
Payments due related to these financing obligations are paid to a trustee, which is authorized to utilize the cash only to pay equal amounts due to Ameren Missouri under related bonds issued by the city/county and held by Ameren Missouri. The timing and amounts of payments due from Ameren Missouri under the agreements are equal to the timing and amount of bond service payments due to Ameren Missouri, resulting in no net cash flow. The balance of both the financing obligations and the related investments in debt securities, recorded in “Other Assets,” was $263 million and $270 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.
(h)
These notes are collaterally secured by first mortgage bonds issued by Ameren Illinois under its mortgage indenture. They are secured by substantially all Ameren Illinois property and franchises. The notes have a fall-away lien provision and will remain secured only as long as any series of first mortgage bonds issued under its mortgage indenture remain outstanding. Redemption, purchase, or maturity of all first mortgage bonds, including first mortgage bonds currently outstanding and any that may be issued in the future, would result in a release of the first mortgage bonds currently securing these notes, at which time these notes would become unsecured obligations. Considering the 2050 maturity date of the 3.25% first mortgage bonds, Ameren Illinois does not expect the first mortgage lien protection associated with these notes to fall away.
(i)
Ameren Illinois has agreed that so long as any of the 2.70% senior secured notes due 2022 are outstanding, Ameren Illinois will not permit a release date to occur.
(j)
These bonds are first mortgage bonds issued by Ameren Illinois under its mortgage indenture. They are secured by substantially all Ameren Illinois property and franchises.
Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-Term Debt
The following table presents the principal maturities schedule for the 3.43% senior notes due 2050:
Payment Date
 
Principal Payment
August 2022
$
49.5
August 2024
 
49.5
August 2027
 
49.5
August 2030
 
49.5
August 2032
 
49.5
August 2038
 
49.5
August 2043
 
76.5
August 2050
 
76.5
Total
$
450.0
The following table presents the aggregate maturities of long-term debt, including current maturities, at December 31, 2019:
 
Ameren
(parent)(a)
 
 Ameren
Missouri(a)
 
 Ameren
Illinois(a)
 
 ATXI(a)
 
Ameren
Consolidated(a)
2020
$
350

 
$
92

 
$

 
$

 
$
442

2021

 
8

 

 

 
8

2022

 
55

 
400

 
50

 
505

2023

 
240

 

 

 
240

2024
450

 
350

 

 
50

 
850

Thereafter
350

 
3,484

 
3,213

 
350

 
7,397

Total
$
1,150

 
$
4,229

 
$
3,613

 
$
450

 
$
9,442

(a)
Excludes unamortized discount, unamortized premium, and debt issuance costs of $6 million, $39 million, $38 million and $2 million at Ameren (parent), Ameren Missouri, Ameren Illinois and ATXI, respectively.
Schedule Of Outstanding Preferred Stock The following table presents the outstanding preferred stock of Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois, which is redeemable at the option of the issuer, at the prices shown below as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
Shares Outstanding
 
Redemption Price (per share)
 
2019
 
2018
Ameren Missouri:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Without par value and stated value of $100 per share, 25 million shares authorized
 
 
 
 
 
 
$3.50 Series
130,000 shares
 
$
110.00

 
$
13

 
$
13

$3.70 Series
40,000 shares
 
104.75

 
4

 
4

$4.00 Series
150,000 shares
 
105.625

 
15

 
15

$4.30 Series
40,000 shares
 
105.00

 
4

 
4

$4.50 Series
213,595 shares
 
110.00

(a) 
21

 
21

$4.56 Series
200,000 shares
 
102.47

 
20

 
20

$4.75 Series
20,000 shares
 
102.176

 
2

 
2

$5.50 Series A
14,000 shares
 
110.00

 
1

 
1

Total
 
 
 
$
80

 
$
80

Ameren Illinois:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
With par value of $100 per share, 2 million shares authorized
 
 
 
 
 
 
4.00% Series
144,275 shares
 
$
101.00

 
$
14

 
$
14

4.08% Series
45,224 shares
 
103.00

 
5

 
5

4.20% Series
23,655 shares
 
104.00

 
2

 
2

4.25% Series
50,000 shares
 
102.00

 
5

 
5

4.26% Series
16,621 shares
 
103.00

 
2

 
2

4.42% Series
16,190 shares
 
103.00

 
2

 
2

4.70% Series
18,429 shares
 
103.00

 
2

 
2

4.90% Series
73,825 shares
 
102.00

 
7

 
7

4.92% Series
49,289 shares
 
103.50

 
5

 
5

5.16% Series
50,000 shares
 
102.00

 
5

 
5

6.625% Series
124,274 shares
 
100.00

 
12

 
12

7.75% Series
4,542 shares
 
100.00

 
1

 
1

Total
 
 
 
$
62

 
$
62

Total Ameren
 
 
 
$
142

 
$
142

(a)
In the event of voluntary liquidation, $105.50.
Schedule of Remarketed Bonds The following table provides additional information on the bonds:
 
1992 Series
1998 Series A
1998 Series B
1998 Series C
Transaction month
June 2019
July 2019
July 2019
June 2019
Principal amount
$47
$60
$50
$50
Fixed interest rate
1.60%
2.90%
2.90%
2.75%
Variable interest rate(a)
2.58%
3.43%
3.57%
3.43%
Maturity
December 2022
September 2033
September 2033
September 2033
Interest payment dates
June 1 and December 1
March 1 and September 1
March 1 and September 1
March 1 and September 1
Initial interest payment date
December 2019
September 2019
September 2019
September 2019
(a)
Represents the variable interest rate of the bonds effective prior to the change in method of determining the interest rate.
Schedule of Required and Actual Debt Ratios The following table summarizes the required and actual interest coverage ratios for interest charges, dividend coverage ratios, and bonds and preferred stock issuable as of December 31, 2019, at an assumed interest rate of 5% and dividend rate of 6%.
 
Required Interest
Coverage Ratio(a)
Actual Interest
Coverage Ratio
Bonds Issuable(b)
 
Required Dividend
Coverage Ratio(c)
Actual Dividend
Coverage Ratio
Preferred Stock
Issuable
 
Ameren Missouri
>2.0
4.0

$
5,251

 
>2.5
125.7

$
2,808

 
Ameren Illinois
>2.0
6.8

6,668

 
>1.5
3.2

203

(d) 
(a)
Coverage required on the annual interest charges on first mortgage bonds outstanding and to be issued. Coverage is not required in certain cases when additional first mortgage bonds are issued on the basis of retired bonds.
(b)
Amount of bonds issuable based either on required coverage ratios or unfunded property additions, whichever is more restrictive. The amounts shown also include bonds issuable based on retired bond capacity of $2,358 million and $643 million at Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois, respectively.
(c)
Coverage required on the annual dividend on preferred stock outstanding and to be issued, as required in the respective company’s articles of incorporation.
(d)
Preferred stock issuable is restricted by the amount of preferred stock that is currently authorized by Ameren Illinois’ articles of incorporation.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Other Income, Net (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract]  
Other Income And Expenses
The following table presents the components of “Other Income, Net” in the Ameren Companies’ statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Ameren:
 
 
 
 
 
Other Income, Net
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
$
28

 
$
36

 
$
24

Interest income on industrial development revenue bonds
25

 
26

 
26

Other interest income
8

 
7

 
8

Non-service cost components of net periodic benefit income
90

(a) 
70

(a) 
44

Other income
6

 
8

 
5

Charitable donations
(12
)
 
(33
)
 
(8
)
Other expense
(15
)
 
(12
)
 
(13
)
Total Other Income, Net
$
130

 
$
102

 
$
86

Ameren Missouri:
 
 
 
 
 
Other Income, Net
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
$
19

 
$
27

 
$
21

Interest income on industrial development revenue bonds
25

 
26

 
26

Other interest income
1

 
2

 
1

Non-service cost components of net periodic benefit income
18

(a) 
17

(a) 
22

Other income
5

 
4

 
3

Charitable donations
(3
)
 
(14
)
 
(2
)
Other expense
(7
)
 
(6
)
 
(6
)
Total Other Income, Net
$
58

 
$
56

 
$
65


 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Ameren Illinois:
 
 
 
 
 
Other Income, Net
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
$
9

 
$
9

 
$
3

Interest income
6

 
6

 
7

Non-service cost components of net periodic benefit income
47

 
34

 
10

Other income
3

 
3

 
2

Charitable donations
(5
)
 
(6
)
 
(5
)
Other expense
(7
)
 
(4
)
 
(5
)
Total Other Income, Net
$
53

 
$
42

 
$
12


(a)
For the years ended December 31, 2019, and 2018, the non-service cost components of net periodic benefit income were partially offset by a deferral of $29 million and $17 million, respectively, due to a regulatory tracking mechanism for the difference between the level of such costs incurred by Ameren Missouri under GAAP and the level of such costs included in rates.
The following table presents the components of “Other Income (Expense), Net” in the Condensed Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Other Income (Expense), Net
 
 
 
 
 
Non-service cost components of net periodic benefit income
$
2

 
$
2

 
$
2

Charitable donations
(3
)
 
(13
)
 

Other expense, net
(1
)
 
(1
)
 

Total Other Income (Expense), Net
$
(2
)
 
$
(12
)
 
$
2


v3.19.3.a.u2
Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative Instrument Detail [Abstract]  
Open Gross Derivative Volumes By Commodity Type
The following table presents open gross commodity contract volumes by commodity type for derivative assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. As of December 31, 2019, these contracts extended through October 2022, March 2024, May 2032, and March 2023 for fuel oils, natural gas, power, and uranium, respectively.
 
Quantity (in millions, except as indicated)
 
2019
2018
Commodity
Ameren Missouri
Ameren Illinois
Ameren
Ameren Missouri
Ameren Illinois
Ameren
Fuel oils (in gallons)
58


58

66


66

Natural gas (in mmbtu)
20

136

156

19

154

173

Power (in megawatthours)
5

7

12

1

8

9

Uranium (pounds in thousands)
565


565

380


380


Derivative Instruments Carrying Value
The following table presents the carrying value and balance sheet location of all derivative commodity contracts, none of which were designated as hedging instruments, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
2019
 
 
2018
Commodity
Balance Sheet Location
 
Ameren
Missouri
 
 
Ameren
Illinois
 
 
Ameren
 
 
 
Ameren
Missouri
 
 
Ameren
Illinois
 
 
Ameren
Fuel oils
Other current assets
$
4

 
$

 
$
4

 
 
$
3

 
$

 
$
3

 
Other assets
 
2

 
 

 
 
2

 
 
 
5

 
 

 
 
5

Natural gas
Other current assets
 

 
 
3

 
 
3

 
 
 

 
 
1

 
 
1

 
Other assets
 

 
 
1

 
 
1

 
 
 

 
 
2

 
 
2

Power
Other current assets
 
14

 
 

 
 
14

 
 
 
4

 
 

 
 
4

 
Other assets
 
2

 
 

 
 
2

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Total assets
$
22

 
$
4

 
$
26

 
 
$
12

 
$
3

 
$
15

Fuel oils
Other current liabilities
$
4

 
$

 
$
4

 
 
$
4

 
$

 
$
4

 
Other deferred credits and liabilities
 
3

 
 

 
 
3

 
 
 
9

 
 

 
 
9

Natural gas
Other current liabilities
 
1

 
 
12

 
 
13

 
 
 
4

 
 
8

 
 
12

 
Other deferred credits and liabilities
 
1

 
 
6

 
 
7

 
 
 
1

 
 
6

 
 
7

Power
Other current liabilities
 
2

 
 
17

 
 
19

 
 
 
4

 
 
14

 
 
18

 
Other deferred credits and liabilities
 
1

 
 
207

 
 
208

 
 
 

 
 
169

 
 
169

Uranium
Other deferred credits and liabilities
 
1

 
 

 
 
1

 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Total liabilities
$
13

 
$
242

 
$
255

 
 
$
22

 
$
197

 
$
219


v3.19.3.a.u2
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Schedule Of Fair Value Hierarchy Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis
The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
 
December 31, 2019
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
 
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
 
 
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ameren
Derivative assets – commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel oils
$

$

$
6

$
6

 
 
$
1

$

$
7

$
8

 
 
Natural gas

1

3

4

 
 

2

1

3

 
 
Power

2

14

16

 
 

1

3

4

 
 
Total derivative assets – commodity contracts
$

$
3

$
23

$
26

 
 
$
1

$
3

$
11

$
15

 
 
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large capitalization
$
569

$

$

$
569

 
 
$
427

$

$

$
427

 
 
Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency securities

107


107

 
 

148


148

 
 
Corporate bonds

93


93

 
 

72


72

 
 
Other

73


73

 
 

32


32

 
 
Total nuclear decommissioning trust fund
$
569

$
273

$

$
842

(a) 
 
$
427

$
252

$

$
679

(a) 
 
Total Ameren
$
569

$
276

$
23

$
868

 
 
$
428

$
255

$
11

$
694

 
Ameren Missouri
Derivative assets – commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel oils
$

$

$
6

$
6

 
 
$
1

$

$
7

$
8

 
 
Power

2

14

16

 
 

1

3

4

 
 
Total derivative assets – commodity contracts
$

$
2

$
20

$
22

 
 
$
1

$
1

$
10

$
12

 
 
Nuclear decommissioning trust fund:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large capitalization
$
569

$

$

$
569

 
 
$
427

$

$

$
427

 
 
Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. Treasury and agency securities

107


107

 
 

148


148

 
 
Corporate bonds

93


93

 
 

72


72

 
 
Other

73


73

 
 

32


32

 
 
Total nuclear decommissioning trust fund
$
569

$
273

$

$
842

(a) 
 
$
427

$
252

$

$
679

(a) 
 
Total Ameren Missouri
$
569

$
275

$
20

$
864

 
 
$
428

$
253

$
10

$
691

 
Ameren Illinois
Derivative assets – commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas
$

$
1

$
3

$
4

 
 
$

$
2

$
1

$
3

 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ameren
Derivative liabilities – commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel oils
$
1

$

$
6

$
7

 
 
$
2

$

$
11

$
13

 
 
Natural gas
3

14

3

20

 
 

15

4

19

 
 
Power

2

225

227

 
 

1

186

187

 
 
Uranium


1

1

 
 




 
 
Total Ameren
$
4

$
16

$
235

$
255

 
 
$
2

$
16

$
201

$
219

 
Ameren Missouri
Derivative liabilities – commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel oils
$
1

$

$
6

$
7

 
 
$
2

$

$
11

$
13

 
 
Natural gas

2


2

 
 

5


5

 
 
Power

2

1

3

 
 

1

3

4

 
 
Uranium


1

1

 
 




 
 
Total Ameren Missouri
$
1

$
4

$
8

$
13

 
 
$
2

$
6

$
14

$
22

 
Ameren Illinois
Derivative liabilities – commodity contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Natural gas
$
3

$
12

$
3

$
18

 
 
$

$
10

$
4

$
14

 
 
Power


224

224

 
 


183

183

 
 
Total Ameren Illinois
$
3

$
12

$
227

$
242

 
 
$

$
10

$
187

$
197

 

(a)
Balance excludes $5 million and $5 million of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, payables, and accrued income, net for December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Schedule Of Changes In The Fair Value Of Financial Assets And Liabilities Classified As Level 3 In The Fair Value Hierarchy The following table presents the fair value reconciliation of Level 3 power derivative contract assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
Ameren
Missouri
Ameren
Illinois
Ameren
 
 
Ameren
Missouri
Ameren
Illinois
Ameren
Beginning balance at January 1
$

$
(183
)
$
(183
)
 
 
$
7

$
(195
)
$
(188
)
Realized and unrealized gains (losses) included in regulatory assets/liabilities
23

(56
)
(33
)
 
 
(6
)

(6
)
Purchases



 
 
5


5

Settlements
(7
)
15

8

 
 
(5
)
12

7

Transfers out of Level 3
(3
)

(3
)
 
 
(1
)

(1
)
Ending balance at December 31
$
13

$
(224
)
$
(211
)
 
 
$

$
(183
)
$
(183
)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets/liabilities held at December 31
$
12

$
(54
)
$
(42
)
 
 
$
(1
)
$
(2
)
$
(3
)

Fair Value Inputs, Assets and Liabilities, Quantitative Information
The following table describes the valuation techniques and significant unobservable inputs utilized for the fair value of our Level 3 power derivative contract assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
 
Fair Value
 
 
 
 
Weighted Average(b)
 
Commodity
Assets
Liabilities
 
Valuation Technique(s)
Unobservable Input(a)
Range
2019
Power(c)
$
14

$
(225
)

Discounted cash flow
Average forward peak and off-peak pricing – forwards/swaps($/MWh)
22  34
25
 
 
 
 

 
Nodal basis($/MWh)
(6)  0
(2)
 
 
 
 


Trend rate(%)
(1)  0
0
2018
Power(d)
$
3

$
(186
)

Discounted cash flow
Average forward peak and off-peak pricing – forwards/swaps($/MWh)
23 – 39
28
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nodal basis($/MWh)
(9) – 0
(2)
 
 
 
 

Fundamental energy production model
Estimated future natural gas prices($/mmbtu)
3 – 4
3
(a)
Generally, significant increases (decreases) in these inputs in isolation would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.
(b)
Unobservable inputs were weighted by relative fair value.
(c)
Valuations through 2028 use visible forward prices adjusted for nodal-to-hub basis differentials. Valuations beyond 2028 use a trend rate factor and are similarly adjusted for nodal-to-hub basis differentials.
(d)
Valuations through 2022 use visible forward prices adjusted for nodal-to-hub basis differentials. Valuations beyond 2022 use a fundamental energy production model incorporating estimated future natural gas prices.
Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]
The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy, the carrying amount and fair value of financial assets and liabilities disclosed, but not carried, at fair value as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
 
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Ameren:
December 31, 2019
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$
176

 
$
176

 
$

 
$

 
$
176

Investments in industrial development revenue bonds(a)
263

 

 
263

 

 
263

Short-term debt
440

 

 
440

 

 
440

Long-term debt (including current portion)(a)
9,357

(b) 

 
9,957

 
484

(c) 
10,441

Ameren Missouri:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$
39

 
$
39

 
$

 
$

 
$
39

Investments in industrial development revenue bonds(a)
263

 

 
263

 

 
263

Short-term debt
234

 

 
234

 

 
234

Long-term debt (including current portion)(a)
4,190

(b) 

 
4,772

 

 
4,772

Ameren Illinois:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$
125

 
$
125

 
$

 
$

 
$
125

Short-term debt
53

 

 
53

 

 
53

Long-term debt (including current portion)
3,575

(b) 

 
4,019

 

 
4,019

 
December 31, 2018
Ameren:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$
107

 
$
107

 
$

 
$

 
$
107

Investments in industrial development revenue bonds(a)
270

 

 
270

 

 
270

Short-term debt
597

 

 
597

 

 
597

Long-term debt (including current portion)(a)
8,439

(b) 

 
8,240

 
429

(c) 
8,669

Ameren Missouri:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$
8

 
$
8

 
$

 
$

 
$
8

Investments in industrial development revenue bonds(a)
270

 

 
270

 

 
270

Short-term debt
55

 

 
55

 

 
55

Long-term debt (including current portion)(a)
3,998

(b) 

 
4,156

 

 
4,156

Ameren Illinois:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$
80

 
$
80

 
$

 
$

 
$
80

Short-term debt
72

 

 
72

 

 
72

Long-term debt (including current portion)
3,296

(b) 

 
3,391

 

 
3,391

(a)
Ameren and Ameren Missouri have investments in industrial development revenue bonds, classified as held-to-maturity and recorded in “Other Assets,” that are equal to the finance obligations for the Peno Creek and Audrain CT energy centers. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the carrying amount of both the investments in industrial development revenue bonds and the finance obligations approximated fair value.
(b)
Included unamortized debt issuance costs, which were excluded from the fair value measurement, of $72 million, $30 million, and $34 million for Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois, respectively, as of December 31, 2019. Included unamortized debt issuance costs, which were excluded from the fair value measurement, of $58 million, $22 million, and $31 million for Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois, respectively, as of December 31, 2018.
(c)
The Level 3 fair value amount consists of ATXI’s senior unsecured notes.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Callaway Energy Center (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Nuclear Waste Matters [Abstract]  
Proceeds From Sale Of Investments In Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund And Gross Realized Gains And Losses
The following table presents proceeds from the sale and maturities of investments in Ameren Missouri’s nuclear decommissioning trust fund and the gross realized gains and losses resulting from those sales for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Proceeds from sales and maturities
$
260

 
$
299

 
$
305

Gross realized gains
10

 
18

 
13

Gross realized losses
2

 
5

 
5


Fair Value Of Securities In Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund
The following table presents the cost and fair value of investments in debt and equity securities in Ameren’s and Ameren Missouri’s nuclear decommissioning trust fund at December 31, 2019 and 2018:
Security Type
Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gain
 
Gross Unrealized Loss
 
Fair Value
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities
$
262

 
$
11

 
$

 
$
273

Equity securities
183

 
393

 
7

 
569

Cash and cash equivalents
26

 

 

 
26

Other(a)
(21
)
 

 

 
(21
)
Total
$
450

 
$
404

 
$
7

 
$
847

2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Debt securities
$
253

 
$
3

 
$
4

 
$
252

Equity securities
162

 
277

 
12

 
427

Cash and cash equivalents
3

 

 

 
3

Other(a)
2

 

 

 
2

Total
$
420

 
$
280

 
$
16

 
$
684


(a)
Represents net receivables and payables relating to pending securities sales, interest, and securities purchases.
Fair Value Of Securities In Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund According To Their Contractual Maturities
The following table presents the costs and fair values of investments in debt securities in Ameren’s and Ameren Missouri’s nuclear decommissioning trust fund according to their contractual maturities at December 31, 2019:
 
Cost
 
Fair Value
Less than 5 years
$
112

 
$
114

5 years to 10 years
56

 
58

Due after 10 years
94

 
101

Total
$
262

 
$
273


Schedule Of Insurance Coverage At Callaway Energy Center
The following table presents insurance coverage at Ameren Missouri’s Callaway Energy Center at December 31, 2019:
Type and Source of Coverage
Most Recent
Renewal Date
Maximum Coverages
 
Maximum Assessments
for Single Incidents
 
Public liability and nuclear worker liability:
 
 
 
 
 
American Nuclear Insurers
January 1, 2020
$
450

 
$

 
Pool participation
(a)
13,486

(a) 
138

(b) 
 
 
$
13,936

(c) 
$
138

 
Property damage:
 
 
 
 
 
NEIL and EMANI
April 1, 2019
$
3,200

(d) 
$
27

(e) 
Replacement power:
 
 
 
 
 
NEIL
April 1, 2019
$
490

(f) 
$
7

(e) 

(a)
Provided through mandatory participation in an industrywide retrospective premium assessment program. The maximum coverage available is dependent on the number of United States commercial reactors participating in the program.
(b)
Retrospective premium under the Price-Anderson Act. This is subject to retrospective assessment with respect to a covered loss in excess of $450 million in the event of an incident at any licensed United States commercial reactor, payable at $21 million per year.
(c)
Limit of liability for each incident under the Price-Anderson liability provisions of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended. This limit is subject to change to account for the effects of inflation and changes in the number of licensed power reactors.
(d)
NEIL provides $2.7 billion in property damage, stabilization, decontamination, and premature decommissioning insurance for radiation events and $2.3 billion in property damage insurance for nonradiation events. EMANI provides $490 million in property damage insurance for both radiation and nonradiation events.
(e)
All NEIL-insured plants could be subject to assessments should losses exceed the accumulated funds from NEIL.
(f)
Provides replacement power cost insurance in the event of a prolonged accidental outage. Weekly indemnity up to $4.5 million for 52 weeks, which commences after the first 12 weeks of an outage, plus up to $3.6 million per week for a minimum of 71 weeks thereafter for a total not exceeding the policy limit of $490 million. Nonradiation events are limited to $328 million.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Retirement Benefits (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Summary Of Benefit Liability Recorded
The following table presents the net benefit liability/(asset) recorded on the balance sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
2019

2018

Ameren(a)
$
216

$
481

Ameren Missouri
142

229

Ameren Illinois(a)
(16
)
120


(a)
Assets associated with other postretirement benefits are recorded in “Other assets” on the balance sheet.
Funded Status Of Benefit Plans And Amounts Included In Regulatory Assets And OCI The following table presents the funded status of Ameren’s pension and postretirement benefit plans as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. It also provides the amounts included in regulatory assets and accumulated OCI at December 31, 2019 and 2018, that have not been recognized in net periodic benefit costs.
 
