JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri utility regulators have pushed back a pair of hearings on cases challenging the electricity rates charged by Ameren Missouri.

The Missouri Public Services Commission had been scheduled to begin hearing evidence June 4 on a request by Noranda Aluminum for a 25 percent reduction in the rates it pays at its smelter in New Madrid, Mo. That hearing has been rescheduled to June 16. The commission says it now plans to make a decision by Aug. 6.

The commission had set a hearing to begin June 23 on a separate case in which Noranda alleges that Ameren is earning more than authorized from its electricity rates. That hearing has been delayed until July 28. The commission plans to make a decision by Sept. 26.