Public Service Commission Chairman Kevin Gunn is satisfied that the state's two largest electric utilities didn't scheme to overwhelm consumer groups by timing rate case filings close together.

In fact, he said so in a letter to Ameren Missouri on Feb. 1, just two days before the utility sought a $376 million electric rate increase for its 1.2 million customers.

Gunn originally asked Ameren and KCP&L lawyers three weeks ago if they planned to time rate case filings close together to overwhelm the commission staff and Office of Public Counsel.

The utilities separately notified the PSC in late November of their intent to file rate cases as soon as early 2012.

Ameren and KCP&L responded to Gunn in late January, stating that they didn't coordinate the timing of filings. While the utilities discuss regulatory and legislative issues, they said decisions on when to seek higher rates are made independently and are based on factors unique to each company.

The explanation was apparently good enough.

Said Gunn in the response letter:

I accept your response to my inquiry, and will therefore take no further action regarding this matter.