2019
 
2018
 
Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement
Benefits
 
Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement
Benefits
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year
$
4,735

$
(a)

 
$
4,258

$
(a)

Change in benefit obligation:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net benefit obligation at beginning of year
$
4,459

$
1,034

 
$
4,827

$
1,240

Service cost
88

 
18

 
100

 
21

Interest cost
187

 
43

 
169

 
40

Plan amendments

 
2

 

 
(49
)
Participant contributions

 
8

 

 
9

Actuarial (gain) loss
469

 
69

 
(401
)
 
(163
)
Benefits paid
(236
)
 
(64
)
 
(236
)
 
(64
)
Net benefit obligation at end of year
4,967

 
1,110

 
4,459

 
1,034

Change in plan assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
3,899

 
1,113

 
4,293

 
1,223

Actual return on plan assets
878

 
237

 
(218
)
 
(57
)
Employer contributions
23

 
3

 
60

 
2

Participant contributions

 
8

 

 
9

Benefits paid
(236
)
 
(64
)
 
(236
)
 
(64
)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
4,564

 
1,297

 
3,899

 
1,113

Funded status – deficiency (surplus)
403

 
(187
)
 
560

 
(79
)
Accrued benefit cost (asset) at December 31
$
403

$
(187
)
 
$
560

$
(79
)
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent asset(b)
$

$
(187
)
 
$

$
(79
)
Current liability(c)
2

 

 
2

 

Noncurrent liability
401

 

 
558

 

Net liability (asset) recognized
$
403

$
(187
)
 
$
560

$
(79
)
Amounts recognized in regulatory assets consist of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial (gain) loss
$
244

$
(170
)
 
$
393

$
(91
)
Prior service credit

 
(41
)
 
(2
)
 
(48
)
Amounts recognized in accumulated OCI (pretax) consist of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net actuarial loss
26

 
4

 
35

 
3

Total
$
270

$
(207
)
 
$
426

$
(136
)

(a)
Not applicable.
(b)
Included in “Other assets” on Ameren’s consolidated balance sheet.
(c)
Included in “Other current liabilities” on Ameren’s consolidated balance sheet.
Assumptions Used To Determine Benefit Obligations
The following table presents the assumptions used to determine our benefit obligations at December 31, 2019 and 2018:
  
Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement Benefits
  
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Discount rate at measurement date
3.50
%
 
4.25
%
 
3.50
%
 
4.25
%
Increase in future compensation
3.50

 
3.50

 
3.50

 
3.50

Medical cost trend rate (initial)(a)
(b)

 
(b)

 
5.00

 
5.00

Medical cost trend rate (ultimate)(a)
(b)

 
(b)

 
5.00

 
5.00


(a)
Initial and ultimate medical cost trend rate for certain Medicare-eligible participants is 3.00%.
(b)
Not applicable
Schedule Of Cash Contributions Made To Benefit Plans
The following table presents the cash contributions made to our defined benefit retirement plan and to our postretirement plans during 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement Benefits
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Ameren Missouri
$
3

 
$
18

 
$
19

 
$
1

 
$
1

 
$
1

Ameren Illinois
19

 
35

 
37

 
1

 
1

 
1

Other
1

 
7

 
8

 
1

 

 

Ameren
$
23

 
$
60

 
$
64

 
$
3

 
$
2

 
$
2

Target Allocation Of The Plans' Asset Categories The following table presents our target allocations for 2020 and our pension and postretirement plans’ asset categories as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
Asset
Category
Target Allocation
2020
 
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31,
2019
 
2018
Pension Plan:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
0%  5%
 
3
%
 
1
%
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large-capitalization
21%  31%
 
27
%
 
24
%
U.S. small- and mid-capitalization
3%  13%
 
7
%
 
7
%
International
9%  19%
 
14
%
 
13
%
Global
3%  13%
 
9
%
 
8
%
Total equity
51%  61%
 
57
%
 
52
%
Debt securities
35%  45%
 
36
%
 
42
%
Real estate
0%  9%  
 
4
%
 
5
%
Private equity
0%  5%
 
(a)

 
(a)

Total
 
 
100
%
 
100
%
Postretirement Plans:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
0%  7%
 
1
%
 
2
%
Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large-capitalization
23%  33%
 
31
%
 
40
%
U.S. small- and mid-capitalization
3%  13%
 
9
%
 
7
%
International
9%  19%
 
14
%
 
13
%
Global
5%  15%
 
11
%
 
%
Total equity
55%  65%
 
65
%
 
60
%
Debt securities
33%  43%
 
34
%
 
38
%
Total
 
 
100
%
 
100
%

(a)
Less than 1% of plan assets.
Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
The following table presents the components of the net periodic benefit cost of Ameren’s pension and postretirement benefit plans during 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
Pension Benefits
 
 
Postretirement Benefits
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Service cost(a)
$
88

 
$
100

 
$
93

 
 
$
18

 
$
21

 
$
21

Non-service cost components:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest cost
187

 
169

 
179

 
 
43

 
40

 
47

Expected return on plan assets
(276
)
 
(276
)
 
(262
)
 
 
(77
)
 
(77
)
 
(75
)
Amortization of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Prior service credit
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
 
(5
)
 
(4
)
 
(5
)
Actuarial (gain) loss
25

 
68

 
55

 
 
(15
)
 
(6
)
 
(6
)
Total non-service cost components(b)
$
(65
)
 
$
(40
)
 
$
29

 
 
$
(54
)
 
$
(47
)
 
$
(39
)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)
$
23

 
$
60

 
$
64

 
 
$
(36
)
 
$
(26
)
 
$
(18
)
(a)    Service cost, net of capitalization, is reflected in “Operating Expenses - Other operations and maintenance” on Ameren’s statement of income.
(b)
2019 and 2018 amounts and the non-capitalized portion of 2017 non-service cost components are reflected in “Other Income, Net” on Ameren’s consolidated statement of income. See Note 6 – Other Income, Net for additional information.
Summary Of Estimated Amortizable Amounts From Regulatory Assets and Accumulated OCI Into Net Periodic Benefit Cost
The estimated amounts that will be amortized from regulatory assets and accumulated OCI into Ameren’s net periodic benefit cost in 2020 are as follows:
 
Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement Benefits
Regulatory assets:
 
 
 
Prior service credit
$
(1
)
 
$
(4
)
Net actuarial (gain) loss
52

 
(9
)
Accumulated OCI:
 
 
 
Net actuarial loss
5

 

Total
$
56

 
$
(13
)
Summary Of Benefit Plan Costs Incurred
The Ameren Companies are responsible for their share of the pension and postretirement benefit costs. The following table presents the pension costs and the postretirement benefit costs incurred for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
  
Pension Costs
 
Postretirement Costs
  
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Ameren Missouri(a)
$
5

 
$
22

 
$
24

 
$
(6
)
 
$
(1
)
 
$
(4
)
Ameren Illinois
20

 
39

 
41

 
(30
)
 
(25
)
 
(14
)
Other
(2
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 

 

 

Ameren
$
23

 
$
60

 
$
64

 
(36
)
 
$
(26
)
 
$
(18
)
(a)
Does not include the impact of the regulatory tracking mechanism for the difference between the level of pension and postretirement benefit costs incurred by Ameren Missouri and the level of such costs included in customer rates.
Schedule Of Expected Payments From Qualified Trust And Company Funds
The expected pension and postretirement benefit payments from qualified trust and company funds, which reflect expected future service, as of December 31, 2019, are as follows:
  
Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement Benefits
  
Paid from
Qualified
Trust Funds
 
Paid from
Company
Funds
 
Paid from
Qualified
Trust Funds
 
Paid from
Company
Funds
2020
$
257

 
$
3

 
$
58

 
$
2

2021
269

 
3

 
60

 
2

2022
274

 
3

 
61

 
2

2023
279

 
3

 
63

 
2

2024
284

 
3

 
64

 
2

2025  2029
1,446

 
12

 
313

 
12


Assumptions Used To Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost
The following table presents the assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for our pension and postretirement benefit plans for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
  
Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement Benefits
  
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Discount rate at measurement date
4.25
%
 
3.50
%
 
4.00
%
 
4.25
%
 
3.50
%
 
4.00
%
Expected return on plan assets
7.00

 
7.00

 
7.00

 
7.00

 
7.00

 
7.00

Increase in future compensation
3.50

 
3.50

 
3.50

 
3.50

 
3.50

 
3.50

Medical cost trend rate (initial)(a)
(b)

 
(b)

 
(b)

 
5.00

 
5.00

 
5.00

Medical cost trend rate (ultimate)(a)
(b)

 
(b)

 
(b)

 
5.00

 
5.00

 
5.00


(a)
Initial and ultimate medical cost trend rate for certain Medicare-eligible participants is 3.00%.
(b)
Not applicable.
Schedule Of Potential Changes In Key Assumptions
The table below reflects the sensitivity of Ameren’s plans to potential changes in key assumptions:
  
Pension Benefits
 
Postretirement Benefits
  
Service Cost
and Interest
Cost
 
Expected
Return on
Assets
 
Projected
Benefit
Obligation
 
Service Cost
and Interest
Cost
 
Expected
Return on
Assets
 
Postretirement
Benefit
Obligation
0.25% decrease in discount rate
$
(1
)
 
$

 
$
165

 
$

 
$

 
$
36

0.25% decrease in return on assets

 
10

 

 

 
3

 

0.25% increase in future compensation
2

 

 
14

 

 

 

1.00% increase in annual medical trend

 

 

 
3

 

 
57

1.00% decrease in annual medical trend

 

 

 
(3
)
 

 
(57
)

Schedule Of Matching Contributions The following table presents the portion of the matching contribution to the Ameren 401(k) plan attributable to each of the Ameren Companies for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Ameren Missouri
$
19

 
$
17

 
$
16

Ameren Illinois
16

 
15

 
13

Other

 
1

 
1

Ameren
$
35

 
$
33

 
$
30


Pension Benefits  
Target Allocation Of The Plans' Asset Categories
The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy discussed in Note 8 – Fair Value Measurements, the pension plans’ assets measured at fair value and NAV as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
December 31, 2019
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
NAV
 
Total
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
NAV
 
Total
Cash and cash equivalents
$

 
$

 
$
139

 
$
139

 
 
$

 
$

 
$
41

 
$
41

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large-capitalization

 

 
1,253

 
1,253

 
 

 

 
955

 
955

U.S. small- and mid-capitalization
344

 

 

 
344

 
 
272

 

 

 
272

International
296

 

 
363

 
659

 
 
224

 

 
298

 
522

Global

 

 
407

 
407

 
 

 

 
321

 
321

Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds

 
597

 
13

 
610

 
 

 
701

 
19

 
720

Municipal bonds

 
75

 

 
75

 
 

 
87

 

 
87

U.S. Treasury and agency securities
5

 
1,010

 

 
1,015

 
 

 
891

 

 
891

Other

 
8

 

 
8

 
 
1

 
11

 

 
12

Real estate

 

 
211

 
211

 
 

 

 
202

 
202

Private equity

 

 
2

 
2

 
 

 

 
3

 
3

Total
$
645

 
$
1,690

 
$
2,388

 
$
4,723

 
 
$
497

 
$
1,690

 
$
1,839

 
$
4,026

Less: Medical benefit assets(a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(176
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(144
)
Plus: Net receivables(b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17

Fair value of pension plans’ assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
4,564

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
3,899


(a)
Medical benefit (health and welfare) component for accounts maintained in accordance with Section 401(h) of the Internal Revenue Code to fund a portion of the postretirement obligation.
(b)
Receivables related to pending securities sales, offset by payables related to pending securities purchases.
Postretirement Benefits  
Target Allocation Of The Plans' Asset Categories
The following table sets forth, by level within the fair value hierarchy discussed in Note 8 – Fair Value Measurements, the postretirement benefit plans’ assets measured at fair value and NAV as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
December 31, 2019
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
NAV
 
Total
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
NAV
 
Total
Cash and cash equivalents
$
12

 
$

 
$

 
$
12

 
 
$
32

 
$

 
$

 
$
32

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. large-capitalization
238

 

 
112

 
350

 
 
297

 

 
89

 
386

U.S. small- and mid-capitalization
93

 

 

 
93

 
 
63

 

 

 
63

International
59

 

 
102

 
161

 
 
45

 

 
84

 
129

Global

 

 
120

 
120

 
 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

 

 
 

 
12

 

 
12

Debt securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate bonds

 

 

 

 
 

 
144

 

 
144

Municipal bonds

 
107

 

 
107

 
 

 
107

 

 
107

U.S. Treasury and agency securities

 

 

 

 
 

 
62

 

 
62

Other



 
277

 
277

 
 

 
7

 
34

 
41

Total
$
402


$
107

 
$
611

 
$
1,120

 
 
$
437

 
$
332

 
$
207

 
$
976

Plus: Medical benefit assets(a)
 
 
 
 
 
 
176

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
144

Less: Net payables(b)
 
 
 
 
 
 
1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(7
)
Fair value of postretirement benefit plans’ assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
1,297

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
1,113

(a)
Medical benefit (health and welfare) component for accounts maintained in accordance with Section 401(h) of the Internal Revenue Code to fund a portion of the postretirement obligation. These 401(h) assets are included in the pension plan assets shown above.
(b)
Payables related to pending securities purchases, offset by interest receivables and receivables related to pending securities sales.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]  
Summary Of Nonvested Shares Related To Long-Term Incentive Plan
The following table summarizes Ameren’s nonvested performance share unit and restricted stock unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2019:
 
Performance Share Units
 
Restricted Stock Units
 
Share
Units
 
Weighted-average Fair Value per Share Unit
 
Stock
Units
 
Weighted-average Fair Value per Stock Unit
Nonvested at January 1, 2019(a)
682,811

 
$
56.58

 
155,253

 
$
57.38

Granted
304,384

 
67.42

 
132,526

 
65.89

Forfeitures
(35,120
)
 
64.40

 
(11,802
)
 
62.75

Vested and undistributed(b)
(235,275
)
 
62.28

 
(53,297
)
 
61.99

Vested and distributed
(176,923
)
 
44.13

 
(2,403
)
 
54.30

Nonvested at December 31, 2019(c)
539,877

 
$
63.79

 
220,277

 
$
61.13

(a)
Does not include 619,783 performance share units and 26,557 restricted stock units that were vested and undistributed.
(b)
Vested and undistributed units are awards that vest on a pro-rata basis due to attainment of retirement eligibility by certain employees, but have not yet been distributed. For vested and undistributed performance share units, the number of shares issued for retirement-eligible employees will vary depending on actual performance over the three-year performance period.
(c)
Does not include 503,283 of performance share units and 79,854 of restricted stock units that were vested and undistributed.
Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award
The following table presents the stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
Ameren Missouri
$
4

 
$
4

 
$
4

Ameren Illinois
3

 
3

 
2

Other(a)
13

 
13

 
12

Ameren
20

 
20

 
18

Less income tax benefit
5

 
6

 
7

Stock-based compensation expense, net
$
15

 
$
14

 
$
11

(a)
Represents compensation expense for employees of Ameren Services. These amounts are not included in the Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois amounts above.
The following table presents the fair value of each share unit along with the significant assumptions used to calculate the fair value of each share unit for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
2019
2018
2017
Fair value of share units awarded
$67.42
$62.88
$59.16
Three-year risk-free rate
2.46%
1.98%
1.47%
Ameren’s common stock volatility(a)
17%
17%
19%
Volatility range for the peer group(a)
15% – 25%
15% – 23%
15% – 21%
(a)
Based on a historical period that is equal to the remaining term of the performance period as of the grant date.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Income Taxes (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule Of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation
The following table presents the principal reasons for the difference between the effective income tax rate and the federal statutory corporate income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
Ameren Missouri
 
Ameren Illinois
 
Ameren
2019
 
 
 
 
 
Federal statutory corporate income tax rate:
21
 %
 
21
 %
 
21
 %
Increases (decreases) from:
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of excess deferred income taxes
(11
)
 
(4
)
 
(7
)
Amortization of deferred investment tax credit
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
State tax
5

 
7

 
6

Stock-based compensation

 

 
(1
)
Effective income tax rate
14
 %
 
24
 %
 
18
 %
2018
 
 
 
 
 
Federal statutory corporate income tax rate:
21
 %
 
21
 %
 
21
 %
Increases (decreases) from:
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of excess deferred income taxes
(4
)
 
(4
)
 
(4
)
Depreciation differences

 
(1
)
 

Amortization of deferred investment tax credit
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
State tax
4

 
7

 
6

TCJA
1

 
1

 
1

Tax credits
(1
)
 

 

Other permanent items

 

 
(1
)
Effective income tax rate
20
 %
 
24
 %
 
22
 %
2017
 
 
 
 
 
Federal statutory corporate income tax rate:
35
 %
 
35
 %
 
35
 %
Increases (decreases) from:
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation differences
1

 
(1
)
 

Amortization of deferred investment tax credit
(1
)
 

 
(1
)
State tax
4

 
6

 
6

TCJA
6

 
(1
)
 
14

Tax credits
(1
)
 

 

Other permanent items

 
(1
)
 
(2
)
Effective income tax rate
44
 %
 
38
 %
 
52
 %

Schedule Of Components Of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
The following table presents the components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
Ameren Missouri
 
Ameren Illinois
 
Other
 
Ameren
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
65

 
$
19

 
$
(88
)
 
$
(4
)
State
22

 
11

 
(14
)
 
19

Deferred taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
37

 
66

 
82

 
185

State
5

 
29

 
25

 
59

Amortization of excess deferred income taxes
(56
)
 
(15
)
 
(1
)
 
(72
)
Amortization of deferred investment tax credits
(5
)
 

 

 
(5
)
Total income tax expense
$
68

 
$
110

 
$
4

 
$
182

2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
104

 
$
4

 
$
(118
)
 
$
(10
)
State
29

 
6

 
(12
)
 
23

Deferred taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
22

 
75

 
123

 
220

State
(2
)
 
28

 
23

 
49

Amortization of excess deferred income taxes
(24
)
 
(15
)
 
(1
)
 
(40
)
Amortization of deferred investment tax credits
(5
)
 

 

 
(5
)
Total income tax expense
$
124

 
$
98

 
$
15

 
$
237

2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
149

 
$
(34
)
 
$
(110
)
 
$
5

State
23

 
29

 
(20
)
 
32

Deferred taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
76

 
185

 
250

 
511

State
11

 
(13
)
 
36

 
34

Amortization of deferred investment tax credits
(5
)
 
(1
)
 

 
(6
)
Total income tax expense
$
254

 
$
166

 
$
156

 
$
576


Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities Resulting From Temporary Differences
The following table presents the accumulated deferred income tax assets and liabilities recorded as a result of temporary differences and accumulated deferred investment tax credits at December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
Ameren Missouri
 
Ameren Illinois
 
Other
 
Ameren
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated deferred income taxes, net liability (asset):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant-related
$
2,000

 
$
1,423

 
$
193

 
$
3,616

Regulatory assets and liabilities, net
(310
)
 
(214
)
 
(24
)
 
(548
)
Deferred employee benefit costs
(59
)
 
7

 
(59
)
 
(111
)
Tax carryforwards
(25
)
 
(3
)
 
(70
)
 
(98
)
Other
(33
)
 
11

 
43

 
21

Total net accumulated deferred income tax liabilities (assets)
$
1,573

 
$
1,224

 
$
83

 
$
2,880

Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
39

 

 

 
39

Accumulated deferred income taxes and investment tax credits
$
1,612

 
$
1,224

 
$
83

 
$
2,919

2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated deferred income taxes, net liability (asset):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Plant-related
$
2,010

 
$
1,345

 
$
179

 
$
3,534

Regulatory assets and liabilities, net
(343
)
 
(221
)
 
(25
)
 
(589
)
Deferred employee benefit costs
(58
)
 
(4
)
 
(64
)
 
(126
)
Tax carryforwards
(35
)
 
(26
)
 
(166
)
 
(227
)
Other
(40
)
 
24

 
47

 
31

Total net accumulated deferred income tax liabilities (assets)
$
1,534

 
$
1,118

 
$
(29
)
 
$
2,623

Accumulated deferred investment tax credits
42

 
1

 

 
43

Accumulated deferred income taxes and investment tax credits
$
1,576

 
$
1,119

 
$
(29
)
 
$
2,666


Schedule Of Net Operating Loss Carryforwards And Tax Credit Carryforwards
The following table presents the components of accumulated deferred income tax assets relating to net operating loss carryforwards, tax credit carryforwards, and charitable contribution carryforwards at December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
Ameren Missouri
 
Ameren Illinois
 
Other
 
Ameren
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax credit carryforwards:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal(a)
$
25

 
$
3

 
$
67

 
$
95

State(b)

 

 
3

 
3

Total tax credit carryforwards
$
25

 
$
3

 
$
70

 
$
98

Charitable contribution carryforwards(c)
$

 
$

 
$
3

 
$
3

Valuation allowance(c)

 

 
(3
)
 
(3
)
Total charitable contribution carryforwards
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net operating loss carryforwards:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$

 
$
23

 
$
55

 
$
78

State

 

 
13

 
13

Total net operating loss carryforwards
$

 
$
23

 
$
68

 
$
91

Tax credit carryforwards:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
$
35

 
$
3

 
$
79

 
$
117

State

 

 
10

 
10

Total tax credit carryforwards
$
35

 
$
3

 
$
89

 
$
127

Charitable contribution carryforwards
$

 
$

 
$
14

 
$
14

Valuation allowance

 

 
(5
)
 
(5
)
Total charitable contribution carryforwards
$

 
$

 
$
9

 
$
9


(a)
Will expire between 2029 and 2039.
(b)
Will expire between 2022 and 2024.
(c)
See Schedule II under Part IV, Item 15, in this report for information on changes in the valuation allowance.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Related Party Transactions (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Schedule of Related Party Electric Power Supply Agreements The following table presents the specified performance period, price, and amount of megawatthours included in the agreements:
IPA Procurement Event
Performance Period
MWh
 
Average Price per MWh
September 2015
November 2015  May 2018
339,000
 
$
38

April 2016
June 2017  September 2018
375,200
 
35

September 2016
May 2017  September 2018
82,800
 
34

April 2017
March 2019  May 2020
85,600
 
34

April 2018
June 2019  September 2020
110,000
 
32

April 2019
January 2020 – December 2021
288,000
 
35

September 2019
April 2020 – November 2021
170,800
 
29


Schedule of Affiliate Receivables and Payables The following table presents the affiliate balances related to income taxes for Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
2019
 
 
2018
 
Ameren Missouri
Ameren Illinois
 
 
Ameren Missouri
Ameren Illinois
Income taxes payable to parent(a)
$
15

$
43

 
 
$
16

$
7

Income taxes receivable from parent(b)
15

17

 
 

6

(a)
Included in “Accounts payable – affiliates” on the balance sheet.
(b)
Included in “Accounts receivable – affiliates” on the balance sheet
Schedule of Capital Contributions
The following table presents cash capital contributions received from Ameren (parent) by Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
Ameren Missouri(a)
$
124

 
$
45

 
$
30

 
Ameren Illinois
15

(a) 
160

 
8

 
(a)
As a result of the tax allocation agreement.
Schedule of Related Party Transactions
The following table presents the impact on Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois of related-party transactions for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017. It is based primarily on the agreements discussed above and the money pool arrangements discussed in Note 4 – Short-term Debt and Liquidity.
Agreement
Income Statement Line Item
 
 
 
Ameren
Missouri
 
Ameren
Illinois
Ameren Missouri power supply agreements
Operating Revenues
 
2019
$
3

$
(a)

with Ameren Illinois
 
 
2018
 
11

 
(a)

 
 
 
2017
 
23

 
(a)

Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois
Operating Revenues
 
2019
 
27

 
2

rent and facility services
 
 
2018
 
22

 
3

 
 
 
2017
 
26

 
4

Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois miscellaneous
Operating Revenues
 
2019
 
1

 
2

support services and services provided to ATXI
 
 
2018
 
1

 
1

 
 
 
2017
 
(b)

 
1

Ameren Missouri software licensing
Operating Revenues
 
2019
 
(a)

 
19

with Ameren Illinois
 
 
2018
 
(a)

 
(a)

 
 
 
2017
 
(a)

 
(a)

Total Operating Revenues
 
 
2019
$
31

$
23

 
 
 
2018
 
34

 
4

 
 
 
2017
 
49

 
5

Ameren Illinois power supply
Purchased Power
 
2019
$
(a)

$
3

agreements with Ameren Missouri
 
 
2018
 
(a)

 
11

 
 
 
2017
 
(a)

 
23

Ameren Illinois transmission
Purchased Power
 
2019
 
(a)

 
2

services from ATXI
 
 
2018
 
(a)

 
1

 
 
 
2017
 
(a)

 
2

Total Purchased Power
 
 
2019
$
(a)

$
5

 
 
 
2018
 
(a)

 
12

 
 
 
2017
 
(a)

 
25

Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois
Other Operations and
 
2019
$
2

$
5

rent and facility services
Maintenance
 
2018
 
3

 
6

 
 
 
2017
 
(b)

 
(b)

Ameren Services support services
Other Operations and
 
2019
 
135


127

agreement
Maintenance
 
2018
 
136

 
126

 
 
 
2017
 
149

 
139

Total Other Operations and
 
 
2019
$
137

$
132

Maintenance Expenses
 
 
2018
 
139

 
132

 
 
 
2017
 
149

 
139

Money pool borrowings (advances)
(Interest Charges)
 
2019
$
(b)

$
(b)

 
Other Income, Net
 
2018
 
1

 
(b)

 
 
 
2017
 
1

 
(b)

(a)
Not applicable.
(b)
Amount less than $1 million.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule Of Estimated Purchased Commitments The table below presents our estimated minimum fuel, purchased power, and other commitments at December 31, 2019. Ameren’s and Ameren Illinois’ purchased power commitments include the Ameren Illinois agreements entered into as part of the IPA-administered power procurement process. Included in the Other column are minimum purchase commitments under contracts for equipment, design and construction, and meter reading services, among other agreements, at December 31, 2019.
 
Coal
 
Natural
Gas(a)
 
Nuclear
Fuel
 
Purchased
Power(b)(c)
 
Methane
Gas
 
Other
 
Total
Ameren:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020
$
325

 
$
171

 
$
42

 
$
147

(d) 
$
3

 
$
75

 
$
763

2021
197

 
109

 
60

 
51

 
3

 
33

 
453

2022
137

 
55

 
13

 
13

 
3

 
22

 
243

2023
46

 
35

 
43

 
3

 
3

 
22

 
152

2024
53

 
12

 
15

 

 
3

 
25

 
108

Thereafter
27

 
43

 
15

 

 
24

 
58

 
167

Total
$
785

 
$
425

 
$
188

 
$
214

 
$
39

 
$
235

 
$
1,886

Ameren Missouri:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020
$
325

 
$
40

 
$
42

 
$

 
$
3

 
$
61

 
$
471

2021
197

 
26

 
60

 

 
3

 
26

 
312

2022
137

 
14

 
13

 

 
3

 
22

 
189

2023
46

 
13

 
43

 

 
3

 
22

 
127

2024
53

 
6

 
15

 

 
3

 
25

 
102

Thereafter
27

 
19

 
15

 

 
24

 
24

 
109

Total
$
785

 
$
118

 
$
188

 
$

 
$
39

 
$
180

 
$
1,310

Ameren Illinois:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2020
$

 
$
131

 
$

 
$
147

(d) 
$

 
$
3

 
$
281

2021

 
83

 

 
51

 

 
2

 
136

2022

 
41

 

 
13

 

 

 
54

2023

 
22

 

 
3

 

 

 
25

2024

 
6

 

 

 

 

 
6

Thereafter

 
24

 

 

 

 

 
24

Total
$

 
$
307

 
$

 
$
214

 
$

 
$
5

 
$
526

(a)
Includes amounts for generation and for distribution.
(b)
The purchased power amounts for Ameren and Ameren Illinois exclude agreements for renewable energy credits through 2035 with various renewable energy suppliers due to the contingent nature of the payment amounts, with the exception of expected payments of $13 million through 2024.
(c)
The purchased power amounts for Ameren and Ameren Missouri exclude a 102-megawatt power purchase agreement with a wind farm operator, which expires in 2024, due to the contingent nature of the payment amounts.
(d)
In January 2018, as required by the FEJA, Ameren Illinois entered into agreements to acquire zero emission credits, through 2026. Annual zero emission credit commitment amounts will be published by the IPA each May prior to the start of the subsequent planning year. The amounts above reflect Ameren Illinois’ commitment to acquire approximately $27 million of zero emission credits through May 2020.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Supplemental Information (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Supplemental Information [Abstract]  
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents Including Restricted Cash
The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the balance sheets and the statements of cash flows as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
December 31, 2019
 
 
December 31, 2018
Ameren
Ameren
Missouri
Ameren
Illinois
 
 
Ameren
Ameren
Missouri
Ameren
Illinois
Cash and cash equivalents
$
16

$
9

$

 
 
$
16

$

$

Restricted cash included in “Other current assets”
14

4

5

 
 
13

4

6

Restricted cash included in “Other assets”
120


120

 
 
74


74

Restricted cash included in “Nuclear decommissioning trust fund”
26

26


 
 
4

4


Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$
176

$
39

$
125

 
 
$
107

$
8

$
80


The following table provides a reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reported within the balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
2019
 
2018
Cash and cash equivalents
$

 
$

Restricted cash included in “Other current assets”
3

 
1

Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash
$
3

 
$
1


Schedule of Inventories
The following table presents the components of inventories for each of the Ameren Companies at December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
December 31, 2019
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
Ameren
Missouri
Ameren
Illinois
Ameren
 
 
Ameren
Missouri
Ameren
Illinois
Ameren
Fuel(a)
$
126

$

$
126

 
 
$
123

$

$
123

Natural gas stored underground
6

57

63

 
 
7

64

71

Materials, supplies, and other
241

64

305

 
 
228

61

289

Total inventories
$
373

$
121

$
494

 
 
$
358

$
125

$
483

(a)
Consists of coal, oil, and propane.
Lease Supplemental Information
The following table provides supplemental balance sheet information related to operating leases as of December 31, 2019:
 
Ameren
 
Ameren Missouri
Other assets
$
36

 
$
34

Other current liabilities
7

 
7

Other deferred credits and liabilities
29

 
27

Weighted average remaining operating lease term
5 years

 
5 years

Weighted average discount rate(a)
3.5
%
 
3.4
%
(a)
As an implicit rate is not readily determinable under most of our lease agreements, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. We use an implicit rate when readily determinable.
Schedule of Maturity of Operating Lease Liabilities
The following table presents remaining maturities of operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2019:
 
Ameren
 
Ameren Missouri
2020
$
8

 
$
8

2021
8

 
7

2022
7

 
6

2023
6

 
6

2024
5

 
5

Thereafter
5

 
5

Total lease payments
39

 
37

Less imputed interest
3

 
3

Total(a)
$
36

 
$
34

(a)
The amount of remaining maturities of operating lease liabilities under previous authoritative accounting guidance as of December 31, 2018, is materially consistent with the amount as of December 31, 2019. Maturities of certain financing arrangements, including the Peno Creek and Audrain energy centers' long-term agreements, are no longer required to be disclosed as lease-related maturities. See Note 5 – Long-Term Debt and Equity Financings, for further information on financing arrangements.
Asset Retirement Obligation Disclosure
The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending carrying amount of AROs for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:
 
December 31, 2019
 
 
December 31, 2018
 
Ameren
Missouri
 
Ameren
Illinois
 
Ameren
 
 
 
Ameren
Missouri
 
Ameren
Illinois
 
Ameren
 
Beginning balance at January 1
$
646

(a) 
$
4

(b) 
$
650

(a) 
 
 
$
640

 
$
4

 
$
644

 
Liabilities settled
(20
)
 

 
(20
)
 
 
 
(7
)
 

 
(7
)
 
Accretion(c)
28

 

 
28

 
 
 
27

 

 
27

 
Change in estimates
33

(d) 

 
33

(d) 
 
 
(14
)
(e) 

 
(14
)
(e) 
Ending balance at December 31
$
687

(a) 
$
4

(b) 
$
691

(a) 
 
 
$
646

(a) 
$
4

(b) 
$
650

(a) 
(a)
Balance included $53 million and $23 million in “Other current liabilities” on the balance sheet as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(b)
Included in “Other deferred credits and liabilities” on the balance sheet.
(c)
Ameren Missouri’s accretion expense was deferred as a decrease to regulatory liabilities.
(d)
Ameren Missouri changed its fair value estimate primarily due to an increase in the cost estimate for closure of certain CCR storage facilities.
(e)
Ameren Missouri changed its fair value estimate primarily due to a reduction in the cost estimate for closure of certain CCR storage facilities.
Schedule of Excise Taxes The following table presents the excise taxes recorded on a gross basis in “Operating Revenues – Electric,” “Operating Revenues – Natural gas” and “Operating Expenses – Taxes other than income taxes” on the statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
Ameren Missouri
$
147

 
$
164

 
$
153

 
Ameren Illinois
117

 
118

 
112

 
Ameren
$
264

 
$
282

 
$
265

 

Schedule of Rates and Amounts For Allowance for Funds Used During Construction
The following table presents the average rate that was applied to eligible construction work in progress and the amounts of allowance for funds used during construction capitalized in 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
2019
 
2018
 
2017
 
Average rate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ameren Missouri
6
%
 
7
%
 
7
%
 
Ameren Illinois
5
%
 
5
%
 
4
%
 
Ameren:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
$
28

 
$
36

 
$
24

 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
20

 
21

 
14

 
Total Ameren
$
48

 
$
57

 
$
38

 
Ameren Missouri:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
$
19

 
$
27

 
$
21

 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
12

 
14

 
10

 
Total Ameren Missouri
$
31

 
$
41

 
$
31

 
Ameren Illinois:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for equity funds used during construction
$
9

 
$
9

 
$
3

 
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction
8

 
7

 
4

 
Total Ameren Illinois
$
17

 
$
16

 
$
7

 

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted
The following table reconciles the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding to the diluted weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:


2019
 
2018
 
2017
Weighted-average Common Shares Outstanding – Basic
245.6

 
243.8

 
242.6

Assumed settlement of performance share units and restricted stock units
1.4

 
2.0

 
1.6

Dilutive effect of forward sale agreement related to common stock
0.1

 

 

Weighted-average Common Shares Outstanding – Diluted(a)
247.1

 
245.8

 
244.2

(a)
There were no potentially dilutive securities excluded from the earnings per diluted share calculations for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017.
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures
The following table provides noncash financing and investing activity excluded from the statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. There was no noncash financing or investing activity for the year ended December 31, 2017.
 
