Source: Daily Energy Insider

Ameren Missouri Files Plan with Regulators to Meet Demands of Energy-Intensive Customers

In a significant push for economic growth, Ameren Missouri has presented a comprehensive plan to the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) aimed at addressing the energy requirements of large-scale customers, particularly those in advanced manufacturing and data centers. This initiative, known as the Powering Missouri Growth Plan, comes at a time when the state is looking to attract new businesses and bolster its economy.

Main Goals of Ameren Missouri’s Plan

The Powering Missouri Growth Plan is built around three pivotal goals intended to transform the energy landscape for large consumers:

• Job Creation: The plan seeks to foster significant job growth, making Missouri an attractive destination for both new and existing businesses wishing to expand or relocate.
• Community Betterment: Designed as an economic catalyst, the plan is expected to generate new revenue streams that will support essential community services, including schools and fire protection.
• Consumer Protection: It aims to ensure that current customers are protected while ensuring that expanding companies contribute equitably to the costs associated with providing electric service.

Statements from Ameren Missouri Executives

Mark Birk, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri, spoke on the potential impact of the plan, stating, “Ameren Missouri’s Powering Growth Plan is designed to attract new jobs and investment, help current customers expand and further position our communities as a great place to live and do business.” He emphasized that Ameren is uniquely suited to meet the energy demands of new businesses, which could bring substantial economic advantages to the region.

Rob Dixon, senior director of economic and community development at Ameren Missouri, pointed out that large energy-intensive companies consider various factors before deciding to establish themselves in a location. “At Ameren Missouri, we offer a balanced energy mix, a reliable energy delivery system, and some of the lowest electric rates in the country,” Dixon explained. He underscored that it is crucial for these companies to know that Missouri is open for business, and Ameren is prepared to cater to their needs.

Strategic Investments for Reliable Energy

The new plan, which seeks to accommodate an expected energy demand growth of up to 2.0 gigawatts (GW) by 2032, positions Ameren Missouri as a key player in the state’s economic development. Ajay Arora, senior vice president and chief development officer at Ameren Missouri, stated, “Abundant, reliable energy powers meaningful economic growth in Missouri.”

Ameren Missouri’s commitment to investing in a diversified energy supply reflects a long-term strategy to provide dependable, low-cost, and cleaner energy to all customers. The integration of this plan into the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) illustrates Ameren’s dedication to sustainable development and customer satisfaction.

A Road Ahead for Energy-Intensive Projects

With a structured approach that ensures fairness for existing customers while attracting new investments, Ameren Missouri is taking substantial steps to ensure that the state remains competitive in the evolving energy market. This proactive stance not only helps address immediate demands but also paves the way for future growth and economic stability.

Tags:

Ameren Missouri, Powering Missouri Growth Plan, energy-intensive customers, job creation, economic growth, Missouri Public Service Commission, community development, sustainable energy, electric rates, business expansion