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                                                                 EXHIBIT 16


[LETTERHEAD OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN]






June 12, 1998


Office of the Chief Accountant
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.  20549



Dear Sir/Madam:

We have read Item 4 included in the Form 8-K dated June 12, 1998, of Central
Illinois Public Service Company filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and are in agreement with the statements contained therein.

Very truly yours,


/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

Arthur Andersen LLP

RAM

Copy to:
Mr. Warner L. Baxter
Vice President and Controller
Ameren Corporation