December 31, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Ameren
Ameren
Missouri
Ameren
Illinois
 
Ameren
Ameren
Missouri
Ameren
Illinois
 
Ameren
Ameren
Missouri
Ameren
Illinois
Investing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exchange of bond investments for the extinguishment of senior unsecured notes(a)
$
17

$

$
17

 
$

$

$

 
$

$

$

Accrued capital expenditures
333

140

163

 
272

121

138

 
361

159

175

Accrued nuclear fuel expenditures
19

19


 
20

20


 
10

10


Net realized and unrealized gain  nuclear decommissioning trust fund
143

143


 
(38
)
(38
)

 
3

3


Financing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exchange of bond investments for the extinguishment of senior unsecured notes(a)
$
(17
)
$

$
(17
)
 
$

$

$

 
$

$

$

Issuance of common stock for stock-based compensation
54



 
35



 



(a)
See Note 4 – Long-term Debt and Equity Financings for additional information.
v3.19.3.a.u2
Segment Information (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information, By Segment
The following tables present information about the reported revenue and specified items reflected in net income attributable to common shareholders and capital expenditures by segment at Ameren and Ameren Illinois for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017. Ameren, Ameren Missouri, and Ameren Illinois management review segment capital expenditure information rather than any individual or total asset amount.
Ameren
 
Ameren Missouri
 
Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution
 
Ameren Illinois Natural Gas
 
Ameren Transmission
 
Other
 
Intersegment Eliminations
 
Ameren
 
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External revenues
$
3,212

 
$
1,487

 
$
791

 
$
401

 
$

 
$

 
$
5,891

 
Intersegment revenues
31

 
17

 
6

 
63

(a) 

 
(98
)
 
19

(b) 
Depreciation and amortization
556

 
273

 
78

 
84

 
4

 

 
995

 
Interest income
26

 
6

 

 
1

 
5

 
(5
)
 
33

 
Interest charges
178

 
71

 
38

 
74

(c) 
25

 
(5
)
 
381

 
Income taxes (benefit)
68

 
45

 
30

 
64

 
(25
)
 

 
182

 
Net income (loss) attributable to Ameren common shareholders
426

 
146

 
84

 
185

 
(13
)
 

 
828

 
Capital expenditures
1,076

 
518

 
318

 
528

 
3

 
(32
)
(d) 
2,411

 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External revenues
$
3,555

 
$
1,544

 
$
814

 
$
378

 
$

 
$

 
$
6,291

 
Intersegment revenues
34

 
3

 
1

 
55

(a) 

 
(93
)
 

 
Depreciation and amortization
550

 
259

 
65

 
77

 
4

 

 
955

 
Interest income
28

 
6

 

 

 
4

 
(5
)
 
33

 
Interest charges
200

 
73

 
38

 
75

(c) 
19

 
(4
)
 
401

 
Income taxes (benefit)
124

 
41

 
25

 
56

 
(9
)
 

 
237

 
Net income (loss) attributable to Ameren common shareholders
478

 
136

 
70

 
164

 
(33
)
 

 
815

 
Capital expenditures
914

 
503

 
311

 
562

 
5

 
(9
)
 
2,286

 
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External revenues
$
3,488

 
$
1,564

 
$
742

 
$
382

 
$
(2
)
 
$

 
$
6,174

 
Intersegment revenues
49

 
4

 
1

 
44

(a) 

 
(98
)
 

 
Depreciation and amortization
533

 
239

 
59

 
60

 
5

 

 
896

 
Interest income
27

 
7

 

 

 
11

 
(11
)
 
34

 
Interest charges
207

 
73

 
36

 
67

(c) 
19

 
(11
)
 
391

 
Income taxes
254

 
83

 
36

 
90

 
113

 

 
576

 
Net income (loss) attributable to Ameren common shareholders
323

 
131

 
60

 
140

 
(131
)
 

 
523

 
Capital expenditures
773

 
476

 
245

 
644

 
1

 
(7
)
 
2,132

 

(a)
Ameren Transmission earns revenue from transmission service provided to Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution. See discussion of transactions above.
(b)
Intersegment revenues at Ameren include $14 million and $5 million of revenue from Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution and Ameren Illinois Natural Gas, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2019, for a software licensing agreement with Ameren Missouri. Under authoritative accounting guidance for rate-regulated entities, the revenue recognized by Ameren Illinois was not eliminated upon consolidation. See Note 13 – Related-party Transactions for additional information.
(c)
Ameren Transmission interest charges include an allocation of financing costs from Ameren (parent).
(d)
Intersegment capital expenditure eliminations include $24 million of eliminations for the year ended December 31, 2019 for a software licensing agreement between Ameren Illinois and Ameren Missouri. See Note 13 – Related-party Transactions for additional information.
Ameren Illinois
 
Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution
 
Ameren Illinois
Natural Gas
 
Ameren Illinois Transmission
 
Intersegment Eliminations
 
Ameren Illinois
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External revenues
$
1,504

 
$
797

 
$
226

 
$

 
$
2,527

Intersegment revenues

 

 
62

(a) 
(62
)
 

Depreciation and amortization
273

 
78

 
55

 

 
406

Interest income
6

 

 

 

 
6

Interest charges
71

 
38

 
38

 

 
147

Income taxes
45

 
30

 
35

 

 
110

Net income available to common shareholder
146

 
84

 
113

 

 
343

Capital expenditures
518

 
318

 
372

 

 
1,208

2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External revenues
$
1,547

 
$
815

 
$
214

 
$

 
$
2,576

Intersegment revenues

 

 
53

(a) 
(53
)
 

Depreciation and amortization
259

 
65

 
50

 

 
374

Interest income
6

 

 

 

 
6

Interest charges
73

 
38

 
38

 

 
149

Income taxes
41

 
25

 
32

 

 
98

Net income available to common shareholder
136

 
70

 
98

 

 
304

Capital expenditures
503

 
311

 
444

 

 
1,258

2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
External revenues
$
1,568

 
$
743

 
$
216

 
$

 
$
2,527

Intersegment revenues

 

 
42

(a) 
(42
)
 

Depreciation and amortization
239

 
59

 
43

 

 
341

Interest income
7

 

 

 

 
7

Interest charges
73

 
36

 
35

 

 
144

Income taxes
83

 
36

 
47

 

 
166

Net income available to common shareholder
131

 
60

 
77

 

 
268

Capital expenditures
476

 
245

 
355

 

 
1,076

(a)
Ameren Illinois Transmission earns revenue from transmission service provided to Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution. See discussion of transactions above.
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following tables present disaggregated revenues by segment at Ameren and Ameren Illinois for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017. Economic factors affect the nature, timing, amount, and uncertainty of revenues and cash flows in a similar manner across customer classes. Revenues from alternative revenue programs have a similar distribution among customer classes as revenues from contracts with customers. Other revenues not associated with contracts with customers are presented in the Other customer classification, along with electric transmission and off-system revenues.

Ameren
 
Ameren Missouri
 
Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution
 
Ameren Illinois Natural Gas
 
Ameren Transmission
 
Other
 
Intersegment Eliminations
 
Ameren
 
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
$
1,403

 
$
848

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,251

 
Commercial
1,157

 
497

 

 

 

 

 
1,654

 
Industrial
278

 
127

 

 

 

 

 
405

 
Other
271

 
32

(a) 

 
464

 

 
(96
)
 
671

 
Total electric revenues
$
3,109

 
$
1,504

 
$

 
$
464

 
$

 
$
(96
)
 
$
4,981

 
Residential
$
81

 
$

 
$
570

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
651

 
Commercial
34

 

 
154

 

 

 

 
188

 
Industrial
4

 

 
13

 

 

 

 
17

 
Other
15

 

 
60

(a) 

 

 
(2
)
 
73

 
Total gas revenues
$
134

 
$

 
$
797

 
$

 
$

 
$
(2
)
 
$
929

 
Total revenues(b)
$
3,243

 
$
1,504

 
$
797

 
$
464

 
$

 
$
(98
)
 
$
5,910

 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
$
1,560

 
$
867

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,427

 
Commercial
1,271

 
511

 

 

 

 

 
1,782

 
Industrial
312

 
130

 

 

 

 

 
442

 
Other
308

(c) 
39

 

 
433

 

 
(92
)
 
688

(c) 
Total electric revenues
$
3,451

 
$
1,547

 
$

 
$
433

 
$

 
$
(92
)
 
$
5,339

 
Residential
$
90

 
$

 
$
581

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
671

 
Commercial
37

 

 
159

 

 

 

 
196

 
Industrial
4

 

 
17

 

 

 

 
21

 
Other
7

 

 
58

 

 

 
(1
)
 
64

 
Total gas revenues
$
138

 
$

 
$
815

 
$

 
$

 
$
(1
)
 
$
952

 
Total revenues(b)
$
3,589

 
$
1,547

 
$
815

 
$
433

 
$

 
$
(93
)
 
$
6,291

 
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
$
1,417

 
$
870

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,287

 
Commercial
1,208

 
527

 

 

 

 

 
1,735

 
Industrial
305

 
113

 

 

 

 

 
418

 
Other
481

 
58

 

 
426

 
(2
)
 
(96
)
 
867

 
Total electric revenues
$
3,411

 
$
1,568

 
$

 
$
426

 
$
(2
)
 
$
(96
)
 
$
5,307

 
Residential
$
77

 
$

 
$
531

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
608

 
Commercial
31

 

 
146

 

 

 

 
177

 
Industrial
4

 

 
12

 

 

 

 
16

 
Other
14

 

 
54

 

 

 
(2
)
 
66

 
Total gas revenues
$
126

 
$

 
$
743

 
$

 
$

 
$
(2
)
 
$
867

 
Total revenues(b)
$
3,537

 
$
1,568

 
$
743

 
$
426

 
$
(2
)
 
$
(98
)
 
$
6,174

 
(a)
Includes $14 million and $5 million for Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution and Ameren Illinois Natural Gas, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2019, for a software licensing agreement with Ameren Missouri. See Note 13 – Related-party Transactions for additional information.
(b)The following table presents increases/(decreases) in revenues from alternative revenue programs and other revenues not from contracts with customers for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
Ameren Missouri
 
Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution
 
Ameren Illinois Natural Gas
 
Ameren Transmission
 
Ameren
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues from alternative revenue programs
$
35

 
$
(74
)
 
$

 
$
(31
)
 
$
(70
)
Other revenues not from contracts with customers
19

 
7

 
2

 

 
28

2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues from alternative revenue programs
$
(8
)
 
$
(3
)
 
$
(23
)
 
$
(25
)
 
$
(59
)
Other revenues not from contracts with customers
24

 
16

 
2

 

 
42

2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues from alternative revenue programs
$
(28
)
 
$
(5
)
 
$
5

 
$
13

 
$
(15
)
Other revenues not from contracts with customers
15

 
6

 
2

 

 
23

(c)
Includes $60 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, for the reduction to revenue for the excess amounts collected in rates to be refunded related to the TCJA from January 1, 2018, through July 31, 2018. See Note 2 – Rate and Regulatory Matters for additional information.
Ameren Illinois
 
Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution
 
Ameren Illinois Natural Gas
 
Ameren Illinois Transmission
 
Intersegment Eliminations
 
Ameren Illinois
 
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
$
848

 
$
570

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,418

 
Commercial
497

 
154

 

 

 
651

 
Industrial
127

 
13

 

 

 
140

 
Other
32

(a) 
60

(a) 
288

 
(62
)
 
318

 
Total revenues(b)
$
1,504

 
$
797

 
$
288

 
$
(62
)
 
$
2,527

 
2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
$
867

 
$
581

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,448

 
Commercial
511

 
159

 

 

 
670

 
Industrial
130

 
17

 

 

 
147

 
Other
39

 
58

 
267

 
(53
)
 
311

 
Total revenues(b)
$
1,547

 
$
815

 
$
267

 
$
(53
)
 
$
2,576

 
2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential
$
870

 
$
531

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,401

 
Commercial
527

 
146

 

 

 
673

 
Industrial
113

 
12

 

 

 
125

 
Other
58

 
54

 
258

 
(42
)
 
328

 
Total revenues(b)
$
1,568

 
$
743

 
$
258

 
$
(42
)
 
$
2,527

 
(a)
Includes $14 million and $5 million for Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution and Ameren Illinois Natural Gas, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2019, for a software licensing agreement with Ameren Missouri. See Note 13 – Related-party Transactions for additional information.
(b)
The following table presents increases/(decreases) in revenues from alternative revenue programs and other revenues not from contracts with customers for the Ameren Illinois segments for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
 
Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution
 
Ameren Illinois Natural Gas
 
Ameren Illinois Transmission
 
Ameren Illinois
2019
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues from alternative revenue programs
$
(74
)
 
$

 
$
(33
)
 
$
(107
)
Other revenues not from contracts with customers
7

 
2

 

 
9

2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues from alternative revenue programs
$
(3
)
 
$
(23
)
 
$
(25
)
 
$
(51
)
Other revenues not from contracts with customers
16

 
2

 

 
18

2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues from alternative revenue programs
$
(5
)
 
$
5

 
$
9

 
$
9

Other revenues not from contracts with customers
6

 
2

 

 
8


v3.19.3.a.u2
Selected Quarterly Information (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]  
Summary Of Selected Quarterly Information
SELECTED QUARTERLY INFORMATION (Unaudited) (In millions, except per share amounts)
Ameren
2019
 
 
2018
 
Quarter ended
March 31
 
June 30
 
September 30
 
December 31
 
 
March 31

 
June 30

 
September 30
 
December 31
 
Operating revenues
$
1,556

 
$
1,379

 
$
1,659

 
$
1,316

 
 
$
1,585

 
$
1,563

 
$
1,724

 
$
1,419

 
Operating income
288

 
280

 
520

 
179

 
 
273

 
385

 
533

 
166

 
Net income
193

 
180

 
366

 
95

 
 
153

 
240

 
359

 
69

 
Net income attributable to Ameren common shareholders
$
191

 
$
179

 
$
364

 
$
94

 
 
$
151

 
$
239

 
$
357

 
$
68

 
Earnings per common share – basic
$
0.78

 
$
0.73

 
$
1.48

 
$
0.38

 
 
$
0.62

 
$
0.98

 
$
1.46

 
$
0.28

 
Earnings per common share – diluted
$
0.78

 
$
0.72

 
$
1.47

 
$
0.38

 
 
$
0.62

 
$
0.97

 
$
1.45

 
$
0.28

 

Ameren Missouri
Quarter ended
 
Operating
Revenues
 
Operating
Income
 
Net Income (Loss)
 
Net Income (Loss)
Available
to Common
Shareholder
March 31, 2019
 
$
758

 
$
79

 
$
40

 
$
39

March 31, 2018
 
792

 
90

 
39

 
38

June 30, 2019
 
798

 
152

 
108

 
107

June 30, 2018
 
955

 
258

 
169

 
168

September 30, 2019
 
1,059

 
381

 
301

 
300

September 30, 2018
 
1,129

 
394

 
295

 
294

December 31, 2019
 
628

 
5

 
(20
)
 
(20
)
December 31, 2018
 
713

 
7

 
(22
)
 
(22
)

