MOBERLY, Mo. – At a local forum expressing concerns regarding new federal regulations on utilities, an Ameren representative made a case for state action in order to update aging infrastructure.
Rick Eastman, a 31-year Ameren employee, presented two videos to a crowd of almost 100 concerned citizens, spoke, and held a brief question and answer session.
Ameren is the largest investor-owned utility company in Missouri, with enough lines within the state to circle the globe. The brand image video Eastman led with painted a picture of a low rates and expansive infrastructure servicing 63 counties. However, Eastman also shared that Ameren’s infrastructure received a D+ rating from the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Eastman’s presentation showed that Ameren holds the lowest rates of investor-owned utilities in Missouri, as well as rates 25% lower than the national average and 19% lower than the midwest average. The presentation also included a comparison of Ameren to the Missouri Department of Transportation, which is currently having infrastructure and funding problems.
Eastman went onto discuss that Ameren has reduced carbon emissions 15% since 2010 – when Missouri’s new renewable energy mandate took place – and also spent $130 million to improve efficiency and meet new state and national environmental standards. Federal mandates have cost the company another $1 billion.
The presentation continued to share that Ameren is implementing more smart grid technology to reduce blackouts, but that aging infrastructure and “a lack of updated state policies” from both the General Assembly and Public Service Commission was causing concern.
“The [PSC] has not updated policies to keep pace with surrounding states,” Eastman said. “If Thomas Edison were to come back today, he wouldn’t recognize the infrastructure, but he would recognize the policies.”
Last, Eastman showed the second video, which highlighted the impact of aging and failing infrastructure.
Questions from the audience regarding a need to update infrastructure led to answers from Eastman stating that the legislature must take action, specifically alluding to a need for an increased infrastructure system replacement surcharge – an increased tax on rate payers.
The forum was focused on the Environmental Protection Agency’s contentious Clean Power Plan. Audience members shared concerns and questions regarding increased bills due to federal regulations.
Rachael Herndon was the editor at The Missouri Times and also produced This Week in Missouri Politics, published Missouri Times Magazine, and co-hosted the #MoLeg podcast. She joined The Missouri Times in 2014, returning to political reporting after working as a campaign and legislative staffer.
Rachael studied at the University of Missouri – Columbia. She lives in Jefferson City with her husband, Brandon, and their two children.