Ameren Illinois
Quarter ended
 
Operating
Revenues
 
Operating
Income
 
Net Income
 
Net Income
Available
to Common
Shareholder
March 31, 2019
 
$
762

 
$
186

 
$
121

 
$
120

March 31, 2018
 
760

 
159

 
96

 
95

June 30, 2019
 
547

 
104

 
63

 
62

June 30, 2018
 
578

 
105

 
63

 
62

September 30, 2019
 
564

 
110

 
65

 
65

September 30, 2018
 
564

 
113

 
63

 
63

December 31, 2019
 
654

 
150

 
97

 
96

December 31, 2018
 
674

 
135

 
85

 
84


v3.19.3.a.u2
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)
customer in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
mi²
segment
customer
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Accounting Policies [Line Items]        
MISO Resettlements   $ 0    
Goodwill   $ 411,000,000 $ 411,000,000  
Number of reportable segments | segment   4    
Goodwill, Impairment Loss   $ 0    
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets and Liabilities, Net   28,000,000 22,000,000  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation   1,886,000,000    
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance   264,000,000 244,000,000  
Loans, Gross, Insurance Policy   $ 114,000,000 $ 113,000,000  
Ameren Missouri software licensing with Ameren Illinois [Member]     8  
Total Transmission Line Segments - Illinois Rivers Project     9  
Union Electric Company        
Accounting Policies [Line Items]        
Public Utilities, Area Serviced | mi²   24,000    
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation   $ 1,310,000,000    
Ameren Illinois Company        
Accounting Policies [Line Items]        
Public Utilities, Area Serviced | mi²   43,700    
Goodwill   $ 411,000,000 $ 411,000,000  
Number of reportable segments | segment   3    
Goodwill, Impairment Loss   $ 0    
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation   526,000,000    
Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance   $ 123,000,000 $ 122,000,000  
Minimum        
Accounting Policies [Line Items]        
Percent of average depreciable cost   3.00% 3.00% 3.00%
Maximum        
Accounting Policies [Line Items]        
Percent of average depreciable cost   4.00% 4.00% 4.00%
Electricity | Union Electric Company        
Accounting Policies [Line Items]        
Public Utilities, Number of Customers | customer   1.2    
Power | Ameren Illinois Company        
Accounting Policies [Line Items]        
Public Utilities, Number of Customers | customer   1.2    
Natural gas | Union Electric Company        
Accounting Policies [Line Items]        
Public Utilities, Number of Customers | customer   0.1    
Natural gas | Ameren Illinois Company        
Accounting Policies [Line Items]        
Public Utilities, Number of Customers | customer   0.8    
Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution        
Accounting Policies [Line Items]        
Goodwill   $ 238,000,000    
Ameren Illinois Gas        
Accounting Policies [Line Items]        
Goodwill   80,000,000    
Ameren Illinois Transmission        
Accounting Policies [Line Items]        
Goodwill   93,000,000    
Ameren Transmission        
Accounting Policies [Line Items]        
Goodwill   93,000,000    
AROs | Union Electric Company        
Accounting Policies [Line Items]        
Noncash Depreciation related to ARO   18,000,000 $ 14,000,000 $ 26,000,000
Subsequent Event | Union Electric Company        
Accounting Policies [Line Items]        
Number of Months Between Callaway Maintenance Outages 18 months      
Partnership Funding Commitment [Member]        
Accounting Policies [Line Items]        
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation   35,000,000    
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member]        
Accounting Policies [Line Items]        
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount   $ 13,000,000    
v3.19.3.a.u2
Rate and Regulatory Matters (Regulatory Framework-Missouri) (Details) - Union Electric Company
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]  
Number of months to complete a regulatory rate review 11 months
PISA Deferral Percentage 85.00%
Depreciation Percentage Not Included in PISA Deferral 15.00%
Sharing Level For Fac 95.00%
Percentage of variance not covered by FAC 5.00%
Frequency Rates Must be Reset to Use the FAC 4 years
ISRS Return on Equity Percentage 9.725%
Maximum  
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]  
Public Utilities, Approved Rate Increase (Decrease), Percentage 2.85%
PISA  
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]  
Amortization Period 20 years
v3.19.3.a.u2
Rate and Regulatory Matters (Regulatory Framework-Illinois) (Details) - Ameren Illinois Company
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
FEJA  
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]  
Public Utilities, Approved Equity Capital Structure, Percentage 50.00%
Public Utilities, Approved Return on Equity, Percentage 5.80%
Return on equity adjustment 2.00%
QIP rider  
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]  
QIP recovery begin date 2 months
QIP rider reset zero
Natural gas  
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]  
Number of months to complete a regulatory rate review 11 months
Electric Distribution | FEJA  
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]  
Amortization Period 2 years
Maximum | QIP rider  
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]  
Public Utilities, Approved Rate Increase (Decrease), Percentage 4.00%
Annual QIP rate cap 5.50%
Maximum | Electric Distribution | FEJA  
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]  
Return on equity penalty 0.38%
v3.19.3.a.u2
Rate and Regulatory Matters (Regulatory Framework-Federal) (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc  
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]  
Incentive adder to FERC allowed base return on common equity 0.50%
FERC revenue requirement reconciliation adjustment  
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]  
Amortization Period 2 years
Mark Twain Project  
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]  
Incentive adder to FERC allowed base return on common equity 0.50%
v3.19.3.a.u2
Rate and Regulatory Matters (Narrative-Missouri) (Details) - Union Electric Company
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
MWh
Jun. 30, 2018
MWh
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
MWh
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]          
Depreciation Percentage Not Included in PISA Deferral       15.00%  
ISRS Return on Equity Percentage       9.725%  
Pending Rate Case | Electricity          
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]          
Public Utilities, Requested Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount       $ 1  
Wind Generation Facility          
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]          
Amount of Megawatts | MWh   157 400 300  
Estimated Capital Project Costs       $ 1,200  
Final Rate Order | Natural gas          
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]          
Public Utilities, Approved Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount       $ 1  
Public Utilities, Requested Equity Capital Structure, Percentage       52.00%  
ISRS Return on Equity Percentage       9.725%  
Public Utilities, Approved Rate Increase (Decrease) on Interim Rates, Amount       $ 1  
Final Rate Order | MEEIA 2013 & 2016 | Electricity          
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]          
Revenues       $ 37  
Final Rate Order | MEEIA 2016 | Electricity          
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]          
Revenues         $ 11
Minimum | Final Rate Order | Natural gas          
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]          
Public Utilities, Requested Return on Equity, Percentage       9.40%  
Maximum | Final Rate Order | Natural gas          
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]          
Public Utilities, Requested Return on Equity, Percentage       9.95%  
Subsequent Event          
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]          
Number of Months Between Callaway Maintenance Outages 18 months        
Subsequent Event | Pending Rate Case | Electricity          
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]          
Public Utilities, Requested Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount $ 32        
Subsequent Event | Final Rate Order | Electricity          
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]          
Number of Months Between Callaway Maintenance Outages 18 months        
Subsequent Event | Minimum | Pending Rate Case | Electricity          
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]          
Public Utilities, Requested Return on Equity, Percentage 9.40%        
Subsequent Event | Maximum | Pending Rate Case | Electricity          
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]          
Public Utilities, Requested Return on Equity, Percentage 9.80%        
v3.19.3.a.u2
Rate And Regulatory Matters (Narrative-Illinois) (Details) - Ameren Illinois Company - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2020
Dec. 31, 2019
Final Rate Order    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Electric Energy-Efficiency Revenue Requirement   $ 44
IEIMA revenue requirement reconciliation adjustment | Final Rate Order | Electric Distribution    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Public Utilities, Approved Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount   7
FEJA energy-efficiency rider | Final Rate Order    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Public Utilities, Approved Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount   $ 10
Subsequent Event | Pending Rate Case | Natural gas    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Public Utilities, Requested Rate Increase (Decrease), Amount $ 102  
Revenues $ 46  
Public Utilities, Requested Return on Equity, Percentage 10.50%  
Public Utilities, Requested Equity Capital Structure, Percentage 54.10%  
Rate Base $ 2,100  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Rate and Regulatory Matters (Narrative-Federal) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]        
Current regulatory liabilities $ 164 $ 164 $ 149  
Reduction to FERC allowed base return on common equity   0.50%    
Ameren Illinois Company        
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]        
Current regulatory liabilities $ 84 $ 84 62  
Net Income Available to Common Shareholder   $ 343 $ 304 $ 268
Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc        
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]        
Public Utilities, Approved Return on Equity, Percentage   12.38%    
Incentive adder to FERC allowed base return on common equity   0.50%    
Final Rate Order | Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc        
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]        
Public Utilities, Approved Return on Equity, Percentage 9.88% 10.32%    
Customer Requested Rate on Equity   9.15%    
Current regulatory liabilities $ 40 $ 40    
Incentive adder to FERC allowed base return on common equity   0.50%    
Final Rate Order | Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc | Ameren Illinois Company        
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]        
Current regulatory liabilities 23 $ 23    
Final Rate Order | Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc | Maximum        
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]        
Public Utilities, Approved Return on Equity, Percentage   10.82%    
February 2015 FERC ROE Complaint Case        
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]        
Net Income Available to Common Shareholder   $ 10    
February 2015 FERC ROE Complaint Case | Ameren Illinois Company        
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]        
Net Income Available to Common Shareholder   6    
February 2015 FERC ROE Complaint Case | Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc        
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]        
Current regulatory liabilities 46 46    
February 2015 FERC ROE Complaint Case | Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc | Ameren Illinois Company        
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]        
Current regulatory liabilities $ 27 $ 27    
v3.19.3.a.u2
Rate And Regulatory Matters (Schedule Of Regulatory Assets And Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets $ 1,061 $ 1,261
Current regulatory assets (69) (134)
Regulatory Assets, Noncurrent 992 1,127
Regulatory Liabilities 5,051 4,786
Current regulatory liabilities (164) (149)
Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent 4,887 4,637
Union Electric Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 293 380
Current regulatory assets (8) (14)
Regulatory Assets, Noncurrent 285 366
Regulatory Liabilities 2,999 2,867
Current regulatory liabilities (62) (68)
Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent $ 2,937 2,799
PISA Deferral Percentage 85.00%  
Ameren Illinois Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets $ 751 869
Current regulatory assets (57) (110)
Regulatory Assets, Noncurrent 694 759
Regulatory Liabilities 1,933 1,803
Current regulatory liabilities (84) (62)
Regulatory Liability, Noncurrent 1,849 1,741
Under-recovered Illinois electric power costs    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 4 0
Under-recovered Illinois electric power costs | Union Electric Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 0 0
Under-recovered Illinois electric power costs | Ameren Illinois Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets $ 4 0
Amortization Period 1 year  
Under-recovered PGA    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets $ 0 7
Under-recovered PGA | Union Electric Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 0 0
Under-recovered PGA | Ameren Illinois Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 0 7
MTM derivative losses    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 254 216
MTM derivative losses | Union Electric Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 12 19
MTM derivative losses | Ameren Illinois Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 242 197
IEIMA revenue requirement reconciliation adjustment    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 17 70
Regulatory Liabilities 18  
IEIMA revenue requirement reconciliation adjustment | Ameren Illinois Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 17 70
Regulatory Liabilities $ 18  
Amortization Period 2 years  
FERC revenue requirement reconciliation adjustment    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets $ 16 30
Regulatory Liabilities $ 38 19
Amortization Period 2 years  
FERC revenue requirement reconciliation adjustment | Ameren Illinois Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets $ 1 16
Regulatory Liabilities 37 17
Pension and postretirement benefit costs    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 33 252
Pension and postretirement benefit costs | Union Electric Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 7 103
Pension and postretirement benefit costs | Ameren Illinois Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 26 149
Income taxes    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 177 185
Regulatory Liabilities $ 2,326 2,413
Weighted-Average Amortization Period 34 years  
Income taxes | Union Electric Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets $ 114 119
Regulatory Liabilities $ 1,428 1,484
Weighted-Average Amortization Period 26 years  
Income taxes | Ameren Illinois Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets $ 61 68
Regulatory Liabilities $ 813 843
Weighted-Average Amortization Period 43 years  
Callaway costs    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets $ 18 22
Callaway costs | Union Electric Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 18 22
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 86 98
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt | Union Electric Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 55 58
Unamortized loss on reacquired debt | Ameren Illinois Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 31 40
Environmental cost riders    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 127 148
Environmental cost riders | Ameren Illinois Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 127 148
Storm costs    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 7 13
Storm costs | Ameren Illinois Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 7 13
Workers' compensation claims    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 11 11
Workers' compensation claims | Union Electric Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 4 4
Workers' compensation claims | Ameren Illinois Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 7 7
Construction accounting for pollution control equipment    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 15 16
Construction accounting for pollution control equipment | Union Electric Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 15 16
Solar rebate program    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 5 14
Solar rebate program | Union Electric Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 5 14
PISA    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 41 1
PISA | Union Electric Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets $ 41 1
Amortization Period 20 years  
RESRAM    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets $ 9  
RESRAM | Union Electric Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 9  
FEJA energy-efficiency rider    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 211 136
FEJA energy-efficiency rider | Ameren Illinois Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 211 136
Other regulatory assets    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 30 42
Other regulatory assets | Union Electric Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 13 24
Other regulatory assets | Ameren Illinois Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Assets 17 18
Over-recovered FAC    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities 39 34
Over-recovered FAC | Union Electric Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities $ 39 34
Amortization Period 8 months  
Accumulation Period 4 months  
Over-recovered Illinois electric power costs    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities $ 11 12
Over-recovered Illinois electric power costs | Ameren Illinois Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities 11 12
Over-recovered PGA    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities 22 10
Over-recovered PGA | Union Electric Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities 8 7
Over-recovered PGA | Ameren Illinois Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities 14 3
VBA rider    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities 8 8
VBA rider | Ameren Illinois Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities 8 8
MTM derivative gains    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities 21 8
MTM derivative gains | Union Electric Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities 18 5
MTM derivative gains | Ameren Illinois Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities 3 3
MEEIA energy-efficiency rider    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities 3 19
MEEIA energy-efficiency rider | Union Electric Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities $ 3 19
Amortization Period 1 year  
MEEIA energy-efficiency rider | Ameren Illinois Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities $ 0 0
Estimated refund for FERC complaint cases    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities 40 44
Estimated refund for FERC complaint cases | Ameren Illinois Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities 23 26
Cost of removal    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities 1,884 1,811
Cost of removal | Union Electric Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities 1,041 1,027
Cost of removal | Ameren Illinois Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities 827 774
AROs    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities 303 175
AROs | Union Electric Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities 303 175
Pension and postretirement benefit costs tracker    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities 72 43
Pension and postretirement benefit costs tracker | Union Electric Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities $ 72 43
Regulatory Liability, Amortization Period 3 years  
Renewable energy credits and zero emission credits    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities $ 155 102
Renewable energy credits and zero emission credits | Ameren Illinois Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities 155 102
Excess income taxes collected in 2018    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities 60 60
Excess income taxes collected in 2018 | Union Electric Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities 60 60
Other regulatory liabilities    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities 51 28
Other regulatory liabilities | Union Electric Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities 27 13
Other regulatory liabilities | Ameren Illinois Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liabilities $ 24 $ 15
FAC adjustments | Union Electric Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Accumulation Period 4 months  
Minimum    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liability, Amortization Period 25 years  
Minimum | FEJA energy-efficiency rider | Ameren Illinois Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Asset, Amortization Period 7 years  
Maximum    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Liability, Amortization Period 65 years  
Maximum | FEJA energy-efficiency rider | Ameren Illinois Company    
Public Utilities, General Disclosures [Line Items]    
Regulatory Asset, Amortization Period 12 years  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Property And Plant, Net (Schedule Of Property And Plant, Net) (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
equipment
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and plant, at original cost $ 36,652 $ 34,002
Accumulated depreciation and amortization 13,006 12,273
Property and plant, before construction work in progress 23,646 21,729
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net $ 24,376 22,810
Number of combustion turbine electric generation equipment with related financing obligations | equipment 2  
Number of financing obligations | equipment 2  
Gross asset value, financing obligations $ 236 235
Total accumulated depreciation, financing obligations 95 89
Electric generation    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and plant, at original cost 11,880 11,432
Electric distribution    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and plant, at original cost 12,670 11,959
Electric transmission    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and plant, at original cost 6,148 5,309
Natural gas    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and plant, at original cost 3,552 3,201
Other    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and plant, at original cost 2,402 2,101
Construction work in progress 595 864
Nuclear fuel in process    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Construction work in progress 135 217
Union Electric Company    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and plant, at original cost 21,357 20,206
Accumulated depreciation and amortization 9,195 8,726
Property and plant, before construction work in progress 12,162 11,480
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 12,635 12,103
Union Electric Company | Electric generation    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and plant, at original cost 11,880 11,432
Union Electric Company | Electric distribution    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and plant, at original cost 6,371 5,989
Union Electric Company | Electric transmission    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and plant, at original cost 1,405 1,277
Union Electric Company | Natural gas    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and plant, at original cost 528 500
Union Electric Company | Other    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and plant, at original cost 1,173 1,008
Construction work in progress 338 406
Union Electric Company | Nuclear fuel in process    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Construction work in progress 135 217
Ameren Illinois Company    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and plant, at original cost 13,417 12,181
Accumulated depreciation and amortization 3,536 3,294
Property and plant, before construction work in progress 9,881 8,887
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 10,083 9,198
Ameren Illinois Company | Electric generation    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and plant, at original cost 0 0
Ameren Illinois Company | Electric distribution    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and plant, at original cost 6,299 5,970
Ameren Illinois Company | Electric transmission    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and plant, at original cost 3,101 2,647
Ameren Illinois Company | Natural gas    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and plant, at original cost 3,024 2,701
Ameren Illinois Company | Other    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and plant, at original cost 993 863
Construction work in progress 202 311
Ameren Illinois Company | Nuclear fuel in process    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Construction work in progress 0 0
Other    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and plant, at original cost 1,878 1,615
Accumulated depreciation and amortization 275 253
Property and plant, before construction work in progress 1,603 1,362
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net 1,658 1,509
Other | Electric generation    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and plant, at original cost 0 0
Other | Electric distribution    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and plant, at original cost 0 0
Other | Electric transmission    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and plant, at original cost 1,642 1,385
Other | Natural gas    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and plant, at original cost 0 0
Other | Other    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property and plant, at original cost 236 230
Construction work in progress 55 147
Other | Nuclear fuel in process    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Construction work in progress $ 0 $ 0
Minimum | Electric generation    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 5 years  
Minimum | Electric distribution    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 20 years  
Minimum | Electric transmission    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 50 years  
Minimum | Natural gas    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 20 years  
Minimum | Other    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 5 years  
Maximum | Electric generation    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 72 years  
Maximum | Electric distribution    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 80 years  
Maximum | Electric transmission    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 75 years  
Maximum | Natural gas    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 80 years  
Maximum | Other    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 55 years  
Maximum | Union Electric Company | Electric generation    
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]    
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life 150 years  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Property and Plant, Net (Schedule of Capitalized Software) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Capitalized software costs      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Amortization expense $ 78 $ 71 $ 58
Gross carrying value 901 734  
Accumulated amortization (584) (514)  
Union Electric Company | Capitalized software costs      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Amortization expense 30 24 20
Gross carrying value 303 223  
Accumulated amortization (153) (125)  
Ameren Illinois Company | Capitalized software costs      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Amortization expense 45 44 $ 36
Gross carrying value 377 297  
Accumulated amortization $ (221) $ (183)  
Minimum      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life 5 years    
Maximum      
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]      
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life 10 years    
v3.19.3.a.u2
Property and Plant, Net (Schedule of Capitalized Software, Future Amortization Expense) (Details) - Capitalized software costs
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]  
2020 $ 80
2021 74
2022 63
2023 50
2024 24
Union Electric Company  
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]  
2020 36
2021 34
2022 29
2023 24
2024 12
Ameren Illinois Company  
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]  
2020 41
2021 36
2022 32
2023 24
2024 $ 12
v3.19.3.a.u2
Short-Term Debt And Liquidity (Narrative) (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Short-term Debt [Line Items]    
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity $ 2,300,000,000  
Missouri Credit Agreement 2012    
Short-term Debt [Line Items]    
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 1,200,000,000 $ 1,000,000,000.0
Illinois Credit Agreement 2012    
Short-term Debt [Line Items]    
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 1,100,000,000  
Multiyear Credit Facility    
Short-term Debt [Line Items]    
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 2,300,000,000.0  
Line of Credit Facility, Commitment Fee Amount $ 100,000,000  
Actual debt-to-capital ratio 0.54  
Multiyear Credit Facility | Maximum    
Short-term Debt [Line Items]    
Actual debt-to-capital ratio 0.65  
Credit Agreements    
Short-term Debt [Line Items]    
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity $ 1,900,000,000  
Covenant terms, default provisions, maximum indebtedness 100,000,000  
Parent Company | Missouri Credit Agreement 2012    
Short-term Debt [Line Items]    
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 900,000,000  
Parent Company | Illinois Credit Agreement 2012    
Short-term Debt [Line Items]    
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 500,000,000  
Union Electric Company | Missouri Credit Agreement 2012    
Short-term Debt [Line Items]    
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity $ 850,000,000  
Actual debt-to-capital ratio 0.49  
Ameren Illinois Company | Illinois Credit Agreement 2012    
Short-term Debt [Line Items]    
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity $ 800,000,000  
Actual debt-to-capital ratio 0.47  
Utilities [Member]    
Short-term Debt [Line Items]    
Short Term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate During Period 2.48% 2.10%
Multiyear Credit Facility    
Short-term Debt [Line Items]    
Number of lenders 22  
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity, per lender $ 130,000,000  
Multiyear Credit Facility | Missouri Credit Agreement 2012    
Short-term Debt [Line Items]    
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 1,400,000,000  
Multiyear Credit Facility | Illinois Credit Agreement 2012    
Short-term Debt [Line Items]    
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity $ 1,300,000,000  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Short-Term Debt And Liquidity (Schedule Of Maximum Aggregate Amount Available On Credit Agreements) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]    
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity $ 2,300  
Missouri Credit Agreement 2012    
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]    
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 1,200 $ 1,000
Missouri Credit Agreement 2012 | Parent Company    
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]    
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 900  
Missouri Credit Agreement 2012 | Union Electric Company    
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]    
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 850  
Illinois Credit Agreement 2012    
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]    
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 1,100  
Illinois Credit Agreement 2012 | Parent Company    
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]    
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity 500  
Illinois Credit Agreement 2012 | Ameren Illinois Company    
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]    
Line of credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity $ 800  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Short-Term Debt And Liquidity (Commercial Paper) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Short-term Debt [Line Items]    
Short-term Debt, Average Outstanding Amount $ 700 $ 579
Short-term debt $ 440 $ 597
Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time 2.60% 2.26%
Short-term Debt, Maximum Amount Outstanding During Period $ 1,113 $ 1,295
Peak short-term borrowings interest rate 5.00% 3.10%
Parent Company    
Short-term Debt [Line Items]    
Short-term Debt, Average Outstanding Amount $ 421 $ 410
Short-term debt $ 153 $ 470
Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time 2.66% 2.31%
Short-term Debt, Maximum Amount Outstanding During Period $ 651 $ 543
Peak short-term borrowings interest rate 3.80% 3.10%
Union Electric Company    
Short-term Debt [Line Items]    
Short-term Debt, Average Outstanding Amount $ 122 $ 61
Short-term debt $ 234 $ 55
Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time 2.62% 1.94%
Short-term Debt, Maximum Amount Outstanding During Period $ 549 $ 481
Peak short-term borrowings interest rate 2.97% 2.80%
Ameren Illinois Company    
Short-term Debt [Line Items]    
Short-term Debt, Average Outstanding Amount $ 157 $ 108
Short-term debt $ 53 $ 72
Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time 2.43% 2.26%
Short-term Debt, Maximum Amount Outstanding During Period $ 356 $ 442
Peak short-term borrowings interest rate 5.00% 2.85%
v3.19.3.a.u2
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Feb. 03, 2020
Nov. 26, 2019
Oct. 01, 2019
Sep. 30, 2019
Aug. 05, 2019
Aug. 31, 2018
Apr. 02, 2018
Apr. 01, 2018
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares) 100,000,000                    
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.01                    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 0                    
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues 900,000 1,200,000 0                
Issuances of common stock $ 68,000,000 $ 74,000,000 $ 0                
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Other 800,000 700,000 0                
Stock Issued $ 54,000,000 $ 35,000,000 $ 0                
Common Stock, Shares Authorized Under 401(k) Plan 4,000,000                    
Common Stock, Shares Authorized Under DRPlus Plan 6,000,000                    
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Indexed Shares               7,500,000      
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Initial Forward Rate               $ 74.18      
Forward Contract Indexed to Issuer's Equity, Settlement Alternatives, Cash, at Fair Value $ 555,000,000                    
Period End Net Cash Settlement Price $ 25,000,000                    
Period End Net Share Settlement Price 300,000                    
Debt instrument face amount $ 1,000,000                    
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt 580,000,000 841,000,000 681,000,000                
Debt Default Provision Excess $ 25,000,000                    
Union Electric Company                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares) 7,500,000                    
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 1                    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 0                    
Stock Issued $ 0 0 0                
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt $ 580,000,000 384,000,000 431,000,000                
Ameren Illinois Company                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares) 2,600,000                    
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0                    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 0                    
Stock Issued $ 0 0 0                
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt $ 0 457,000,000 $ 250,000,000                
Common stock equity to capitalization ratio 51.00%                    
Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Bonds interest rate assumption 5.00%                    
Dividend rate on preferred shares, percentage 6.00%                    
Senior Unsecured Notes 2.50% Due 2024 [Domain] | Unsecured Debt                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Debt instrument face amount $ 450,000,000                    
Long-term debt interest rate 2.50%                    
Proceeds from Issuance of Unsecured Debt $ 447,000,000                    
5.00% Senior secured notes due 2020 | Union Electric Company | Secured Debt                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Debt instrument face amount $ 85,000,000 85,000,000                  
Long-term debt interest rate 5.00%                    
First Mortgage Bonds, 3.50%, Due 2029 - $450 Issuance [Member] | Union Electric Company | Secured Debt                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Debt instrument face amount $ 450,000,000 0                  
Long-term debt interest rate 3.50%                    
Senior Secured Notes 6.70% due 2019 | Union Electric Company | Secured Debt                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Debt instrument face amount $ 0 329,000,000                  
Long-term debt interest rate 6.70%                    
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt $ 329,000,000                    
1992 Series Bonds, 1998 Series A Bonds, 1998 Series B Bonds, 1998 Series C Bonds [Domain] | Union Electric Company | Secured Debt                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Debt instrument face amount 207,000,000                    
First Mortgage Bonds, 3.25%, Due 2049 - $330 Issuance [Member] | Union Electric Company | Secured Debt                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Debt instrument face amount $ 330,000,000 0       $ 330,000,000          
Long-term debt interest rate 3.25%         3.25%          
Proceeds from issuance of secured debt $ 326,000,000                    
Senior Unsecured Notes 5.10% Due 2019 [Domain] | Union Electric Company | Unsecured Debt                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Long-term debt interest rate           5.10%          
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt 244,000,000                    
First Mortgage Bonds, 5.45%, Due 2028 - Less Than $1 Million Outstanding [Domain] | Union Electric Company | Secured Debt                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Debt instrument face amount           $ 1,000,000          
Long-term debt interest rate           5.45%          
First Mortgage Bonds, 4.00%, Due 2048 - $425 Issuance [Member] | Union Electric Company | Secured Debt                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Debt instrument face amount $ 425,000,000 425,000,000               $ 425,000,000  
Long-term debt interest rate 4.00%                 4.00%  
Proceeds from issuance of secured debt $ 447,000,000 419,000,000                  
6.00% Senior secured notes due 2018 | Union Electric Company | Unsecured Debt                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Long-term debt interest rate                     6.00%
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt   179,000,000                  
Senior Secured Notes 5.10% Due 2018 [Member] | Union Electric Company | Secured Debt                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Long-term debt interest rate                 5.10%    
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt   199,000,000                  
Senior Unsecured 1993 Series B-1 [Domain] | Ameren Illinois Company | Unsecured Debt                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Debt instrument face amount 17,000,000                    
First Mortgage Bonds, 5.70%, Due 2024 - Less Than $1 Million Outstanding [Domain] | Ameren Illinois Company | Secured Debt                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Debt instrument face amount $ 0 1,000,000         $ 1,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 5.70%                    
First Mortgage Bonds, 5.90%, Due 2023 - Less Than $1 Million Outstanding [Domain] | Ameren Illinois Company | Secured Debt                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Debt instrument face amount $ 0 1,000,000         $ 1,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 5.90%                    
Senior Secured Notes. 6.70%, Due 2036 [Domain] | Ameren Illinois Company | Secured Debt                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Long-term debt interest rate 6.70%                    
First Mortgage Bonds, 3.25%, Due 2050 - $300 [Member] | Ameren Illinois Company | Secured Debt                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Debt instrument face amount $ 300,000,000 0     $ 300,000,000            
Long-term debt interest rate 3.25%       3.25%            
Proceeds from issuance of secured debt $ 296,000,000                    
First Mortgage Bonds, 3.80%, Due 2028 [Member] | Ameren Illinois Company | Secured Debt                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Debt instrument face amount $ 430,000,000 $ 430,000,000                  
Long-term debt interest rate 3.80% 3.80%                  
Proceeds from issuance of secured debt   $ 427,000,000                  
Senior Secured Notes 6.25% Due 2018 | Ameren Illinois Company | Secured Debt                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Long-term debt interest rate                     6.25%
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt   144,000,000                  
First Mortgage Bonds, 4.50%, Due 2049 [Member] | Ameren Illinois Company | Secured Debt                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Debt instrument face amount $ 500,000,000 $ 500,000,000                  
Long-term debt interest rate 4.50% 4.50%                  
Proceeds from issuance of secured debt   $ 495,000,000                  
Senior Secured Notes 9.75% Due 2018 | Ameren Illinois Company | Secured Debt                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Long-term debt interest rate   9.75%                  
Repayments of Other Long-term Debt   $ 313,000,000                  
Senior Unsecured Notes, 3.43%, Due 2050 | Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois | Unsecured Debt                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Debt instrument face amount $ 450,000,000 $ 450,000,000                  
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital 0.70                    
Ratio of Indebtedness to Total Assets 0.10                    
Senior Unsecured Notes, 3.43%, Due 2050 | Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois | Secured Debt                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Long-term debt interest rate 3.43%                    
Maximum | Senior Unsecured Notes, 3.43%, Due 2050 | Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois | Unsecured Debt                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Debt instrument face amount $ 450,000,000.0                    
Minimum | Ameren Illinois Company                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Common stock equity to capitalization ratio 30.00%                    
Subsequent Event | 5.00% Senior secured notes due 2020 | Secured Debt                      
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]                      
Debt instrument face amount       $ 85,000,000              
Long-term debt interest rate       5.00%              
v3.19.3.a.u2
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings (Schedule Of Long-Term Debt Outstanding) (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Nov. 26, 2019
Oct. 01, 2019
Sep. 30, 2019
Apr. 02, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 1,000,000          
Less: Maturities due within one year (442,000,000) $ (580,000,000)        
Long-term Debt, Net 8,915,000,000 7,859,000,000        
2022 505,000,000          
2024 850,000,000          
Thereafter 7,397,000,000          
Ameren (parent)            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Long-term debt, gross 1,150,000,000 700,000,000        
Debt Issuance Costs, Net (6,000,000) (3,000,000)        
Long-term Debt, Net 794,000,000 697,000,000        
2024 450,000,000          
Thereafter 350,000,000          
Union Electric Company            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Long-term debt, gross 4,229,000,000 4,029,000,000        
Debt Issuance Costs, Net (30,000,000) (22,000,000)        
Less: Maturities due within one year (92,000,000) (580,000,000)        
Long-term Debt, Net 4,098,000,000 3,418,000,000        
Less: Unamortized discount and premium (9,000,000) (9,000,000)        
Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity 263,000,000 $ 270,000,000        
2022 55,000,000          
2024 350,000,000          
Thereafter $ 3,484,000,000          
Union Electric Company | 1992 Series due 2022            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period 2.58% 2.37%        
Union Electric Company | 1998 Series A due 2033            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period 3.43% 2.76%        
Union Electric Company | 1998 Series B due 2033            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period 3.57% 2.79%        
Union Electric Company | 1998 Series C due 2033            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period 3.43% 2.83%        
Union Electric Company | City Of Bowling Green Agreement - Peno Creek Ct            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 23,000,000 $ 30,000,000        
Union Electric Company | Audrain County Agreement - Audrain County Ct            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount 240,000,000 240,000,000        
Ameren Illinois Company            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Long-term debt, gross 3,613,000,000 3,330,000,000        
Debt Issuance Costs, Net (34,000,000) (31,000,000)        
Long-term Debt, Net 3,575,000,000 3,296,000,000        
Less: Unamortized discount and premium (4,000,000) $ (3,000,000)        
2022 400,000,000          
Thereafter $ 3,213,000,000          
Ameren Illinois Company | Series B-1 1993 Due 2028            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period 1.68% 1.58%        
Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Long-term debt, gross $ 450,000,000 $ 450,000,000        
Debt Issuance Costs, Net (2,000,000) (2,000,000)        
Long-term Debt, Net 448,000,000 448,000,000        
2022 50,000,000          
2024 50,000,000          
Thereafter 350,000,000          
Unsecured Debt | Senior Unsecured Notes 2.50% Due 2024 [Domain]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 450,000,000          
Long-term debt interest rate 2.50%          
Unsecured Debt | Ameren (parent) | Senior Unsecured Notes270 due 2020            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 350,000,000 350,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 2.70%          
Unsecured Debt | Ameren (parent) | Senior Unsecured Notes 2.50% Due 2024 [Domain]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 450,000,000 0        
Long-term debt interest rate 2.50%          
Unsecured Debt | Ameren (parent) | Senior Unsecured Notes365 due 2026            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 350,000,000 350,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 3.65%          
Unsecured Debt | Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois | Senior Unsecured Notes, 3.43%, Due 2050            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 450,000,000 450,000,000        
Secured Debt | Union Electric Company | 6.70% Senior secured notes due 2019            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 0 329,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 6.70%          
Secured Debt | Union Electric Company | 5.10% Senior secured notes due 2019            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 0 244,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 5.10%          
Secured Debt | Union Electric Company | 5.00% Senior secured notes due 2020            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 85,000,000 85,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 5.00%          
Secured Debt | Union Electric Company | Senior Secured Notes350 Due2024            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 350,000,000 350,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 3.50%          
Secured Debt | Union Electric Company | Senior Secured Notes, 2.95%, Due 2027            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 400,000,000 400,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 2.95%          
Secured Debt | Union Electric Company | First Mortgage Bonds, 5.45%, Due 2028 [Domain]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 0          
Long-term debt interest rate 5.45%          
Secured Debt | Union Electric Company | First Mortgage Bonds, 3.50%, Due 2029 - $450 Issuance [Member]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 450,000,000 0        
Long-term debt interest rate 3.50%          
Secured Debt | Union Electric Company | 5.50% Senior secured notes due 2034            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 184,000,000 184,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 5.50%          
Secured Debt | Union Electric Company | 5.30% Senior secured notes due 2037            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 300,000,000 300,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 5.30%          
Secured Debt | Union Electric Company | 8.45% Senior secured notes due 2039            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 350,000,000 350,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 8.45%          
Secured Debt | Union Electric Company | 3.90% Senior secured notes due 2042            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 485,000,000 485,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 3.90%          
Secured Debt | Union Electric Company | Senior Secured Notes, 3.65%, Due 2045            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 400,000,000 400,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 3.65%          
Secured Debt | Union Electric Company | First Mortgage Bonds, 4.00%, Due 2048 - $425 Issuance [Member]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 425,000,000 425,000,000       $ 425,000,000
Long-term debt interest rate 4.00%         4.00%
Secured Debt | Union Electric Company | First Mortgage Bonds, 3.25%, Due 2049 - $330 Issuance [Member]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 330,000,000 0   $ 330,000,000    
Long-term debt interest rate 3.25%     3.25%    
Secured Debt | Ameren Illinois Company | Senior Secured Notes, 2.70%, Due 2022            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 400,000,000 400,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 2.70%          
Secured Debt | Ameren Illinois Company | Senior Secured Notes, 3.25%, Due 2025            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 300,000,000 300,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 3.25%          
Secured Debt | Ameren Illinois Company | Senior Secured Notes 6.125% Due 2028            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 60,000,000 60,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 6.125%          
Secured Debt | Ameren Illinois Company | First Mortgage Bonds, 3.80%, Due 2028 [Member]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 430,000,000 $ 430,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 3.80% 3.80%        
Secured Debt | Ameren Illinois Company | Senior Secured Notes 6.70% Due 2036            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 61,000,000 $ 61,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 6.70%          
Secured Debt | Ameren Illinois Company | Senior Secured Notes 6.70% Due 2036            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 42,000,000 42,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 6.70%          
Secured Debt | Ameren Illinois Company | Senior Secured Notes 4.80% Due 2043            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 280,000,000 280,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 4.80%          
Secured Debt | Ameren Illinois Company | Senior Secured Notes 4.30% Due 2044            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 250,000,000 250,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 4.30%          
Secured Debt | Ameren Illinois Company | Senior Secured Notes, 4.15%, Due 2046            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 490,000,000 490,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 4.15%          
Secured Debt | Ameren Illinois Company | Senior Secured Notes, 3.70%, Due 2047            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 500,000,000 500,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 3.70%          
Secured Debt | Ameren Illinois Company | First Mortgage Bonds, 4.50%, Due 2049 [Member]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 500,000,000 $ 500,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 4.50% 4.50%        
Secured Debt | Ameren Illinois Company | First Mortgage Bonds, 3.25%, Due 2050 - $300 [Member]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 300,000,000 $ 0 $ 300,000,000      
Long-term debt interest rate 3.25%   3.25%      
Secured Debt | Ameren Illinois Company | First Mortgage Bonds, 5.90%, Due 2023 - Less Than $1 Million Outstanding [Domain]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 0 1,000,000     $ 1,000,000  
Long-term debt interest rate 5.90%          
Secured Debt | Ameren Illinois Company | First Mortgage Bonds, 5.70%, Due 2024 - Less Than $1 Million Outstanding [Domain]            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 0 1,000,000     $ 1,000,000  
Long-term debt interest rate 5.70%          
Secured Debt | Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois | Senior Unsecured Notes, 3.43%, Due 2050            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Long-term debt interest rate 3.43%          
Environmental Improvement And Pollution Control Revenue Bonds | Union Electric Company | 1992 Series due 2022            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 47,000,000 47,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 1.60%          
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period 2.58%          
Environmental Improvement And Pollution Control Revenue Bonds | Union Electric Company | 1998 Series A due 2033            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 60,000,000 60,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 2.90%          
Environmental Improvement And Pollution Control Revenue Bonds | Union Electric Company | 1998 Series B due 2033            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 50,000,000 50,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 2.90%          
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period 3.57%          
Environmental Improvement And Pollution Control Revenue Bonds | Union Electric Company | 1998 Series C due 2033            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 50,000,000 50,000,000        
Long-term debt interest rate 2.75%          
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period 3.43%          
Environmental Improvement And Pollution Control Revenue Bonds | Ameren Illinois Company | Series 1993 5.90% Due 2023            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 0          
Environmental Improvement And Pollution Control Revenue Bonds | Ameren Illinois Company | Series 1994 A 5.70% Due 2024            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount 0          
Environmental Improvement And Pollution Control Revenue Bonds | Ameren Illinois Company | Series B-1 1993 Due 2028            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 0 $ 17,000,000        
Redemption price, percentage 100.00%          
Senior Notes [Member] | Ameren Transmission | Senior Unsecured Notes, 3.43%, Due 2050            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Long-term debt interest rate 3.43%          
Maximum | Unsecured Debt | Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois | Senior Unsecured Notes, 3.43%, Due 2050            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Debt instrument face amount $ 450,000,000.0          
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One | Unsecured Debt | Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
2022 49,500,000          
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two | Unsecured Debt | Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
2024 49,500,000          
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Three | Unsecured Debt | Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Thereafter 49,500,000          
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Four | Unsecured Debt | Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Thereafter 49,500,000          
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Five | Unsecured Debt | Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Thereafter 49,500,000          
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Six | Unsecured Debt | Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Thereafter 49,500,000          
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Seven | Unsecured Debt | Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Thereafter 76,500,000          
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Eight | Unsecured Debt | Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois            
Debt Instrument [Line Items]            
Thereafter $ 76,500,000          
v3.19.3.a.u2
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings (Schedule Of Average Interest Rates) (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
1992 Series due 2022 | Union Electric Company    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period 2.58% 2.37%
1998 Series A due 2033 | Union Electric Company    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period 3.43% 2.76%
1998 Series B due 2033 | Union Electric Company    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period 3.57% 2.79%
1998 Series C due 2033 | Union Electric Company    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period 3.43% 2.83%
Series B-1 1993 Due 2028 | Ameren Illinois Company    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period 1.68% 1.58%
v3.19.3.a.u2
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings (Schedule Of Maturities Of Long-Term Debt) (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
2020 $ 442
2021 8
2022 505
2023 240
2024 850
Thereafter 7,397
Total 9,442
Ameren (parent)  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
2020 350
2024 450
Thereafter 350
Total 1,150
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount or Premium and Debt Issuance Costs 6
Union Electric Company  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
2020 92
2021 8
2022 55
2023 240
2024 350
Thereafter 3,484
Total 4,229
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount or Premium and Debt Issuance Costs 39
Ameren Illinois Company  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
2022 400
Thereafter 3,213
Total 3,613
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount or Premium and Debt Issuance Costs 38
Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
2022 50
2024 50
Thereafter 350
Total 450
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount or Premium and Debt Issuance Costs $ 2
v3.19.3.a.u2
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings (Schedule Of Outstanding Preferred Stock) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 0  
Preferred stock, voluntary liquidation (in dollars per share) $ 105.50  
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.01  
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares) 100,000,000  
Union Electric Company and Ameren Illinois [Member]    
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, issued (in shares) $ 142 $ 142
Union Electric Company    
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 0  
Preferred stock, issued (in shares) $ 80 80
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 1  
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares) 7,500,000  
Union Electric Company | $3.50 Series    
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 130,000  
Preferred stock, redemption price per share (in dollars per share) $ 110.00  
Preferred stock, issued (in shares) $ 13 13
Dividend rate on preferred shares, per-dollar amount (in dollars per share) $ 3.50  
Union Electric Company | $3.70 Series    
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 40,000  
Preferred stock, redemption price per share (in dollars per share) $ 104.75  
Preferred stock, issued (in shares) $ 4 4
Dividend rate on preferred shares, per-dollar amount (in dollars per share) $ 3.70  
Union Electric Company | $4.00 Series    
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 150,000  
Preferred stock, redemption price per share (in dollars per share) $ 105.625  
Preferred stock, issued (in shares) $ 15 15
Dividend rate on preferred shares, per-dollar amount (in dollars per share) $ 4.00  
Union Electric Company | $4.30 Series    
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 40,000  
Preferred stock, redemption price per share (in dollars per share) $ 105.00  
Preferred stock, issued (in shares) $ 4 4
Dividend rate on preferred shares, per-dollar amount (in dollars per share) $ 4.30  
Union Electric Company | $4.50 Series    
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 213,595  
Preferred stock, redemption price per share (in dollars per share) $ 110.00  
Preferred stock, issued (in shares) $ 21 21
Dividend rate on preferred shares, per-dollar amount (in dollars per share) $ 4.50  
Union Electric Company | $4.56 Series    
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 200,000  
Preferred stock, redemption price per share (in dollars per share) $ 102.47  
Preferred stock, issued (in shares) $ 20 20
Dividend rate on preferred shares, per-dollar amount (in dollars per share) $ 4.56  
Union Electric Company | $4.75 Series    
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 20,000  
Preferred stock, redemption price per share (in dollars per share) $ 102.176  
Preferred stock, issued (in shares) $ 2 2
Dividend rate on preferred shares, per-dollar amount (in dollars per share) $ 4.75  
Union Electric Company | $5.50 Series A    
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 14,000  
Preferred stock, redemption price per share (in dollars per share) $ 110.00  
Preferred stock, issued (in shares) $ 1 1
Dividend rate on preferred shares, per-dollar amount (in dollars per share) $ 5.50  
Union Electric Company | Par Value $100    
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 100  
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares) 25,000,000  
Ameren Illinois Company    
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 0  
Preferred stock, issued (in shares) $ 62 62
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0  
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares) 2,600,000  
Ameren Illinois Company | 4.00% Series    
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 144,275  
Preferred stock, redemption price per share (in dollars per share) $ 101.00  
Preferred stock, issued (in shares) $ 14 14
Dividend rate on preferred shares, percentage 4.00%  
Ameren Illinois Company | 4.08% Series    
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 45,224  
Preferred stock, redemption price per share (in dollars per share) $ 103.00  
Preferred stock, issued (in shares) $ 5 5
Dividend rate on preferred shares, percentage 4.08%  
Ameren Illinois Company | 4.20% Series    
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 23,655  
Preferred stock, redemption price per share (in dollars per share) $ 104.00  
Preferred stock, issued (in shares) $ 2 2
Dividend rate on preferred shares, percentage 4.20%  
Ameren Illinois Company | 4.25% Series    
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 50,000  
Preferred stock, redemption price per share (in dollars per share) $ 102.00  
Preferred stock, issued (in shares) $ 5 5
Dividend rate on preferred shares, percentage 4.25%  
Ameren Illinois Company | 4.26% Series    
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 16,621  
Preferred stock, redemption price per share (in dollars per share) $ 103.00  
Preferred stock, issued (in shares) $ 2 2
Dividend rate on preferred shares, percentage 4.26%  
Ameren Illinois Company | 4.42% Series    
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 16,190  
Preferred stock, redemption price per share (in dollars per share) $ 103.00  
Preferred stock, issued (in shares) $ 2 2
Dividend rate on preferred shares, percentage 4.42%  
Ameren Illinois Company | 4.70% Series    
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 18,429  
Preferred stock, redemption price per share (in dollars per share) $ 103.00  
Preferred stock, issued (in shares) $ 2 2
Dividend rate on preferred shares, percentage 4.70%  
Ameren Illinois Company | 4.90% Series    
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 73,825  
Preferred stock, redemption price per share (in dollars per share) $ 102.00  
Preferred stock, issued (in shares) $ 7 7
Dividend rate on preferred shares, percentage 4.90%  
Ameren Illinois Company | 4.92% Series    
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 49,289  
Preferred stock, redemption price per share (in dollars per share) $ 103.50  
Preferred stock, issued (in shares) $ 5 5
Dividend rate on preferred shares, percentage 4.92%  
Ameren Illinois Company | 5.16% Series    
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 50,000  
Preferred stock, redemption price per share (in dollars per share) $ 102.00  
Preferred stock, issued (in shares) $ 5 5
Dividend rate on preferred shares, percentage 5.16%  
Ameren Illinois Company | 6.625% Series    
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 124,274  
Preferred stock, redemption price per share (in dollars per share) $ 100.00  
Preferred stock, issued (in shares) $ 12 12
Dividend rate on preferred shares, percentage 6.625%  
Ameren Illinois Company | 7.75% Series    
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 4,542  
Preferred stock, redemption price per share (in dollars per share) $ 100.00  
Preferred stock, issued (in shares) $ 1 $ 1
Dividend rate on preferred shares, percentage 7.75%  
Ameren Illinois Company | Par Value $100    
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings [Line Items]    
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 100  
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares) 2,000,000  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Long-Term Debt and Equity Financings (Schedule of Required and Actual Debt Ratios) (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Union Electric Company  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Bonds Issuable Based On Coverage Ratio $ 5,251
Preferred Stock Issuable Based On Coverage Ratio 2,808
Retired Bond Capacity $ 2,358
Union Electric Company | Actual Interest Coverage Ratio  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Interest Coverage Ratio 4.0
Dividend Coverage Ratio 125.7
Ameren Illinois Company  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Bonds Issuable Based On Coverage Ratio $ 6,668
Preferred Stock Issuable Based On Coverage Ratio 203
Retired Bond Capacity $ 643
Ameren Illinois Company | Actual Interest Coverage Ratio  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Interest Coverage Ratio 6.8
Dividend Coverage Ratio 3.2
Minimum | Union Electric Company | Required Dividend Coverage Ratio  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Interest Coverage Ratio 2.0
Dividend Coverage Ratio 2.5
Minimum | Ameren Illinois Company | Required Dividend Coverage Ratio  
Debt Instrument [Line Items]  
Interest Coverage Ratio 2.0
Dividend Coverage Ratio 1.5
v3.19.3.a.u2
Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings Long-Term Debt And Equity Financings (Schedule Of Environmental Bonds) (Details) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Debt instrument face amount $ 1,000,000  
Union Electric Company | 1992 Series due 2022    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period 2.58% 2.37%
Union Electric Company | 1998 Series B due 2033    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period 3.57% 2.79%
Union Electric Company | 1998 Series C due 2033    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period 3.43% 2.83%
Union Electric Company | Environmental Improvement And Pollution Control Revenue Bonds | 1992 Series due 2022    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Debt instrument face amount $ 47,000,000 $ 47,000,000
Long-term debt interest rate 1.60%  
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period 2.58%  
Union Electric Company | Environmental Improvement And Pollution Control Revenue Bonds | Series A 1998 Due 2033 [Member]    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Debt instrument face amount $ 60,000,000  
Long-term debt interest rate 2.90%  
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period 3.43%  
Union Electric Company | Environmental Improvement And Pollution Control Revenue Bonds | 1998 Series B due 2033    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Debt instrument face amount $ 50,000,000 50,000,000
Long-term debt interest rate 2.90%  
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period 3.57%  
Union Electric Company | Environmental Improvement And Pollution Control Revenue Bonds | 1998 Series C due 2033    
Debt Instrument [Line Items]    
Debt instrument face amount $ 50,000,000 $ 50,000,000
Long-term debt interest rate 2.75%  
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate During Period 3.43%  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Other Income, Net (Other Income And Expenses) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Line Items]      
Allowance for equity funds used during construction $ 28 $ 36 $ 24
Interest income on industrial development revenue bonds 25 26 26
Interest and dividend income 8 7 8
Non-service cost components of net periodic benefit income 90 70 44
Other 6 8 5
Charitable donations (12) (33) (8)
Other expense (15) (12) (13)
Total other income, net 130 102 86
Union Electric Company      
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Line Items]      
Allowance for equity funds used during construction 19 27 21
Interest income on industrial development revenue bonds 25 26 26
Interest and dividend income 1 2 1
Non-service cost components of net periodic benefit income 18 17 22
Other 5 4 3
Charitable donations (3) (14) (2)
Other expense (7) (6) (6)
Total other income, net 58 56 65
Defined Benefit Plan, Non-service Cost or Income Components - Tracker 29 17  
Ameren Illinois Company      
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Line Items]      
Allowance for equity funds used during construction 9 9 3
Interest and dividend income 6 6 7
Non-service cost components of net periodic benefit income 47 34 10
Other 3 3 2
Charitable donations (5) (6) (5)
Other expense (7) (4) (5)
Total other income, net $ 53 $ 42 $ 12
v3.19.3.a.u2
Derivative Financial Instruments (Open Gross Derivative Volumes By Commodity Type) (Details)
lb in Thousands, gal in Millions, MWh in Millions, MMBTU in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
MWh
MMBTU
lb
gal
Dec. 31, 2018
MWh
MMBTU
lb
gal
Fuel Oils    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Volume | gal 58 66
Natural gas    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Energy Measure | MMBTU 156 173
Power    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Energy Measure | MWh 12 9
Uranium    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Mass | lb 565 380
Union Electric Company | Fuel Oils    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Volume | gal 58 66
Union Electric Company | Natural gas    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Energy Measure | MMBTU 20 19
Union Electric Company | Power    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Energy Measure | MWh 5 1
Union Electric Company | Uranium    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Mass | lb 565 380
Ameren Illinois Company | Natural gas    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Energy Measure | MMBTU 136 154
Ameren Illinois Company | Power    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative, Nonmonetary Notional Amount, Energy Measure | MWh 7 8
v3.19.3.a.u2
Derivative Financial Instruments (Derivative Instruments Carrying Value) (Details) - Not Designated As Hedging Instrument - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative assets $ 26 $ 15
Derivative liabilities 255 219
Fuel Oils | Other current assets    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 4 3
Fuel Oils | Other assets    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 2 5
Fuel Oils | Other current liabilities    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 4 4
Fuel Oils | Other deferred credits and liabilities    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 3 9
Natural gas | Other current assets    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 3 1
Natural gas | Other assets    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 1 2
Natural gas | Other current liabilities    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 13 12
Natural gas | Other deferred credits and liabilities    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 7 7
Power | Other current assets    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 14 4
Power | Other assets    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 2 0
Power | Other current liabilities    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 19 18
Power | Other deferred credits and liabilities    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 208 169
Uranium | Other deferred credits and liabilities    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 1 0
Union Electric Company    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 22 12
Derivative liabilities 13 22
Union Electric Company | Fuel Oils | Other current assets    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 4 3
Union Electric Company | Fuel Oils | Other assets    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 2 5
Union Electric Company | Fuel Oils | Other current liabilities    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 4 4
Union Electric Company | Fuel Oils | Other deferred credits and liabilities    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 3 9
Union Electric Company | Natural gas | Other current assets    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 0 0
Union Electric Company | Natural gas | Other assets    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 0 0
Union Electric Company | Natural gas | Other current liabilities    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 1 4
Union Electric Company | Natural gas | Other deferred credits and liabilities    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 1 1
Union Electric Company | Power | Other current assets    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 14 4
Union Electric Company | Power | Other assets    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 2  
Union Electric Company | Power | Other current liabilities    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 2 4
Union Electric Company | Power | Other deferred credits and liabilities    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 1 0
Union Electric Company | Uranium | Other deferred credits and liabilities    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 1 0
Ameren Illinois Company    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 4 3
Derivative liabilities 242 197
Ameren Illinois Company | Fuel Oils | Other current assets    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 0 0
Ameren Illinois Company | Fuel Oils | Other assets    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 0 0
Ameren Illinois Company | Fuel Oils | Other current liabilities    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 0 0
Ameren Illinois Company | Fuel Oils | Other deferred credits and liabilities    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 0 0
Ameren Illinois Company | Natural gas | Other current assets    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 3 1
Ameren Illinois Company | Natural gas | Other assets    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 1 2
Ameren Illinois Company | Natural gas | Other current liabilities    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 12 8
Ameren Illinois Company | Natural gas | Other deferred credits and liabilities    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 6 6
Ameren Illinois Company | Power | Other current assets    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 0 0
Ameren Illinois Company | Power | Other current liabilities    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 17 14
Ameren Illinois Company | Power | Other deferred credits and liabilities    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 207 169
Ameren Illinois Company | Uranium | Other deferred credits and liabilities    
Derivative [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities $ 0 $ 0
v3.19.3.a.u2
Fair Value Measurements (Schedule of Valuation Process and Unobservable Inputs) (Details) - Power
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
$ / MMBTU
$ / MWh
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
$ / MMBTU
$ / MWh
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]    
Derivative assets | $ $ 16 $ 4
Minimum | Discounted Cash Flow    
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]    
Average bid/ask consensus peak and off-peak pricing | $ / MWh 22 23
Nodal basis | $ / MWh (6) (9)
Fair Value Assumptions, Estimated Future Prices | $ / MMBTU (1)  
Minimum | Fundamental Energy Production Model    
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]    
Fair Value Assumptions, Estimated Future Prices | $ / MMBTU   3
Maximum | Discounted Cash Flow    
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]    
Average bid/ask consensus peak and off-peak pricing | $ / MWh 34 39
Nodal basis | $ / MWh 0 0
Fair Value Assumptions, Estimated Future Prices | $ / MMBTU 0  
Maximum | Fundamental Energy Production Model    
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]    
Fair Value Assumptions, Estimated Future Prices | $ / MMBTU   4
Weighted Average | Discounted Cash Flow    
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]    
Average bid/ask consensus peak and off-peak pricing | $ / MWh 25 28
Nodal basis | $ / MWh (2) (2)
Fair Value Assumptions, Estimated Future Prices | $ / MMBTU 0  
Weighted Average | Fundamental Energy Production Model    
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]    
Fair Value Assumptions, Estimated Future Prices | $ / MMBTU   3
Level 3    
Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques [Line Items]    
Derivative assets | $ $ 14 $ 3
Derivative Liability | $ $ (225) $ (186)
v3.19.3.a.u2
Fair Value Measurements (Schedule Of Fair Value Hierarchy Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund $ 842 $ 679
Assets 868 694
Excluded receivables, payables, and accrued income, net 5 5
Level 1    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 569 427
Assets 569 428
Level 2    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 273 252
Assets 276 255
Level 3    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 0 0
Assets 23 11
Fuel Oils    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 6 8
Derivative liabilities 7 13
Fuel Oils | Level 1    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 0 1
Derivative liabilities 1 2
Fuel Oils | Level 2    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 0 0
Derivative liabilities 0 0
Fuel Oils | Level 3    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 6 7
Derivative liabilities 6 11
Natural gas    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 4 3
Derivative liabilities 20 19
Natural gas | Level 1    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 0 0
Derivative liabilities 3 0
Natural gas | Level 2    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 1 2
Derivative liabilities 14 15
Natural gas | Level 3    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 3 1
Derivative liabilities 3 4
Power    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 16 4
Derivative liabilities 227 187
Power | Level 1    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 0 0
Derivative liabilities 0 0
Power | Level 2    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 2 1
Derivative liabilities 2 1
Power | Level 3    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 14 3
Derivative liabilities 225 186
Uranium    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 0 0
Derivative liabilities 1 0
Uranium | Level 1    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 0 0
Derivative liabilities 0 0
Uranium | Level 2    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 0 0
Derivative liabilities 0 0
Uranium | Level 3    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 0 0
Derivative liabilities 1 0
Commodity Contract    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 26 15
Derivative liabilities 255 219
Commodity Contract | Level 1    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 0 1
Derivative liabilities 4 2
Commodity Contract | Level 2    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 3 3
Derivative liabilities 16 16
Commodity Contract | Level 3    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 23 11
Derivative liabilities 235 201
Equity Securities | U.S. large capitalization    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 569 427
Equity Securities | U.S. large capitalization | Level 1    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 569 427
Equity Securities | U.S. large capitalization | Level 2    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 0 0
Equity Securities | U.S. large capitalization | Level 3    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 0 0
Debt Securities | U.S. Treasury and agency securities    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 107 148
Debt Securities | U.S. Treasury and agency securities | Level 1    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 0 0
Debt Securities | U.S. Treasury and agency securities | Level 2    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 107 148
Debt Securities | U.S. Treasury and agency securities | Level 3    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 0 0
Debt Securities | Corporate Bonds    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 93 72
Debt Securities | Corporate Bonds | Level 1    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 0 0
Debt Securities | Corporate Bonds | Level 2    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 93 72
Debt Securities | Corporate Bonds | Level 3    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 0 0
Debt Securities | Other debt securities    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 73 32
Debt Securities | Other debt securities | Level 1    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 0 0
Debt Securities | Other debt securities | Level 2    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 73 32
Debt Securities | Other debt securities | Level 3    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 0 0
Union Electric Company    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 842 679
Assets 864 691
Union Electric Company | Level 1    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 569 427
Assets 569 428
Union Electric Company | Level 2    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 273 252
Assets 275 253
Union Electric Company | Level 3    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 0 0
Assets 20 10
Union Electric Company | Fuel Oils    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 6 8
Derivative liabilities 7 13
Union Electric Company | Fuel Oils | Level 1    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 0 1
Derivative liabilities 1 2
Union Electric Company | Fuel Oils | Level 2    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 0 0
Derivative liabilities 0 0
Union Electric Company | Fuel Oils | Level 3    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 6 7
Derivative liabilities 6 11
Union Electric Company | Natural gas    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 2 5
Union Electric Company | Natural gas | Level 1    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 0 0
Union Electric Company | Natural gas | Level 2    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 2 5
Union Electric Company | Natural gas | Level 3    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 0 0
Union Electric Company | Power    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 16 4
Derivative liabilities 3 4
Union Electric Company | Power | Level 1    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 0 0
Derivative liabilities 0 0
Union Electric Company | Power | Level 2    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 2 1
Derivative liabilities 2 1
Union Electric Company | Power | Level 3    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 14 3
Derivative liabilities 1 3
Union Electric Company | Uranium    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 0 0
Derivative liabilities 1 0
Union Electric Company | Uranium | Level 1    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 0 0
Derivative liabilities 0 0
Union Electric Company | Uranium | Level 2    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 0 0
Derivative liabilities 0 0
Union Electric Company | Uranium | Level 3    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 0 0
Derivative liabilities 1 0
Union Electric Company | Commodity Contract    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 22 12
Derivative liabilities 13 22
Union Electric Company | Commodity Contract | Level 1    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 0 1
Derivative liabilities 1 2
Union Electric Company | Commodity Contract | Level 2    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 2 1
Derivative liabilities 4 6
Union Electric Company | Commodity Contract | Level 3    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 20 10
Derivative liabilities 8 14
Union Electric Company | Equity Securities | U.S. large capitalization    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 569 427
Union Electric Company | Equity Securities | U.S. large capitalization | Level 1    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 569 427
Union Electric Company | Equity Securities | U.S. large capitalization | Level 2    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 0 0
Union Electric Company | Equity Securities | U.S. large capitalization | Level 3    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 0 0
Union Electric Company | Debt Securities | U.S. Treasury and agency securities    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 107 148
Union Electric Company | Debt Securities | U.S. Treasury and agency securities | Level 1    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 0 0
Union Electric Company | Debt Securities | U.S. Treasury and agency securities | Level 2    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 107 148
Union Electric Company | Debt Securities | U.S. Treasury and agency securities | Level 3    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 0 0
Union Electric Company | Debt Securities | Corporate Bonds    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 93 72
Union Electric Company | Debt Securities | Corporate Bonds | Level 1    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 0 0
Union Electric Company | Debt Securities | Corporate Bonds | Level 2    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 93 72
Union Electric Company | Debt Securities | Corporate Bonds | Level 3    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 0 0
Union Electric Company | Debt Securities | Other debt securities    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 73 32
Union Electric Company | Debt Securities | Other debt securities | Level 1    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 0 0
Union Electric Company | Debt Securities | Other debt securities | Level 2    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 73 32
Union Electric Company | Debt Securities | Other debt securities | Level 3    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 0 0
Ameren Illinois Company | Natural gas    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 4 3
Derivative liabilities 18 14
Ameren Illinois Company | Natural gas | Level 1    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 0 0
Derivative liabilities 3 0
Ameren Illinois Company | Natural gas | Level 2    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 1 2
Derivative liabilities 12 10
Ameren Illinois Company | Natural gas | Level 3    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative assets 3 1
Derivative liabilities 3 4
Ameren Illinois Company | Power    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 224 183
Ameren Illinois Company | Power | Level 1    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 0 0
Ameren Illinois Company | Power | Level 2    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 0 0
Ameren Illinois Company | Power | Level 3    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 224 183
Ameren Illinois Company | Commodity Contract    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 242 197
Ameren Illinois Company | Commodity Contract | Level 1    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 3 0
Ameren Illinois Company | Commodity Contract | Level 2    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities 12 10
Ameren Illinois Company | Commodity Contract | Level 3    
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]    
Derivative liabilities $ 227 $ 187
v3.19.3.a.u2
Fair Value Measurements (Schedule Of Changes In The Fair Value Of Financial Assets And Liabilities Classified As Level 3 In The Fair Value Hierarchy) (Details) - Power - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]      
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs $ (211) $ (183) $ (188)
Included in regulatory assets/liabilities (33) (6)  
Purchases 0 5  
Settlements 8 7  
Transfers out of Level 3 (3) (1)  
Change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets/liabilities held at December 31 (42) (3)  
Union Electric Company      
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]      
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs 13 0 7
Included in regulatory assets/liabilities 23 (6)  
Purchases 0 5  
Settlements (7) (5)  
Transfers out of Level 3 (3) (1)  
Change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets/liabilities held at December 31 12 (1)  
Ameren Illinois Company      
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]      
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis with Unobservable Inputs (224) (183) $ (195)
Included in regulatory assets/liabilities (56) 0  
Purchases 0 0  
Settlements 15 12  
Transfers out of Level 3 0 0  
Change in unrealized gains (losses) related to assets/liabilities held at December 31 $ (54) $ (2)  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Fair Value Measurements (Schedule Of Carrying Amounts And Estimated Fair Values Of Financial Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 176 $ 107 $ 68 $ 52
Short-term debt 440 597    
Union Electric Company        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 39 8 7 5
Short-term debt 234 55    
Debt Issuance Costs, Net 30 22    
Ameren Illinois Company        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 125 80 $ 41 $ 28
Short-term debt 53 72    
Debt Issuance Costs, Net 34 31    
Carrying Amount        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 176 107    
Available-for-sale Securities and Held-to-maturity Securities 263 270    
Short-term debt 440 597    
Long-term debt (including current portion) 9,357 8,439    
Debt Issuance Costs, Net 72 58    
Carrying Amount | Union Electric Company        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 39 8    
Available-for-sale Securities and Held-to-maturity Securities 263 270    
Short-term debt 234 55    
Long-term debt (including current portion) 4,190 3,998    
Debt Issuance Costs, Net 30 22    
Carrying Amount | Ameren Illinois Company        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 125 80    
Short-term debt 53 72    
Long-term debt (including current portion) 3,575 3,296    
Debt Issuance Costs, Net 34 31    
Fair Value        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 176 107    
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure 263 270    
Short-term Debt, Fair Value 440 597    
Long-term Debt, Fair Value 10,441 8,669    
Fair Value | Level 1        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 176 107    
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure 0 0    
Short-term Debt, Fair Value 0 0    
Long-term Debt, Fair Value 0 0    
Fair Value | Level 2        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 0 0    
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure 263 270    
Short-term Debt, Fair Value 440 597    
Long-term Debt, Fair Value 9,957 8,240    
Fair Value | Level 3        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 0 0    
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure 0 0    
Short-term Debt, Fair Value 0 0    
Long-term Debt, Fair Value 484 429    
Fair Value | Union Electric Company        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 39 8    
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure 263 270    
Short-term Debt, Fair Value 234 55    
Long-term Debt, Fair Value 4,772 4,156    
Fair Value | Union Electric Company | Level 1        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 39 8    
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure 0 0    
Short-term Debt, Fair Value 0 0    
Long-term Debt, Fair Value 0 0    
Fair Value | Union Electric Company | Level 2        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 0 0    
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure 263 270    
Short-term Debt, Fair Value 234 55    
Long-term Debt, Fair Value 4,772 4,156    
Fair Value | Union Electric Company | Level 3        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 0 0    
Investments, Fair Value Disclosure 0 0    
Short-term Debt, Fair Value 0 0    
Long-term Debt, Fair Value 0 0    
Fair Value | Ameren Illinois Company        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 125 80    
Short-term Debt, Fair Value 53 72    
Long-term Debt, Fair Value 4,019 3,391    
Fair Value | Ameren Illinois Company | Level 1        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 125 80    
Short-term Debt, Fair Value 0 0    
Long-term Debt, Fair Value 0 0    
Fair Value | Ameren Illinois Company | Level 2        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 0 0    
Short-term Debt, Fair Value 53 72    
Long-term Debt, Fair Value 4,019 3,391    
Fair Value | Ameren Illinois Company | Level 3        
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]        
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 0 0    
Short-term Debt, Fair Value 0 0    
Long-term Debt, Fair Value $ 0 $ 0    
v3.19.3.a.u2
Callaway Energy Center (Narrative) (Details) - Union Electric Company - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Nuclear Waste Matters [Line Items]      
Litigation Settlement, Amount $ 21 $ 11 $ 3
Nuclear Plant      
Nuclear Waste Matters [Line Items]      
Annual decommissioning costs included in costs of service $ 7    
v3.19.3.a.u2
Callaway Energy Center (Proceeds From The Sale Of Investments And Related Gross Realized Gains And Losses In Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Nuclear Waste Matters [Line Items]      
Sales and maturities of securities - nuclear decommissioning trust fund $ 260 $ 299 $ 305
Union Electric Company      
Nuclear Waste Matters [Line Items]      
Sales and maturities of securities - nuclear decommissioning trust fund 260 299 305
Gross realized gains 10 18 13
Gross realized losses $ 2 $ 5 $ 5
Minimum | Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund | Union Electric Company      
Nuclear Waste Matters [Line Items]      
Trust fund investments, target allocation percentage 60.00%    
Maximum | Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund | Union Electric Company      
Nuclear Waste Matters [Line Items]      
Trust fund investments, target allocation percentage 70.00%    
v3.19.3.a.u2
Callaway Energy Center (Fair Values Of Investments In Debt And Equity Securities In Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Nuclear Waste Matters [Line Items]        
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost $ 262      
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 176 $ 107 $ 68 $ 52
Fair Value 847 684    
Cash and cash equivalents 16 16    
Union Electric Company        
Nuclear Waste Matters [Line Items]        
Cost 450 420    
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 39 8 $ 7 $ 5
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax 404 280    
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax 7 16    
Fair Value 847 684    
Cash and cash equivalents 9 0    
Union Electric Company | Debt Securities        
Nuclear Waste Matters [Line Items]        
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Amortized Cost 262 253    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax 11 3    
Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax 0 4    
Fair Value 273 252    
Union Electric Company | Equity Securities        
Nuclear Waste Matters [Line Items]        
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis 183 162    
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax 393 277    
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax 7 12    
Fair Value 569 427    
Union Electric Company | Cash and Cash Equivalents        
Nuclear Waste Matters [Line Items]        
Cost 26 3    
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 0 0    
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents 0 0    
Cash and cash equivalents 26 3    
Union Electric Company | Other Debt And Equity Securities        
Nuclear Waste Matters [Line Items]        
Net Receivables (Payables) From Pending Securities Sales, Interest, and Securities Purchases, Cost Basis (21) 2    
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Gain, before Tax 0 0    
Available-for-sale Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax 0 0    
Net Receivables (Payables) From Pending Securities Sales, Interest, and Securities Purchases, Fair Value $ (21) $ 2    
v3.19.3.a.u2
Callaway Energy Center (Cost and Fair Values of Investments In Debt Securities in Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund According to Contractual Maturities) (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Nuclear Waste Matters [Abstract]  
Cost, Less than 5 years $ 112
Cost, 5 years to 10 years 56
Cost, Due after 10 years 94
Cost, Total 262
Fair Value, Less than 5 years 114
Fair Value, 5 years to 10 years 58
Fair Value, Due after 10 years 101
Fair Value, Total $ 273
v3.19.3.a.u2
Callaway Energy Center (Insurance Disclosure) (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Nuclear Waste Matters [Line Items]  
Number Of Years The Limit Of Liability And The Maximum Potential Annual Payments Are Adjusted five years
Number of weeks of coverage after the first twelve weeks of an outage 1
Number Of Additional Weeks After Initial Indemnity Coverage For Power Outage 1.365
Public Liability And Nuclear Worker Liability - American Nuclear Insurers  
Nuclear Waste Matters [Line Items]  
Maximum assessments for single incidents $ 0.0
Maximum coverages 450.0
Public Liability And Nuclear Worker Liability - Pool Participation  
Nuclear Waste Matters [Line Items]  
Maximum assessments for single incidents 138.0
Threshold Amount For which a Retrospective Assessment For a Covered loss is necessary 450.0
Maximum Annual Payment Per Incident At Licensed Commercial Nuclear Reactor 21.0
Maximum coverages 13,486.0
Public Liability And Nuclear Worker Liability  
Nuclear Waste Matters [Line Items]  
Maximum assessments for single incidents 138.0
Maximum coverages 13,936.0
Property Damage - Nuclear Electric Insurance Ltd  
Nuclear Waste Matters [Line Items]  
Maximum assessments for single incidents 27.0
Maximum coverages 3,200.0
Replacement Power - Nuclear Electric Insurance Ltd  
Nuclear Waste Matters [Line Items]  
Maximum assessments for single incidents 7.0
Maximum coverages 490.0
Amount of Weekly Indemnity Coverage Commencing Twelve Weeks After Power Outage 4.5
Amount of additional weekly indemnity coverage commencing after initial indemnity coverage 3.6
Amount Of Weekly Indemnity Coverage Thereafter Not Exceeding Policy Limit 490.0
Sub-limit of for Non-Nuclear Events 328.0
Radiation Event  
Nuclear Waste Matters [Line Items]  
Maximum coverages 2,700.0
Aggregate nuclear power industry insurance policy limit for losses from terrorist attacks within twelve month period 3,200.0
Non-radiation event  
Nuclear Waste Matters [Line Items]  
Maximum coverages 2,300.0
Aggregate nuclear power industry insurance policy limit for losses from terrorist attacks within twelve month period 1,800.0
Property Damage European Mutual Association for Nuclear Insurance  
Nuclear Waste Matters [Line Items]  
Maximum coverages $ 490.0
v3.19.3.a.u2
Retirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
bond
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan $ 216 $ 481  
Defined Benefit Plan Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Change in Discount Rate 0.75%    
Number of high-quality corporate bonds | bond 900    
Defined benefit plan, estimated future employer contributions during the next five years $ 70    
Amortization basis, straight line, in years 10 years    
Pension Plan [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan $ (403) $ (560)  
Expected return on plan assets 7.00% 7.00% 7.00%
Postretirement Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan $ 187 $ 79  
Expected return on plan assets 7.00% 7.00% 7.00%
Maximum      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Defined benefit plan, estimated future employer contributions during the next five years $ 45    
Union Electric Company | Pension Plan [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Future funding requirement, percentage 30.00%    
Ameren Illinois Company | Pension Plan [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Future funding requirement, percentage 60.00%    
v3.19.3.a.u2
Retirement Benefits (Summary Of Benefit Liability Recorded) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Benefit liability recorded on the balance sheet $ (216) $ (481)
Union Electric Company    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Benefit liability recorded on the balance sheet (142) (229)
Ameren Illinois Company    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Benefit liability recorded on the balance sheet $ (16) $ (120)
v3.19.3.a.u2
Retirement Benefits (Funded Status Of Benefit Plans And Amounts Included In Regulatory Assets And OCI) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Change in plan assets:      
Funded status – deficiency (surplus) $ (216) $ (481)  
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:      
Noncurrent liability 401 558  
Net liability (asset) recognized (216) (481)  
Pension Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year 4,735 4,258  
Change in benefit obligation:      
Net benefit obligation at beginning of year 4,459 4,827  
Service cost 88 100 $ 93
Interest cost 187 169 179
Plan amendments 0 0  
Participant contributions 0 0  
Actuarial (gain) loss 469 (401)  
Benefits paid (236) (236)  
Net benefit obligation at end of year 4,967 4,459 4,827
Change in plan assets:      
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 3,899 4,293  
Actual return on plan assets 878 (218)  
Employer contributions 23 60 64
Participant contributions 0 0  
Benefits paid (236) (236)  
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 4,564 3,899 4,293
Funded status – deficiency (surplus) 403 560  
Accrued benefit cost (asset) at December 31 403 560  
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:      
Noncurrent asset(b) 0 0  
Current liability(c) 2 2  
Noncurrent liability 401 558  
Net liability (asset) recognized (403) (560)  
Amounts recognized in regulatory assets consist of:      
Net actuarial (gain) loss 244 393  
Prior service credit 0 (2)  
Amounts recognized in accumulated OCI (pretax) consist of:      
Net actuarial loss 26 35  
Total 270 426  
Postretirement Benefits      
Change in benefit obligation:      
Net benefit obligation at beginning of year 1,034 1,240  
Service cost 18 21 21
Interest cost 43 40 47
Plan amendments 2 (49)  
Participant contributions 8 9  
Actuarial (gain) loss 69 (163)  
Benefits paid (64) (64)  
Net benefit obligation at end of year 1,110 1,034 1,240
Change in plan assets:      
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 1,113 1,223  
Actual return on plan assets 237 (57)  
Employer contributions 3 2 2
Participant contributions 8 9  
Benefits paid (64) (64)  
Fair value of plan assets at end of year 1,297 1,113 $ 1,223
Funded status – deficiency (surplus) (187) (79)  
Accrued benefit cost (asset) at December 31 (187) (79)  
Amounts recognized in the balance sheet consist of:      
Noncurrent asset(b) (187) (79)  
Current liability(c) 0 0  
Noncurrent liability 0 0  
Amounts recognized in regulatory assets consist of:      
Net actuarial (gain) loss (170) (91)  
Prior service credit (41) (48)  
Amounts recognized in accumulated OCI (pretax) consist of:      
Net actuarial loss 4 3  
Total $ (207) $ (136)  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Retirement Benefits (Assumptions Used To Determine Benefit Obligations) (Details)
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Postretirement Health Coverage      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Medical cost trend rate (initial) 3.00%    
Medical cost trend rate (ultimate) 3.00%    
Pension Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Discount rate at measurement date 3.50% 4.25%  
Increase in future compensation 3.50% 3.50%  
Postretirement Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Discount rate at measurement date 3.50% 4.25%  
Increase in future compensation 3.50% 3.50%  
Medical cost trend rate (initial) 5.00% 5.00% 5.00%
Medical cost trend rate (ultimate) 5.00% 5.00% 5.00%
v3.19.3.a.u2
Retirement Benefits (Cash Contributions Made To Benefit Plans) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Pension Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Cash contributions to benefit plans $ 23 $ 60 $ 64
Postretirement Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Cash contributions to benefit plans 3 2 2
Union Electric Company | Pension Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Cash contributions to benefit plans 3 18 19
Union Electric Company | Postretirement Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Cash contributions to benefit plans 1 1 1
Ameren Illinois Company | Pension Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Cash contributions to benefit plans 19 35 37
Ameren Illinois Company | Postretirement Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Cash contributions to benefit plans 1 1 1
Other | Pension Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Cash contributions to benefit plans 1 7 8
Other | Postretirement Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Cash contributions to benefit plans $ 1 $ 0 $ 0
v3.19.3.a.u2
Retirement Benefits (Target Allocation Of The Plans' Asset Categories) (Details)
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Pension Benefits    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31, 100.00% 100.00%
Pension Benefits | Cash And Cash Equivalents    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31, 3.00% 1.00%
Pension Benefits | Equity Securities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31, 57.00% 52.00%
Pension Benefits | U.S. large-capitalization    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31, 27.00% 24.00%
Pension Benefits | U.S. small and mid-capitalization    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31, 7.00% 7.00%
Pension Benefits | International    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31, 14.00% 13.00%
Pension Benefits | Global    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31, 9.00% 8.00%
Pension Benefits | Debt Securities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31, 36.00% 42.00%
Pension Benefits | Real estate    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31, 4.00% 5.00%
Pension Benefits | Private equity    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31, 1.00% 1.00%
Postretirement Benefits    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31, 100.00% 100.00%
Postretirement Benefits | Cash And Cash Equivalents    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31, 1.00% 2.00%
Postretirement Benefits | Equity Securities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31, 65.00% 60.00%
Postretirement Benefits | U.S. large-capitalization    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31, 31.00% 40.00%
Postretirement Benefits | U.S. small and mid-capitalization    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31, 9.00% 7.00%
Postretirement Benefits | International    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31, 14.00% 13.00%
Postretirement Benefits | Global    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31, 11.00% 0.00%
Postretirement Benefits | Debt Securities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Percentage of Plan Assets at December 31, 34.00% 38.00%
Minimum | Pension Benefits | Cash And Cash Equivalents    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 0.00%  
Minimum | Pension Benefits | Equity Securities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 51.00%  
Minimum | Pension Benefits | U.S. large-capitalization    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 21.00%  
Minimum | Pension Benefits | U.S. small and mid-capitalization    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 3.00%  
Minimum | Pension Benefits | International    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 9.00%  
Minimum | Pension Benefits | Global    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 3.00%  
Minimum | Pension Benefits | Debt Securities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 35.00%  
Minimum | Pension Benefits | Real estate    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 0.00%  
Minimum | Pension Benefits | Private equity    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 0.00%  
Minimum | Postretirement Benefits | Cash And Cash Equivalents    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 0.00%  
Minimum | Postretirement Benefits | Equity Securities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 55.00%  
Minimum | Postretirement Benefits | U.S. large-capitalization    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 23.00%  
Minimum | Postretirement Benefits | U.S. small and mid-capitalization    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 3.00%  
Minimum | Postretirement Benefits | International    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 9.00%  
Minimum | Postretirement Benefits | Global    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 5.00%  
Minimum | Postretirement Benefits | Debt Securities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 33.00%  
Maximum | Pension Benefits | Cash And Cash Equivalents    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 5.00%  
Maximum | Pension Benefits | Equity Securities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 61.00%  
Maximum | Pension Benefits | U.S. large-capitalization    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 31.00%  
Maximum | Pension Benefits | U.S. small and mid-capitalization    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 13.00%  
Maximum | Pension Benefits | International    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 19.00%  
Maximum | Pension Benefits | Global    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 13.00%  
Maximum | Pension Benefits | Debt Securities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 45.00%  
Maximum | Pension Benefits | Real estate    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 9.00%  
Maximum | Pension Benefits | Private equity    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 5.00%  
Maximum | Postretirement Benefits | Cash And Cash Equivalents    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 7.00%  
Maximum | Postretirement Benefits | Equity Securities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 65.00%  
Maximum | Postretirement Benefits | U.S. large-capitalization    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 33.00%  
Maximum | Postretirement Benefits | U.S. small and mid-capitalization    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 13.00%  
Maximum | Postretirement Benefits | International    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 19.00%  
Maximum | Postretirement Benefits | Global    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 15.00%  
Maximum | Postretirement Benefits | Debt Securities    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage 43.00%  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Retirement Benefits (Fair Value Of Plan Assets Utilizing Fair Value Hierarchy) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Pension Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets $ 4,564 $ 3,899 $ 4,293
Pension Benefits | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 645 497  
Pension Benefits | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 1,690 1,690  
Pension Benefits | NAV      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 2,388 1,839  
Pension Benefits | Cash And Cash Equivalents      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 139 41  
Pension Benefits | Cash And Cash Equivalents | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Pension Benefits | Cash And Cash Equivalents | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Pension Benefits | Cash And Cash Equivalents | NAV      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 139 41  
Pension Benefits | U.S. large-capitalization      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 1,253 955  
Pension Benefits | U.S. large-capitalization | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Pension Benefits | U.S. large-capitalization | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Pension Benefits | U.S. large-capitalization | NAV      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 1,253 955  
Pension Benefits | U.S. small and mid-capitalization      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 344 272  
Pension Benefits | U.S. small and mid-capitalization | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 344 272  
Pension Benefits | U.S. small and mid-capitalization | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Pension Benefits | U.S. small and mid-capitalization | NAV      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Pension Benefits | International      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 659 522  
Pension Benefits | International | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 296 224  
Pension Benefits | International | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Pension Benefits | International | NAV      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 363 298  
Pension Benefits | Global      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 407 321  
Pension Benefits | Global | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Pension Benefits | Global | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Pension Benefits | Global | NAV      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 407 321  
Pension Benefits | Corporate Bonds      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 610 720  
Pension Benefits | Corporate Bonds | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Pension Benefits | Corporate Bonds | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 597 701  
Pension Benefits | Corporate Bonds | NAV      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 13 19  
Pension Benefits | Municipal Bonds      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 75 87  
Pension Benefits | Municipal Bonds | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Pension Benefits | Municipal Bonds | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 75 87  
Pension Benefits | Municipal Bonds | NAV      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Pension Benefits | U.S. Treasury and agency securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 1,015 891  
Pension Benefits | U.S. Treasury and agency securities | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 5 0  
Pension Benefits | U.S. Treasury and agency securities | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 1,010 891  
Pension Benefits | U.S. Treasury and agency securities | NAV      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Pension Benefits | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 8 12  
Pension Benefits | Other | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 1  
Pension Benefits | Other | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 8 11  
Pension Benefits | Other | NAV      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Pension Benefits | Real estate      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 211 202  
Pension Benefits | Real estate | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Pension Benefits | Real estate | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Pension Benefits | Real estate | NAV      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 211 202  
Pension Benefits | Private equity      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 2 3  
Pension Benefits | Private equity | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Pension Benefits | Private equity | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Pension Benefits | Private equity | NAV      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 2 3  
Pension Benefits | Includes Medical Benefit Component Under Section401 H And Excludes Receivables Related To Pending Security Sales [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 4,723 4,026  
Pension Benefits | Medical benefit assets      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets (176) (144)  
Pension Benefits | Net receivables      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 17 17  
Pension Benefits | Excludes Medical Benefit Component Under Section401 H And Includes Receivables Related To Pending Security Sales [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 4,564 3,899  
Postretirement Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 1,297 1,113 $ 1,223
Postretirement Benefits | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 402 437  
Postretirement Benefits | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 107 332  
Postretirement Benefits | NAV      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 611 207  
Postretirement Benefits | Cash And Cash Equivalents      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 12 32  
Postretirement Benefits | Cash And Cash Equivalents | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 12 32  
Postretirement Benefits | Cash And Cash Equivalents | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Postretirement Benefits | Cash And Cash Equivalents | NAV      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Postretirement Benefits | U.S. large-capitalization      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 350 386  
Postretirement Benefits | U.S. large-capitalization | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 238 297  
Postretirement Benefits | U.S. large-capitalization | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Postretirement Benefits | U.S. large-capitalization | NAV      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 112 89  
Postretirement Benefits | U.S. small and mid-capitalization      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 93 63  
Postretirement Benefits | U.S. small and mid-capitalization | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 93 63  
Postretirement Benefits | U.S. small and mid-capitalization | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Postretirement Benefits | U.S. small and mid-capitalization | NAV      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Postretirement Benefits | International      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 161 129  
Postretirement Benefits | International | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 59 45  
Postretirement Benefits | International | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Postretirement Benefits | International | NAV      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 102 84  
Postretirement Benefits | Global      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 120 0  
Postretirement Benefits | Global | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Postretirement Benefits | Global | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Postretirement Benefits | Global | NAV      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 120 0  
Postretirement Benefits | Other Equity      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 12  
Postretirement Benefits | Other Equity | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Postretirement Benefits | Other Equity | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 12  
Postretirement Benefits | Other Equity | NAV      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Postretirement Benefits | Corporate Bonds      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 144  
Postretirement Benefits | Corporate Bonds | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Postretirement Benefits | Corporate Bonds | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 144  
Postretirement Benefits | Corporate Bonds | NAV      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Postretirement Benefits | Municipal Bonds      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 107 107  
Postretirement Benefits | Municipal Bonds | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Postretirement Benefits | Municipal Bonds | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 107 107  
Postretirement Benefits | Municipal Bonds | NAV      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Postretirement Benefits | U.S. Treasury and agency securities      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 62  
Postretirement Benefits | U.S. Treasury and agency securities | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Postretirement Benefits | U.S. Treasury and agency securities | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 62  
Postretirement Benefits | U.S. Treasury and agency securities | NAV      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Postretirement Benefits | Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 277 41  
Postretirement Benefits | Other | Level 1      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 0  
Postretirement Benefits | Other | Level 2      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 0 7  
Postretirement Benefits | Other | NAV      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 277 34  
Postretirement Benefits | Medical benefit assets      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 176 144  
Postretirement Benefits | Net payables      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 1 (7)  
Postretirement Benefits | Excludes Medical Benefit Component Under Section401 H And Excludes Payables Related To Pending Security Sales [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets 1,120 976  
Postretirement Benefits | Includes Medical Benefit Component Under Section401 H And Excludes Payables Related To Pending Security Sales [Member]      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Fair value of plan assets $ 1,297 $ 1,113  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Retirement Benefits (Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Defined Benefit Plan, Non-service Cost or Income Components $ 90 $ 70 $ 44
Pension Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Service cost 88 100 93
Interest cost 187 169 179
Expected return on plan assets (276) (276) (262)
Prior service credit (1) (1) (1)
Actuarial (gain) loss 25 68 55
Defined Benefit Plan, Non-service Cost or Income Components (65) (40) 29
Net periodic benefit cost (income) 23 60 64
Postretirement Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Service cost 18 21 21
Interest cost 43 40 47
Expected return on plan assets (77) (77) (75)
Prior service credit (5) (4) (5)
Actuarial (gain) loss (15) (6) (6)
Defined Benefit Plan, Non-service Cost or Income Components (54) (47) (39)
Net periodic benefit cost (income) $ (36) $ (26) $ (18)
v3.19.3.a.u2
Retirement Benefits (Summary Of Estimated Amortizable Amounts From Regulatory Assets and Accumulated OCI Into Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Pension Benefits  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Prior service credit $ (1)
Net actuarial (gain) loss 52
Net actuarial loss 5
Net periodic benefit cost 56
Postretirement Benefits  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Prior service credit (4)
Net actuarial (gain) loss (9)
Net actuarial loss 0
Net periodic benefit cost $ (13)
v3.19.3.a.u2
Retirement Benefits (Summary Of Benefit Plan Costs Incurred) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Pension Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Net periodic benefit cost $ 23 $ 60 $ 64
Postretirement Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Net periodic benefit cost (36) (26) (18)
Union Electric Company | Pension Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Net periodic benefit cost 5 22 24
Union Electric Company | Postretirement Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Net periodic benefit cost (6) (1) (4)
Ameren Illinois Company | Pension Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Net periodic benefit cost 20 39 41
Ameren Illinois Company | Postretirement Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Net periodic benefit cost (30) (25) (14)
Other | Pension Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Net periodic benefit cost (2) (1) (1)
Other | Postretirement Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Net periodic benefit cost $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
v3.19.3.a.u2
Retirement Benefits (Schedule Of Expected Payments From Qualified Trust And Company Funds) (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Pension Benefits | Paid From Qualified Trust  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
2020 $ 257
2021 269
2022 274
2023 279
2024 284
2025 - 2029 1,446
Pension Benefits | Paid From Company Funds  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
2020 3
2021 3
2022 3
2023 3
2024 3
2025 - 2029 12
Postretirement Benefits | Paid From Qualified Trust  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
2020 58
2021 60
2022 61
2023 63
2024 64
2025 - 2029 313
Postretirement Benefits | Paid From Company Funds  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
2020 2
2021 2
2022 2
2023 2
2024 2
2025 - 2029 $ 12
v3.19.3.a.u2
Retirement Benefits (Assumptions Used To Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Pension Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Discount rate at measurement date 4.25% 3.50% 4.00%
Expected return on plan assets 7.00% 7.00% 7.00%
Increase in future compensation 3.50% 3.50% 3.50%
Postretirement Benefits      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Discount rate at measurement date 4.25% 3.50% 4.00%
Expected return on plan assets 7.00% 7.00% 7.00%
Increase in future compensation 3.50% 3.50% 3.50%
Medical cost trend rate (initial) 5.00% 5.00% 5.00%
Medical cost trend rate (ultimate) 5.00% 5.00% 5.00%
Postretirement Health Coverage      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Medical cost trend rate (initial) 3.00%    
Medical cost trend rate (ultimate) 3.00%    
v3.19.3.a.u2
Retirement Benefits (Schedule Of Potential Changes In Key Assumptions) (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Pension Benefits  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Service Cost and Interest Cost, .25% decrease in discount rate $ (1)
Defined Benefit Plan Effect Of a Quarter-Percentage Point Decrease of the Discount Rate On the Expected Return on Assets 0
Benefit Obligation, .25% decrease in discount rate 165
Defined Benefit Plan Effect of a Quarter-Percentage Decrease of Return On Assets On the Service and Interest Cost Components 0
Defined Benefit Plan Effect Of a Quarter-Percentage Point Decrease of Return on Assets on the Expected Return on Assets 10
Defined Benefit Plan Effect of a Quarter-Percentage Decrease of Return on Assets on the Projected Benefit Obligation 0
Service Cost and Interest Cost, .25% increase in salary rate 2
Defined Benefit Plan Effect Of a Quarter-Percentage Point Increase of the assumed annual salary increase Rate On the Expected Return on Assets 0
Benefit Obligation, .25% increase in salary rate 14
Service Cost and Interest Cost, 1.00% increase in annual medical trend 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Expected Return on Assets 0
Benefit Obligation, 1.00% increase in annual medical trend 0
Service Cost and Interest Cost, 1.00% decrease in annual medical trend 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Expected Return on Assets 0
Benefit Obligation, 1.00% decrease in annual medical trend 0
Postretirement Benefits  
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]  
Service Cost and Interest Cost, .25% decrease in discount rate 0
Defined Benefit Plan Effect Of a Quarter-Percentage Point Decrease of the Discount Rate On the Expected Return on Assets 0
Benefit Obligation, .25% decrease in discount rate 36
Defined Benefit Plan Effect of a Quarter-Percentage Decrease of Return On Assets On the Service and Interest Cost Components 0
Defined Benefit Plan Effect Of a Quarter-Percentage Point Decrease of Return on Assets on the Expected Return on Assets 3
Defined Benefit Plan Effect of a Quarter-Percentage Decrease of Return on Assets on the Projected Benefit Obligation 0
Service Cost and Interest Cost, .25% increase in salary rate 0
Defined Benefit Plan Effect Of a Quarter-Percentage Point Increase of the assumed annual salary increase Rate On the Expected Return on Assets 0
Benefit Obligation, .25% increase in salary rate 0
Service Cost and Interest Cost, 1.00% increase in annual medical trend 3
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Expected Return on Assets 0
Benefit Obligation, 1.00% increase in annual medical trend 57
Service Cost and Interest Cost, 1.00% decrease in annual medical trend (3)
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Expected Return on Assets 0
Benefit Obligation, 1.00% decrease in annual medical trend $ (57)
v3.19.3.a.u2
Retirement Benefits (Schedule Of Matching Contributions) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Employer contributions $ 35 $ 33 $ 30
Union Electric Company      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Employer contributions 19 17 16
Ameren Illinois Company      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Employer contributions 16 15 13
Other      
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]      
Employer contributions $ 0 $ 1 $ 1
v3.19.3.a.u2
Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Number of shares authorized (in shares) 8,000,000    
Maximum shares available for grants (in shares) 3,100,000    
Performance Share Units      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period 38 months    
Award Requisite Service Period 5 years    
Percentage of shares issued per share unit, minimum 0.00%    
Percentage of shares issued per share unit, maximum 200.00%    
Settled performance share units and restricted stock units $ 83 $ 54 $ 39
Compensation cost not yet recognized $ 28    
Expected weighted average recognition period for share-based compensation expense, in months 22 months    
Restricted Stock Units      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period 38 months    
Award Requisite Service Period 5 years    
Income taxes      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Exercise of Stock Options $ 15 $ 6 $ 4
v3.19.3.a.u2
Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Nonvested Shares) (Details) - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Performance Share Units      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Fully Vested Undistributed Retirement-eligible units (in shares) 503,283 619,783  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]      
Share Units, Nonvested at beginning of year (in shares) 682,811    
Share Units, Granted (in shares) 304,384    
Share Units, Unearned or forfeited (in shares) (35,120)    
Undistributed Vested Units (in shares) (235,275)    
Share Units, Vested and distributed (in shares) (176,923)    
Share Units, Nonvested at end of year (in shares) 539,877 682,811  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]      
Weighted-average Fair Value per Unit, Nonvested at beginning of year (in dollars per share) $ 56.58    
Weighted-average Fair Value per Unit, Granted (in dollars per share) 67.42 $ 62.88 $ 59.16
Weighted-average Fair Value per Unit, Unearned or forfeited (in dollars per share) 64.40    
Weighted-average Fair Value per Unit, Vested and undistributed (in dollars per share) 62.28    
Weighted-average Fair Value per Unit, Vested and distributed (in dollars per share0 44.13    
Weighted-average Fair Value per Unit, Nonvested at end of year (in dollars per share) $ 63.79 $ 56.58  
Restricted Stock Units      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Fully Vested Undistributed Retirement-eligible units (in shares) 79,854 26,557  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]      
Share Units, Nonvested at beginning of year (in shares) 155,253    
Share Units, Granted (in shares) 132,526    
Share Units, Unearned or forfeited (in shares) (11,802)    
Undistributed Vested Units (in shares) (53,297)    
Share Units, Vested and distributed (in shares) (2,403)    
Share Units, Nonvested at end of year (in shares) 220,277 155,253  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]      
Weighted-average Fair Value per Unit, Nonvested at beginning of year (in dollars per share) $ 57.38    
Weighted-average Fair Value per Unit, Granted (in dollars per share) 65.89    
Weighted-average Fair Value per Unit, Unearned or forfeited (in dollars per share) 62.75    
Weighted-average Fair Value per Unit, Vested and undistributed (in dollars per share) 61.99    
Weighted-average Fair Value per Unit, Vested and distributed (in dollars per share0 54.30    
Weighted-average Fair Value per Unit, Nonvested at end of year (in dollars per share) $ 61.13 $ 57.38  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Stock-Based Compensation (Summary of Expense) (Details) - Performance Share Units - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Share-based compensation expense $ 20 $ 20 $ 18
Employee service share-based compensation, tax benefit from compensation expense 5 6 7
Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax $ 15 $ 14 $ 11
Weighted-average Fair Value per Unit, Granted (in dollars per share) $ 67.42 $ 62.88 $ 59.16
Three-year risk-free rate 2.46% 1.98% 1.47%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate 17.00% 17.00% 19.00%
Volatility rate, minimum 15.00% 15.00% 15.00%
Volatility rate, maximum 25.00% 23.00% 21.00%
Ameren Missouri [Member]      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Share-based compensation expense $ 4 $ 4 $ 4
Ameren Illinois Company      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Share-based compensation expense 3 3 2
Other      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]      
Share-based compensation expense $ 13 $ 13 $ 12
v3.19.3.a.u2
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
Federal statutory corporate income tax rate: 21.00% 21.00% 35.00%
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) $ 185 $ 220 $ 511
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability 13    
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net $ 2,919 $ 2,666  
Minimum      
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
Regulatory Liability, Amortization Period 25 years    
Maximum      
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
Regulatory Liability, Amortization Period 65 years    
Union Electric Company      
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
Federal statutory corporate income tax rate: 21.00% 21.00% 35.00%
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) $ 37 $ 22 $ 76
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability 4    
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net $ 1,612 $ 1,576  
Ameren Illinois Company      
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
Federal statutory corporate income tax rate: 21.00% 21.00% 35.00%
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) $ 66 $ 75 $ 185
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability 4    
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net 1,224 1,119  
Other      
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 82 123 250
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net $ 83 $ (29)  
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act [Member]      
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)     154
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act [Member] | Union Electric Company      
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)     32
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act [Member] | Ameren Illinois Company      
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)     $ (5)
State      
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
State Income Tax Statutory Rate   7.75%  
State | Minimum      
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
State Income Tax Statutory Rate   7.30%  
State | Maximum      
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
State Income Tax Statutory Rate   9.50%  
State | Union Electric Company      
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
State Income Tax Statutory Rate 4.00%    
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net $ 122    
State | Union Electric Company | Maximum      
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
State Income Tax Statutory Rate 6.25%    
State | Ameren Illinois Company      
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes   $ 1  
State | Other      
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes   $ 14  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Income Taxes (Schedule Of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation) (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
Federal statutory corporate income tax rate: 21.00% 21.00% 35.00%
Amortization of excess deferred income taxes (7.00%) (4.00%)  
Amortization of deferred investment tax credit (1.00%) (1.00%) (1.00%)
State tax 6.00% 6.00% 6.00%
Stock-based compensation (1.00%)    
Other depreciation differences   0.00% 0.00%
TCJA   1.00% 14.00%
Tax Credits   0.00% 0.00%
Other permanent items   (1.00%) (2.00%)
Effective income tax rate 18.00% 22.00% 52.00%
Union Electric Company      
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
Federal statutory corporate income tax rate: 21.00% 21.00% 35.00%
Amortization of excess deferred income taxes (11.00%) (4.00%)  
Amortization of deferred investment tax credit (1.00%) (1.00%) (1.00%)
State tax 5.00% 4.00% 4.00%
Stock-based compensation 0.00%    
Other depreciation differences   0.00% 1.00%
TCJA   1.00% 6.00%
Tax Credits   (1.00%) (1.00%)
Other permanent items   0.00% 0.00%
Effective income tax rate 14.00% 20.00% 44.00%
Ameren Illinois Company      
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
Federal statutory corporate income tax rate: 21.00% 21.00% 35.00%
Amortization of excess deferred income taxes (4.00%) (4.00%)  
Amortization of deferred investment tax credit 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
State tax 7.00% 7.00% 6.00%
Stock-based compensation 0.00%    
Other depreciation differences   (1.00%) (1.00%)
TCJA   1.00% (1.00%)
Tax Credits   0.00% 0.00%
Other permanent items     (1.00%)
Effective income tax rate 24.00% 24.00% 38.00%
v3.19.3.a.u2
Income Taxes (Schedule Of Components Of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
Current Federal taxes $ (4) $ (10) $ 5
Current State taxes 19 23 32
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 185 220 511
Deferred State taxes 59 49 34
Amortization of Excess Deferred Taxes (72) (40)  
Deferred investment tax credits, amortization (5) (5) (6)
Total income tax expense 182 237 576
Union Electric Company      
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
Current Federal taxes 65 104 149
Current State taxes 22 29 23
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 37 22 76
Deferred State taxes 5 (2) 11
Amortization of Excess Deferred Taxes (56) (24)  
Deferred investment tax credits, amortization (5) (5) (5)
Total income tax expense 68 124 254
Ameren Illinois Company      
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
Current Federal taxes 19 4 (34)
Current State taxes 11 6 29
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 66 75 185
Deferred State taxes 29 28 (13)
Amortization of Excess Deferred Taxes (15) (15)  
Deferred investment tax credits, amortization 0 0 (1)
Total income tax expense 110 98 166
Other      
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
Current Federal taxes (88) (118) (110)
Current State taxes (14) (12) (20)
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 82 123 250
Deferred State taxes 25 23 36
Amortization of Excess Deferred Taxes (1) (1)  
Deferred investment tax credits, amortization 0 0 0
Total income tax expense $ 4 $ 15 $ 156
v3.19.3.a.u2
Income Taxes (Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities Resulting From Temporary Differences) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Income Taxes [Line Items]    
Plant related $ 3,616 $ 3,534
Regulatory assets and liabilities, net (548) (589)
Deferred employee benefit costs - asset (111) (126)
Tax carryforwards (98) (227)
Other - liabilities 21 31
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net 2,880 2,623
Accumulated Deferred Investment Tax Credit 39 43
Total net accumulated deferred income tax liabilities 2,919 2,666
Union Electric Company    
Income Taxes [Line Items]    
Plant related 2,000 2,010
Regulatory assets and liabilities, net (310) (343)
Deferred employee benefit costs - asset (59) (58)
Tax carryforwards (25) (35)
Other - assets (33) (40)
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net 1,573 1,534
Accumulated Deferred Investment Tax Credit 39 42
Total net accumulated deferred income tax liabilities 1,612 1,576
Ameren Illinois Company    
Income Taxes [Line Items]    
Plant related 1,423 1,345
Regulatory assets and liabilities, net (214) (221)
Deferred employee benefit costs - asset   (4)
Deferred employee benefit costs - liability 7  
Tax carryforwards (3) (26)
Other - liabilities 11 24
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net 1,224 1,118
Accumulated Deferred Investment Tax Credit 0 1
Total net accumulated deferred income tax liabilities 1,224 1,119
Other    
Income Taxes [Line Items]    
Plant related 193 179
Regulatory assets and liabilities, net (24) (25)
Deferred employee benefit costs - asset (59) (64)
Tax carryforwards (70) (166)
Other - liabilities 43 47
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net 83 (29)
Accumulated Deferred Investment Tax Credit 0 0
Total net accumulated deferred income tax liabilities $ 83 $ (29)
v3.19.3.a.u2
Income Taxes (Schedule Of Net Operating Loss Carryforwards And Tax Credit Carryforwards) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]    
Net operating loss carryforwards   $ 91
Tax credit carryforwards $ 98 127
Deferred Tax Assets, Charitable Contribution Carryforwards 3 14
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent (3) (5)
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent 0 9
Federal    
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]    
Net operating loss carryforwards   78
Tax credit carryforwards 95 117
State    
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]    
Net operating loss carryforwards   13
Tax credit carryforwards 3 10
Union Electric Company    
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]    
Net operating loss carryforwards   0
Tax credit carryforwards 25 35
Deferred Tax Assets, Charitable Contribution Carryforwards 0 0
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent 0 0
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent 0 0
Union Electric Company | Federal    
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]    
Net operating loss carryforwards   0
Tax credit carryforwards 25 35
Union Electric Company | State    
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]    
Net operating loss carryforwards   0
Tax credit carryforwards 0 0
Ameren Illinois Company    
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]    
Net operating loss carryforwards   23
Tax credit carryforwards 3 3
Deferred Tax Assets, Charitable Contribution Carryforwards 0 0
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent 0 0
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent 0 0
Ameren Illinois Company | Federal    
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]    
Net operating loss carryforwards   23
Tax credit carryforwards 3 3
Ameren Illinois Company | State    
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]    
Net operating loss carryforwards   0
Tax credit carryforwards 0 0
Other    
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]    
Net operating loss carryforwards   68
Tax credit carryforwards 70 89
Deferred Tax Assets, Charitable Contribution Carryforwards 3 14
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent (3) (5)
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent 0 9
Other | Federal    
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]    
Net operating loss carryforwards   55
Tax credit carryforwards 67 79
Other | State    
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]    
Net operating loss carryforwards   13
Tax credit carryforwards $ 3 $ 10
v3.19.3.a.u2
Related Party Transactions (Schedule of Related Party Electric Power Supply Agreements) (Details) - Ameren Illinois Company - Ameren Illinois Power Supply Agreements with Ameren Missouri
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
MWh
$ / MWh
September 2015 Procurement  
Schedule of Related Party Electric Power Supply Agreements [Line Items]  
Related Party Long Term Contract For Purchase Of Electric Power | MWh 339,000
Related Party Long Term Contract For Purchase Of Electric Power Rate | $ / MWh 38
April 2016 Procurement  
Schedule of Related Party Electric Power Supply Agreements [Line Items]  
Related Party Long Term Contract For Purchase Of Electric Power | MWh 375,200
Related Party Long Term Contract For Purchase Of Electric Power Rate | $ / MWh 35
September 2016 Procurement  
Schedule of Related Party Electric Power Supply Agreements [Line Items]  
Related Party Long Term Contract For Purchase Of Electric Power | MWh 82,800
Related Party Long Term Contract For Purchase Of Electric Power Rate | $ / MWh 34
April 2017 Procurement  
Schedule of Related Party Electric Power Supply Agreements [Line Items]  
Related Party Long Term Contract For Purchase Of Electric Power | MWh 85,600
Related Party Long Term Contract For Purchase Of Electric Power Rate | $ / MWh 34
April 2018 Procurement  
Schedule of Related Party Electric Power Supply Agreements [Line Items]  
Related Party Long Term Contract For Purchase Of Electric Power | MWh 110,000
Related Party Long Term Contract For Purchase Of Electric Power Rate | $ / MWh 32
April 2019 Procurement  
Schedule of Related Party Electric Power Supply Agreements [Line Items]  
Related Party Long Term Contract For Purchase Of Electric Power | MWh 288,000
Related Party Long Term Contract For Purchase Of Electric Power Rate | $ / MWh 35
September 2019 Procurement  
Schedule of Related Party Electric Power Supply Agreements [Line Items]  
Related Party Long Term Contract For Purchase Of Electric Power | MWh 170,800
Related Party Long Term Contract For Purchase Of Electric Power Rate | $ / MWh 29
v3.19.3.a.u2
Related Party Transactions (Narrative) (Details) - Ameren Missouri Software Licensing with Ameren Illinois
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution  
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]  
Revenue from Related Parties $ 14
Ameren Illinois Gas  
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]  
Revenue from Related Parties 5
Ameren Illinois Company  
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]  
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction 24
Capitalized Computer Software, Net 5
Revenue from Related Parties 19
Union Electric Company  
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]  
Capitalized Computer Software, Gross $ 24
v3.19.3.a.u2
Related Party Transactions (Schedule of Affiliate Receivables and Payables) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Union Electric Company    
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current $ 52 $ 69
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current 30 14
Union Electric Company | Income taxes payable to parent    
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current 15 16
Union Electric Company | Income taxes receivable from parent    
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current 15 0
Ameren Illinois Company    
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current 82 58
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current 28 21
Ameren Illinois Company | Income taxes payable to parent    
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current 43 7
Ameren Illinois Company | Income taxes receivable from parent    
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current $ 17 $ 6
v3.19.3.a.u2
Related Party Transactions (Schedule of Capital Contributions) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Union Electric Company      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Capital contribution from parent $ 124 $ 45 $ 30
Ameren Illinois Company      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Capital contribution from parent $ 15 $ 160 $ 8
v3.19.3.a.u2
Related Party Transactions (Effects of Related-party Transactions on the Statement of Income (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Union Electric Company | Ameren Missouri Power Supply Agreements with Ameren Illinois      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Operating Revenues $ 3 $ 11 $ 23
Union Electric Company | Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois Rent and Facility Services      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Operating Revenues 27 22 26
Operating Expenses 2 3 1
Union Electric Company | Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois miscellaneous support services and services provided to ATXI      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Operating Revenues 1 1 1
Union Electric Company | Total Related Party Operating Revenues      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Operating Revenues 31 34 49
Union Electric Company | Ameren Services Support Services Agreement      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Operating Expenses 135 136 149
Union Electric Company | Total Related Party Other Operations and Maintenance      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Operating Expenses 137 139 149
Union Electric Company | Money Pool Borrowings (Advances)      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Interest (Charges) Income 1 1 1
Ameren Illinois Company | Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois Rent and Facility Services      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Operating Revenues 2 3 4
Operating Expenses 5 6 1
Ameren Illinois Company | Ameren Missouri and Ameren Illinois miscellaneous support services and services provided to ATXI      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Operating Revenues 2 1 1
Ameren Illinois Company | Ameren Missouri Software Licensing with Ameren Illinois      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Operating Revenues 19    
Ameren Illinois Company | Total Related Party Operating Revenues      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Operating Revenues 23 4 5
Ameren Illinois Company | Ameren Illinois Power Supply Agreements with Ameren Missouri      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Operating Expenses 3 11 23
Ameren Illinois Company | Ameren Illinois Transmission Services From ATXI      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Operating Expenses 2 1 2
Ameren Illinois Company | Purchased Power      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Operating Expenses 5 12 25
Ameren Illinois Company | Ameren Services Support Services Agreement      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Operating Expenses 127 126 139
Ameren Illinois Company | Total Related Party Other Operations and Maintenance      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Operating Expenses 132 132 139
Ameren Illinois Company | Money Pool Borrowings (Advances)      
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]      
Interest (Charges) Income $ 1 $ 1 $ 1
v3.19.3.a.u2
Commitments And Contingencies (Schedule Of Estimated Purchased Power Commitments) (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
MWh
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
2020 $ 763
2021 453
2022 243
2023 152
2024 108
Thereafter 167
Total unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation 1,886
Coal  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
2020 325
2021 197
2022 137
2023 46
2024 53
Thereafter 27
Total unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation 785
Natural gas  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
2020 171
2021 109
2022 55
2023 35
2024 12
Thereafter 43
Total unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation 425
Nuclear Fuel  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
2020 42
2021 60
2022 13
2023 43
2024 15
Thereafter 15
Total unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation 188
Purchased Power  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
2020 147
2021 51
2022 13
2023 3
2024 0
Thereafter 0
Total unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation $ 214
Amount of Megawatts | MWh 102
Methane Gas  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
2020 $ 3
2021 3
2022 3
2023 3
2024 3
Thereafter 24
Total unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation 39
Other  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
2020 75
2021 33
2022 22
2023 22
2024 25
Thereafter 58
Total unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation 235
Renewable Energy Credits  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
Total unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation 13
Zero Emission Credits  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
Total unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation 27
Union Electric Company  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
2020 471
2021 312
2022 189
2023 127
2024 102
Thereafter 109
Total unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation 1,310
Union Electric Company | Coal  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
2020 325
2021 197
2022 137
2023 46
2024 53
Thereafter 27
Total unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation 785
Union Electric Company | Natural gas  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
2020 40
2021 26
2022 14
2023 13
2024 6
Thereafter 19
Total unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation 118
Union Electric Company | Nuclear Fuel  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
2020 42
2021 60
2022 13
2023 43
2024 15
Thereafter 15
Total unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation 188
Union Electric Company | Purchased Power  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
2020 0
2021 0
2022 0
2023 0
2024 0
Thereafter 0
Total unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation $ 0
Amount of Megawatts | MWh 102
Union Electric Company | Methane Gas  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
2020 $ 3
2021 3
2022 3
2023 3
2024 3
Thereafter 24
Total unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation 39
Union Electric Company | Other  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
2020 61
2021 26
2022 22
2023 22
2024 25
Thereafter 24
Total unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation 180
Ameren Illinois Company  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
2020 281
2021 136
2022 54
2023 25
2024 6
Thereafter 24
Total unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation 526
Ameren Illinois Company | Coal  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
2020 0
2021 0
2022 0
2023 0
2024 0
Thereafter 0
Total unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation 0
Ameren Illinois Company | Natural gas  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
2020 131
2021 83
2022 41
2023 22
2024 6
Thereafter 24
Total unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation 307
Ameren Illinois Company | Nuclear Fuel  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
2020 0
2021 0
2022 0
2023 0
2024 0
Thereafter 0
Total unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation 0
Ameren Illinois Company | Purchased Power  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
2020 147
2021 51
2022 13
2023 3
2024 0
Thereafter 0
Total unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation 214
Ameren Illinois Company | Methane Gas  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
2020 0
2021 0
2022 0
2023 0
2024 0
Thereafter 0
Total unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation 0
Ameren Illinois Company | Other  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
2020 3
2021 2
2022 0
2023 0
2024 0
Thereafter 0
Total unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation 5
Ameren Illinois Company | Renewable Energy Credits  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
Total unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation 13
Ameren Illinois Company | Zero Emission Credits  
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]  
Total unrecorded unconditional purchase obligation $ 27
v3.19.3.a.u2
Commitments And Contingencies (Environmental Matters) (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
waste_stream
scrubber
center
site
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Asset Retirement Obligation $ 691 $ 650 $ 644
Union Electric Company      
Number of Energy Center Scrubbers | scrubber 2    
Postponement of EPA's 2015 Rule two years    
Waste Streams with Postponed Compliance Dates | waste_stream 2    
Number of Energy Centers Constructing Wastewater Treatment Facilities | center 3    
Asset Retirement Obligation $ 687 646 640
Ameren Illinois Company      
Asset Retirement Obligation 4 $ 4 $ 4
Manufactured Gas Plant      
Accrual for environmental loss contingencies $ 129    
Manufactured Gas Plant | Ameren Illinois Company      
Number of remediation sites | site 44    
Accrual for environmental loss contingencies $ 129    
Minimum      
Estimated capital costs to comply with existing and known federal and state air emissions regulations 200    
Minimum | Union Electric Company      
Estimated capital costs to comply with existing and known federal and state air emissions regulations 200    
Minimum | Coal Combustion Residuals Estimate      
Estimated capital costs to comply with existing and known federal and state air emissions regulations 75    
Minimum | Manufactured Gas Plant | Ameren Illinois Company      
Loss contingency, estimate of possible loss 129    
Maximum      
Estimated capital costs to comply with existing and known federal and state air emissions regulations 250    
Maximum | Union Electric Company      
Estimated capital costs to comply with existing and known federal and state air emissions regulations 250    
Maximum | Coal Combustion Residuals Estimate      
Estimated capital costs to comply with existing and known federal and state air emissions regulations 125    
Maximum | Manufactured Gas Plant | Ameren Illinois Company      
Loss contingency, estimate of possible loss 213    
Rush Island Energy Center | Union Electric Company      
Estimated capital costs to comply with preliminary court order 1,000    
Rush Island Energy Center | Minimum | Union Electric Company      
Estimated operations and maintenance costs to comply with preliminary court order. 30    
Rush Island Energy Center | Maximum | Union Electric Company      
Estimated operations and maintenance costs to comply with preliminary court order. 50    
New CCR Rules Estimate      
Asset Retirement Obligation 151    
New CCR Rules Estimate | Union Electric Company      
Asset Retirement Obligation $ 151    
v3.19.3.a.u2
Supplemental Information (Cash and Cash Equivalents) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents Including Restricted Cash [Line Items]        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 16 $ 16    
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current 14 13    
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent 120 74    
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 26 4    
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 176 107 $ 68 $ 52
Union Electric Company        
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents Including Restricted Cash [Line Items]        
Cash and cash equivalents 9 0    
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current 4 4    
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent 0 0    
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 26 4    
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 39 8 7 5
Ameren Illinois Company        
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents Including Restricted Cash [Line Items]        
Cash and cash equivalents 0 0    
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current 5 6    
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent 120 74    
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Fund 0 0    
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 125 $ 80 $ 41 $ 28
v3.19.3.a.u2
Supplemental Information (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Supplemental Information [Abstract]    
Payables for purchased receivables $ 32 $ 33
Deferred Compensation Liability, Classified, Noncurrent $ 86 $ 80
v3.19.3.a.u2
Supplemental Information (Inventories) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Public Utilities, Inventory [Line Items]    
Fuel $ 126 $ 123
Gas stored underground 63 71
Other materials and supplies 305 289
Total Inventories 494 483
Union Electric Company    
Public Utilities, Inventory [Line Items]    
Fuel 126 123
Gas stored underground 6 7
Other materials and supplies 241 228
Total Inventories 373 358
Ameren Illinois Company    
Public Utilities, Inventory [Line Items]    
Fuel 0 0
Gas stored underground 57 64
Other materials and supplies 64 61
Total Inventories $ 121 $ 125
v3.19.3.a.u2
Supplemental Information (Leases - Supplemental Balance Sheet Information) (Details)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability $ 38
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset 36
Operating Lease, Liability, Current 7
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent $ 29
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term 5 years
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent 3.50%
Union Electric Company  
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability $ 36
Lessee, Operating Lease, Renewal Term 5 years
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset $ 34
Operating Lease, Liability, Current 7
Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent $ 27
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term 5 years
Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent 3.40%
v3.19.3.a.u2
Supplemental Information (Leases - Maturities of Operating Lease Liabilities) (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
2020 $ 8
2021 8
2022 7
2023 6
2024 5
Thereafter 5
Total lease payments 39
Less imputed interest 3
Total 36
Union Electric Company  
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]  
2020 8
2021 7
2022 6
2023 6
2024 5
Thereafter 5
Total lease payments 37
Less imputed interest 3
Total $ 34
v3.19.3.a.u2
Supplemental Information (Schedule of Asset Retirement Obligations (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]      
Asset Retirement Obligation $ 691 $ 650 $ 644
Liabilities settled (20) (7)  
Accretion 28 27  
Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate 33 (14)  
Other current liabilities 585 544  
Union Electric Company      
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]      
Asset Retirement Obligation 687 646 640
Liabilities settled (20) (7)  
Accretion 28 27  
Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate 33 (14)  
Other current liabilities 221 202  
Ameren Illinois Company      
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]      
Asset Retirement Obligation 4 4 $ 4
Liabilities settled 0 0  
Accretion 0 0  
Asset Retirement Obligation, Revision of Estimate 0 0  
Other current liabilities 207 184  
Asset Retirement Obligation Balance      
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]      
Other current liabilities $ 53 $ 23  
v3.19.3.a.u2
Supplemental Information (Schedule of Excise Taxes) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Excise Tax Expense $ 264 $ 282 $ 265
Union Electric Company      
Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Excise Tax Expense 147 164 153
Ameren Illinois Company      
Accounting Policies [Line Items]      
Excise Tax Expense $ 117 $ 118 $ 112
v3.19.3.a.u2
Supplemental Information (Allowance For Funds Used During Construction) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction, Rate [Line Items]      
Allowance for equity funds used during construction $ 28 $ 36 $ 24
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction 20 21 14
Total $ 48 $ 57 $ 38
Union Electric Company      
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction, Rate [Line Items]      
Public Utilities, Allowance for Funds Used During Construction, Rate 6.00% 7.00% 7.00%
Allowance for equity funds used during construction $ 19 $ 27 $ 21
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction 12 14 10
Total $ 31 $ 41 $ 31
Ameren Illinois Company      
Allowance for Funds Used During Construction, Rate [Line Items]      
Public Utilities, Allowance for Funds Used During Construction, Rate 5.00% 5.00% 4.00%
Allowance for equity funds used during construction $ 9 $ 9 $ 3
Allowance for borrowed funds used during construction 8 7 4
Total $ 17 $ 16 $ 7
v3.19.3.a.u2
Supplemental Information (Earnings Per Share) (Details) - shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract]      
Weighted-average Common Shares Outstanding - Basic (in shares) 245,600,000 243,800,000 242,600,000
Assumed settlement of performance share units and restricted stock units (in shares) 1,400,000 2,000,000.0 1,600,000
Dilutive effect of forward sale agreement (in shares) 100,000 0 0
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted (in shares) 247,100,000 245,800,000 244,200,000
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount (in shares) 0 0 0
v3.19.3.a.u2
Supplemental Information (Supplemental Cash Flow Information) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]      
Exchange of bond investments for extinguishment of senior unsecured notes $ 17 $ 0 $ 0
Accrued capital expenditures 333 272 361
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) - nuclear trust fund 143 (38) 3
Noncash financing activity - Issuance of common stock for stock-based compensation 54 35 0
Union Electric Company      
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]      
Exchange of bond investments for extinguishment of senior unsecured notes 0 0 0
Accrued capital expenditures 140 121 159
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) - nuclear trust fund 143 (38) 3
Noncash financing activity - Issuance of common stock for stock-based compensation 0 0 0
Ameren Illinois Company      
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]      
Exchange of bond investments for extinguishment of senior unsecured notes 17 0 0
Accrued capital expenditures 163 138 175
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) - nuclear trust fund 0 0 0
Noncash financing activity - Issuance of common stock for stock-based compensation 0 0 0
Nuclear Fuel      
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]      
Accrued capital expenditures 19 20 10
Nuclear Fuel | Union Electric Company      
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]      
Accrued capital expenditures 19 20 10
Nuclear Fuel | Ameren Illinois Company      
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Line Items]      
Accrued capital expenditures $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
v3.19.3.a.u2
Segment Information (Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment) (Details)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2019
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2019
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Sep. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Jun. 30, 2018
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
segment
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Number of reportable segments | segment                 4    
External revenues $ 1,316 $ 1,659 $ 1,379 $ 1,556 $ 1,419 $ 1,724 $ 1,563 $ 1,585 $ 5,910 $ 6,291 $ 6,174
Depreciation and amortization                 995 955 896
Interest income                 33 33 34
Interest charges                 381 401 391
Income taxes (benefit)                 182 237 576
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic 94 364 179 191 68 357 239 151 828 815 523
Capital expenditures                 2,411 2,286 2,132
Reportable Subsegments                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 5,891 6,291 6,174
Intersubsegment Eliminations                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Intersegment revenues                 $ 19 0 0
Union Electric Company                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Number of reportable segments | segment                 1    
Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution | Ameren Missouri Software Licensing with Ameren Illinois                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Intersegment revenues                 $ 14    
Ameren Illinois Gas | Ameren Missouri Software Licensing with Ameren Illinois                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Intersegment revenues                 $ 5    
Ameren Illinois Company                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Number of reportable segments | segment                 3    
External revenues 654 564 547 762 674 564 578 760 $ 2,527 2,576 2,527
Depreciation and amortization                 406 374 341
Interest income                 6 6 7
Interest charges                 147 149 144
Income taxes (benefit)                 110 98 166
Net Income Available to Common Shareholder                 343 304 268
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic $ 96 $ 65 $ 62 $ 120 $ 84 $ 63 $ 62 $ 95      
Capital expenditures                 1,208 1,258 1,076
Ameren Illinois Company | Ameren Missouri Software Licensing with Ameren Illinois                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Intersegment revenues                 19    
Ameren Illinois Company | Reportable Subsegments                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 2,527 2,576 2,527
Ameren Illinois Company | Intersubsegment Eliminations                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Intersegment revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Union Electric Company                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 3,243 3,589 3,537
Depreciation and amortization                 556 550 533
Interest income                 26 28 27
Interest charges                 178 200 207
Income taxes (benefit)                 68 124 254
Net Income Available to Common Shareholder                 426 478 323
Capital expenditures                 1,076 914 773
Operating Segments | Union Electric Company | Reportable Subsegments                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 3,212 3,555 3,488
Operating Segments | Union Electric Company | Intersubsegment Eliminations                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Intersegment revenues                 31 34 49
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 1,504 1,547 1,568
Depreciation and amortization                 273 259 239
Interest income                 6 6 7
Interest charges                 71 73 73
Income taxes (benefit)                 45 41 83
Net Income Available to Common Shareholder                 146 136 131
Capital expenditures                 518 503 476
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution | Reportable Subsegments                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 1,487 1,544 1,564
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution | Intersubsegment Eliminations                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Intersegment revenues                 17 3 4
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Gas                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 797 815 743
Depreciation and amortization                 78 65 59
Interest income                 0 0 0
Interest charges                 38 38 36
Income taxes (benefit)                 30 25 36
Net Income Available to Common Shareholder                 84 70 60
Capital expenditures                 318 311 245
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Gas | Reportable Subsegments                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 791 814 742
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Gas | Intersubsegment Eliminations                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Intersegment revenues                 6 1 1
Operating Segments | Ameren Transmission                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 464 433 426
Depreciation and amortization                 84 77 60
Interest income                 1 0 0
Interest charges                 74 75 67
Income taxes (benefit)                 64 56 90
Net Income Available to Common Shareholder                 185 164 140
Capital expenditures                 528 562 644
Operating Segments | Ameren Transmission | Reportable Subsegments                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 401 378 382
Operating Segments | Ameren Transmission | Intersubsegment Eliminations                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Intersegment revenues                 63 55 44
Operating Segments | Other Segment                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 (2)
Depreciation and amortization                 4 4 5
Interest income                 5 4 11
Interest charges                 25 19 19
Income taxes (benefit)                 (25) (9) 113
Net Income Available to Common Shareholder                 (13) (33) (131)
Capital expenditures                 3 5 1
Operating Segments | Other Segment | Reportable Subsegments                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 (2)
Operating Segments | Other Segment | Intersubsegment Eliminations                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Intersegment revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Depreciation and amortization                 273 259 239
Interest income                 6 6 7
Interest charges                 71 73 73
Income taxes (benefit)                 45 41 83
Net Income Available to Common Shareholder                 146 136 131
Capital expenditures                 518 503 476
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution | Reportable Subsegments                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 1,504 1,547 1,568
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution | Intersubsegment Eliminations                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Intersegment revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Ameren Illinois Gas                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Depreciation and amortization                 78 65 59
Interest income                 0 0 0
Interest charges                 38 38 36
Income taxes (benefit)                 30 25 36
Net Income Available to Common Shareholder                 84 70 60
Capital expenditures                 318 311 245
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Ameren Illinois Gas | Reportable Subsegments                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 797 815 743
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Ameren Illinois Gas | Intersubsegment Eliminations                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Intersegment revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Ameren Illinois Transmission                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Depreciation and amortization                 55 50 43
Interest income                 0 0 0
Interest charges                 38 38 35
Income taxes (benefit)                 35 32 47
Net Income Available to Common Shareholder                 113 98 77
Capital expenditures                 372 444 355
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Ameren Illinois Transmission | Reportable Subsegments                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 226 214 216
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Ameren Illinois Transmission | Intersubsegment Eliminations                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Intersegment revenues                 62 53 42
Intersegment Elimination                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 (98) (93) (98)
Depreciation and amortization                 0 0 0
Interest income                 (5) (5) (11)
Interest charges                 (5) (4) (11)
Income taxes (benefit)                 0 0 0
Net Income Available to Common Shareholder                 0 0 0
Capital expenditures                 (32) (9) (7)
Intersegment Elimination | Ameren Missouri Software Licensing with Ameren Illinois                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Capital expenditures                 24    
Intersegment Elimination | Reportable Subsegments                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Intersegment Elimination | Intersubsegment Eliminations                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Intersegment revenues                 (98) (93) (98)
Intersegment Elimination | Ameren Illinois Company                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 (62) (53) (42)
Depreciation and amortization                 0 0 0
Interest income                 0 0 0
Interest charges                 0 0 0
Income taxes (benefit)                 0 0 0
Net Income Available to Common Shareholder                 0 0 0
Capital expenditures                 0 0 0
Intersegment Elimination | Ameren Illinois Company | Reportable Subsegments                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Intersegment Elimination | Ameren Illinois Company | Intersubsegment Eliminations                      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]                      
Intersegment revenues                 $ (62) $ (53) $ (42)
v3.19.3.a.u2
Segment Information (Disaggregation of Revenues) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Sep. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2019
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues $ 1,316 $ 1,659 $ 1,379 $ 1,556 $ 1,419 $ 1,724 $ 1,563 $ 1,585 $ 5,910 $ 6,291 $ 6,174
Revenues from alternative revenue programs                 (70) (59) (15)
Other revenues not from contracts with customers                 28 42 23
TCJA - Excess Amounts Collected in Rates                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
TCJA Revenue Reduction                   60  
Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution | Ameren Missouri Software Licensing with Ameren Illinois                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Revenue from Related Parties                 14    
Ameren Illinois Gas | Ameren Missouri Software Licensing with Ameren Illinois                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Revenue from Related Parties                 5    
Electricity                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 4,981 5,339 5,307
Electricity | Residential                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 2,251 2,427 2,287
Electricity | Commercial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 1,654 1,782 1,735
Electricity | Industrial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 405 442 418
Electricity | Other                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 671 688 867
Natural gas                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 929 952 867
Natural gas | Residential                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 651 671 608
Natural gas | Commercial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 188 196 177
Natural gas | Industrial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 17 21 16
Natural gas | Other                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 73 64 66
Ameren Illinois Company                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues $ 654 $ 564 $ 547 $ 762 $ 674 $ 564 $ 578 $ 760 2,527 2,576 2,527
Revenues from alternative revenue programs                 (107) (51) 9
Other revenues not from contracts with customers                 9 18 8
Ameren Illinois Company | Ameren Missouri Software Licensing with Ameren Illinois                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Revenue from Related Parties                 19    
Ameren Illinois Company | Residential                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 1,418 1,448 1,401
Ameren Illinois Company | Commercial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 651 670 673
Ameren Illinois Company | Industrial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 140 147 125
Ameren Illinois Company | Other                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 318 311 328
Ameren Illinois Company | Electricity                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 1,730 1,761 1,784
Ameren Illinois Company | Natural gas                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 797 815 743
Operating Segments | Union Electric Company                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 3,243 3,589 3,537
Revenues from alternative revenue programs                 35 (8) (28)
Other revenues not from contracts with customers                 19 24 15
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 1,504 1,547 1,568
Revenues from alternative revenue programs                 (74) (3) (5)
Other revenues not from contracts with customers                 7 16 6
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Gas                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 797 815 743
Revenues from alternative revenue programs                 0 (23) 5
Other revenues not from contracts with customers                 2 2 2
Operating Segments | Ameren Transmission                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 464 433 426
Revenues from alternative revenue programs                 (31) (25) 13
Other revenues not from contracts with customers                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Other Segment                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 (2)
Operating Segments | Electricity | Union Electric Company                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 3,109 3,451 3,411
Operating Segments | Electricity | Union Electric Company | Residential                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 1,403 1,560 1,417
Operating Segments | Electricity | Union Electric Company | Commercial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 1,157 1,271 1,208
Operating Segments | Electricity | Union Electric Company | Industrial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 278 312 305
Operating Segments | Electricity | Union Electric Company | Other                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 271 308 481
Operating Segments | Electricity | Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 1,504 1,547 1,568
Operating Segments | Electricity | Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution | Residential                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 848 867 870
Operating Segments | Electricity | Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution | Commercial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 497 511 527
Operating Segments | Electricity | Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution | Industrial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 127 130 113
Operating Segments | Electricity | Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution | Other                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 32 39 58
Operating Segments | Electricity | Ameren Illinois Gas                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Electricity | Ameren Illinois Gas | Residential                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Electricity | Ameren Illinois Gas | Commercial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Electricity | Ameren Illinois Gas | Industrial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Electricity | Ameren Illinois Gas | Other                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Electricity | Ameren Transmission                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 464 433 426
Operating Segments | Electricity | Ameren Transmission | Residential                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Electricity | Ameren Transmission | Commercial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Electricity | Ameren Transmission | Industrial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Electricity | Ameren Transmission | Other                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 464 433 426
Operating Segments | Electricity | Other Segment                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 (2)
Operating Segments | Electricity | Other Segment | Residential                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Electricity | Other Segment | Commercial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Electricity | Other Segment | Industrial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Electricity | Other Segment | Other                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 (2)
Operating Segments | Natural gas | Union Electric Company                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 134 138 126
Operating Segments | Natural gas | Union Electric Company | Residential                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 81 90 77
Operating Segments | Natural gas | Union Electric Company | Commercial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 34 37 31
Operating Segments | Natural gas | Union Electric Company | Industrial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 4 4 4
Operating Segments | Natural gas | Union Electric Company | Other                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 15 7 14
Operating Segments | Natural gas | Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Natural gas | Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution | Residential                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Natural gas | Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution | Commercial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Natural gas | Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution | Industrial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Natural gas | Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution | Other                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Natural gas | Ameren Illinois Gas                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 797 815 743
Operating Segments | Natural gas | Ameren Illinois Gas | Residential                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 570 581 531
Operating Segments | Natural gas | Ameren Illinois Gas | Commercial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 154 159 146
Operating Segments | Natural gas | Ameren Illinois Gas | Industrial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 13 17 12
Operating Segments | Natural gas | Ameren Illinois Gas | Other                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 60 58 54
Operating Segments | Natural gas | Ameren Transmission                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Natural gas | Ameren Transmission | Residential                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Natural gas | Ameren Transmission | Commercial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Natural gas | Ameren Transmission | Industrial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Natural gas | Ameren Transmission | Other                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Natural gas | Other Segment                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Natural gas | Other Segment | Residential                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Natural gas | Other Segment | Commercial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Natural gas | Other Segment | Industrial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Natural gas | Other Segment | Other                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Revenues from alternative revenue programs                 (74) (3) (5)
Other revenues not from contracts with customers                 7 16 6
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Ameren Illinois Gas                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Revenues from alternative revenue programs                 0 (23) 5
Other revenues not from contracts with customers                 2 2 2
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Ameren Illinois Transmission                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
Revenues from alternative revenue programs                 (33) (25) 9
Other revenues not from contracts with customers                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Electricity | Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 1,504 1,547 1,568
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Electricity | Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution | Residential                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 848 867 870
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Electricity | Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution | Commercial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 497 511 527
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Electricity | Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution | Industrial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 127 130 113
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Electricity | Ameren Illinois Electric Distribution | Other                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 32 39 58
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Electricity | Ameren Illinois Transmission                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 288 267 258
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Electricity | Ameren Illinois Transmission | Residential                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Electricity | Ameren Illinois Transmission | Commercial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Electricity | Ameren Illinois Transmission | Industrial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Electricity | Ameren Illinois Transmission | Other                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 288 267 258
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Natural gas | Ameren Illinois Gas                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 797 815 743
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Natural gas | Ameren Illinois Gas | Residential                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 570 581 531
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Natural gas | Ameren Illinois Gas | Commercial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 154 159 146
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Natural gas | Ameren Illinois Gas | Industrial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 13 17 12
Operating Segments | Ameren Illinois Company | Natural gas | Ameren Illinois Gas | Other                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 60 58 54
Intersegment Elimination                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 (98) (93) (98)
Intersegment Elimination | Electricity                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 (96) (92) (96)
Intersegment Elimination | Electricity | Residential                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Intersegment Elimination | Electricity | Commercial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Intersegment Elimination | Electricity | Industrial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Intersegment Elimination | Electricity | Other                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 (96) (92) (96)
Intersegment Elimination | Natural gas                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 (2) (1) (2)
Intersegment Elimination | Natural gas | Residential                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Intersegment Elimination | Natural gas | Commercial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Intersegment Elimination | Natural gas | Industrial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Intersegment Elimination | Natural gas | Other                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 (2) (1) (2)
Intersegment Elimination | Ameren Illinois Company                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 (62) (53) (42)
Intersegment Elimination | Ameren Illinois Company | Residential                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Intersegment Elimination | Ameren Illinois Company | Commercial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Intersegment Elimination | Ameren Illinois Company | Industrial                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 0 0 0
Intersegment Elimination | Ameren Illinois Company | Other                      
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]                      
External revenues                 $ (62) $ (53) $ (42)
v3.19.3.a.u2
Selected Quarterly Information (Summary Of Selected Quarterly Information) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Sep. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2019
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]                      
Operating revenues $ 1,316 $ 1,659 $ 1,379 $ 1,556 $ 1,419 $ 1,724 $ 1,563 $ 1,585 $ 5,910 $ 6,291 $ 6,174
Operating Income 179 520 280 288 166 533 385 273 1,267 1,357 1,410
Net Income (Loss) 95 366 180 193 69 359 240 153 834 821 529
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Shareholder $ 94 $ 364 $ 179 $ 191 $ 68 $ 357 $ 239 $ 151 $ 828 $ 815 $ 523
Earnings per common share – basic $ 0.38 $ 1.48 $ 0.73 $ 0.78 $ 0.28 $ 1.46 $ 0.98 $ 0.62 $ 3.37 $ 3.34 $ 2.16
Earnings per common share – diluted $ 0.38 $ 1.47 $ 0.72 $ 0.78 $ 0.28 $ 1.45 $ 0.97 $ 0.62 $ 3.35 $ 3.32 $ 2.14
Union Electric Company                      
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]                      
Operating revenues $ 628 $ 1,059 $ 798 $ 758 $ 713 $ 1,129 $ 955 $ 792 $ 3,243 $ 3,589 $ 3,537
Operating Income 5 381 152 79 7 394 258 90 617 749 722
Net Income (Loss) (20) 301 108 40 (22) 295 169 39 429 481 326
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Shareholder (20) 300 107 39 (22) 294 168 38      
Ameren Illinois Company                      
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Line Items]                      
Operating revenues 654 564 547 762 674 564 578 760 2,527 2,576 2,527
Operating Income 150 110 104 186 135 113 105 159 550 512 569
Net Income (Loss) 97 65 63 121 85 63 63 96 $ 346 $ 307 $ 271
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Shareholder $ 96 $ 65 $ 62 $ 120 $ 84 $ 63 $ 62 $ 95      
v3.19.3.a.u2
Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information Of Parent (Statement of Income) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Sep. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2019
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]                      
Operating revenues $ 1,316 $ 1,659 $ 1,379 $ 1,556 $ 1,419 $ 1,724 $ 1,563 $ 1,585 $ 5,910 $ 6,291 $ 6,174
Operating expenses                 4,643 4,934 4,764
Operating loss $ 179 $ 520 $ 280 $ 288 $ 166 $ 533 $ 385 $ 273 1,267 1,357 1,410
Interest income from affiliates                 8 7 8
Total other income (expense), net                 130 102 86
Interest charges                 381 401 391
Income taxes (benefit)                 182 237 576
Comprehensive Income from Continuing Operations                      
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan activity, net of income taxes (benefit)                 5 (4) 5
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Ameren Common Shareholders                 833 811 528
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Taxes:                      
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan activity, tax (benefit)                 1 (1) 3
Parent Company                      
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]                      
Operating revenues                 0 0 0
Operating expenses                 15 11 15
Operating loss                 (15) (11) (15)
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries                 850 857 659
Interest income from affiliates                 5 3 9
Total other income (expense), net                 (2) (12) 2
Interest charges                 39 34 31
Income taxes (benefit)                 (29) (12) 101
Net Income Attributable to Ameren Common Shareholders                 828 815 523
Comprehensive Income from Continuing Operations                      
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan activity, net of income taxes (benefit)                 5 (4) 5
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Ameren Common Shareholders                 833 811 528
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Taxes:                      
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan activity, tax (benefit)                 $ 1 $ (1) $ 3
v3.19.3.a.u2
Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information Of Parent (Balance Sheet) (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 16 $ 16    
Miscellaneous accounts and notes receivable 63 79    
Other current assets 118 63    
Total current assets 1,431 1,533    
Accumulated deferred income taxes, net 0 9    
Other assets 876 650    
Total assets 28,933 27,215    
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity:        
Current maturities of long-term debt 442 580    
Short-term debt 440 597    
Other current liabilities 585 544    
Total current liabilities 2,505 2,687    
Long-term debt 8,915 7,859    
Pension and other postretirement benefits 401 558    
Other deferred credits and liabilities 467 408    
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 5)    
Retained earnings 2,380 2,024    
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (17) (22)    
Total shareholders' equity 8,201 7,773 $ 7,326  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 28,933 $ 27,215    
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in dollars per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01    
Common stock, shares authorized 400,000,000 400,000,000    
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding 246,200,000 244,500,000 242,600,000 242,600,000
Parent Company        
Assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 0 $ 0    
Advances to money pool 102 76    
Accounts receivable – affiliates 73 43    
Miscellaneous accounts and notes receivable 4 2    
Other current assets 3 2    
Total current assets 182 123    
Investments in subsidiaries 9,108 8,559    
Note receivable – ATXI 75 75    
Accumulated deferred income taxes, net 49 108    
Other assets 145 126    
Total assets 9,559 8,991    
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity:        
Current maturities of long-term debt 350 0    
Short-term debt 153 470    
Borrowings from money pool 24 46    
Accounts payable – affiliates 39 10    
Other current liabilities 23 12    
Total current liabilities 589 538    
Long-term debt 794 697    
Pension and other postretirement benefits 37 43    
Other deferred credits and liabilities 80 82    
Total liabilities 1,500 1,360    
Common stock, $.01 par value, 400.0 shares authorized – shares outstanding of 246.2 and 244.5, respectively 2 2    
Other paid-in capital, principally premium on common stock 5,694 5,627    
Retained earnings 2,380 2,024    
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (17) (22)    
Total shareholders' equity 8,059 7,631    
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 9,559 $ 8,991    
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share (in dollars per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01    
Common stock, shares authorized 400,000,000 400,000,000    
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding 246,200,000 244,500,000    
v3.19.3.a.u2
Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information Of Parent (Statement of Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]      
Net cash flows provided by operating activities $ 2,170 $ 2,170 $ 2,118
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:      
Other 3 18 7
Net cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities (2,435) (2,336) (2,204)
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Dividends on common stock (472) (451) (431)
Short-term debt, net (157) 112 (74)
Issuances of long-term debt 1,527 1,352 1,345
Issuances of common stock 68 74 0
Repurchases of common stock for stock-based compensation 0 0 (24)
Employee payroll taxes related to stock-based compensation (29) (19) (15)
Debt issuance costs 17 14 11
Net cash flows used in financing activities 334 205 102
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 69 39 16
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year 107 68 52
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year 176 107 68
Noncash financing activity - Issuance of common stock for stock-based compensation 54 35 0
Parent Company      
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]      
Net cash flows provided by operating activities 491 550 454
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:      
Money pool advances, net (26) (63) 14
Notes receivable – ATXI, net 0 0 275
Investments in subsidiaries (142) (208) (151)
Other 5 5 6
Net cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities (163) (266) 144
Cash flows from financing activities:      
Dividends on common stock (472) (451) (431)
Short-term debt, net (317) 87 (124)
Money pool borrowings, net (22) 18 (5)
Issuances of long-term debt 450 0 0
Issuances of common stock 68 74 0
Repurchases of common stock for stock-based compensation 0 0 (24)
Employee payroll taxes related to stock-based compensation (29) (19) (15)
Debt issuance costs 4 0 0
Net cash flows used in financing activities (326) (291) (599)
Net change in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 2 (7) (1)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of year 1 8 9
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of year 3 1 8
Cash dividends received from consolidated subsidiaries 445 450 362
Noncash financing activity - Issuance of common stock for stock-based compensation $ 54 $ 35 $ 0
v3.19.3.a.u2
Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents Including Restricted Cash [Line Items]        
Cash and cash equivalents $ 16 $ 16    
Restricted cash included in Other current assets 120 74    
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash 176 107 $ 68 $ 52
Parent Company        
Schedule of Cash and Cash Equivalents Including Restricted Cash [Line Items]        
Cash and cash equivalents 0 0    
Restricted cash included in Other current assets 3 1    
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ 3 $ 1 $ 8 $ 9
v3.19.3.a.u2
Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Guarantees (Details)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Parent Company  
Other Commitments [Line Items]  
Guarantees Outstanding $ 10
v3.19.3.a.u2
Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Other Income (Expense), Net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Line Items]      
Non-service cost components of net periodic benefit income $ 90 $ 70 $ 44
Charitable donations (12) (33) (8)
Total other income (expense), net 130 102 86
Parent Company      
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Line Items]      
Non-service cost components of net periodic benefit income 2 2 2
Charitable donations (3) (13) 0
Other expenses, net (1) (1) 0
Total other income (expense), net $ (2) $ (12) $ 2
v3.19.3.a.u2
Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) $ 185 $ 220 $ 511
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability $ 13    
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act [Member]      
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)     154
Parent Company      
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability   $ 5  
Parent Company | Tax Cuts and Jobs Act [Member]      
Income Taxes [Line Items]      
Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)     $ 110
v3.19.3.a.u2
Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts      
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]      
Balance at Beginning of Period $ 18 $ 19 $ 19
Charged to Costs and Expenses 26 27 26
Charged to Other Accounts 4 4 7
Deductions 31 32 33
Balance at End of Period 17 18 19
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets      
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]      
Balance at Beginning of Period 5 5 11
Charged to Costs and Expenses (2) 0 (6)
Charged to Other Accounts 0 0 0
Deductions 0 0 0
Balance at End of Period 3 5 5
Parent Company | Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets      
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]      
Charged to Costs and Expenses 3    
Union Electric Company | Allowance For Doubtful Accounts      
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]      
Balance at Beginning of Period 7 7 7
Charged to Costs and Expenses 9 9 9
Charged to Other Accounts 0 0 0
Deductions 9 9 9
Balance at End of Period 7 7 7
Ameren Illinois Company | Allowance For Doubtful Accounts      
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]      
Balance at Beginning of Period 11 12 12
Charged to Costs and Expenses 17 18 17
Charged to Other Accounts 4 4 7
Deductions 22 23 24
Balance at End of Period $ 10 $ 11 $ 12