JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Ameren Missouri is continuing to look into ways to improve energy efficiency, and their latest proposal marks the largest plan in the history of the state.
In a proposal submitted to the Missouri Public Service Commission on Monday, the utility company is asking for the commission’s approval to invest $550 million in 26 programs that could help customers save money, give more control over their energy usage, and expand programs to provide savings for those most in need.
“Customers are going to have new, meaningful ways to save money, enjoy more control over their energy use and positively impact the environment,” said Michael Moehn, president of Ameren Missouri, a subsidiary of Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE). “Investing in energy efficiency is a key part in our transition to cleaner energy in a way that is cost-effective and environmentally responsible.”
Under the Missouri Energy Efficiency Investment Act, Ameren Missouri is looking to implement 26 programs with $285 million in rebates for residential and business customers, which would run from 2019 to 2024 if approved by the PSC.
“By expanding the program to six years, we’re able to include a wider range of options, including 15 new programs,” said Bill Davis, director of energy efficiency and renewables at Ameren Missouri. “There are savings opportunities for every home and business, including specific savings for limited-income customers and social service agencies.”
The plan calls for investments of nearly $92 million per year over the next six years, which Ameren says could save two billion kilowatt hours of energy, reducing their carbon emissions in an amount equal to taking more than 300,000 cars off of the road.
“The energy savings opportunities provided under the proposed program are an important component of Ameren Missouri’s goal of reducing carbon emissions 80 percent by 2050,” Moehn said.
The move is being applauded by Renew Missouri, a not-for-profit focused on renewable energy in Missouri, who calls it an aggressive long-term approach.
“Renew Missouri has worked with Ameren Missouri as well as other stakeholders for several months on these energy efficiency efforts,” James Owen, the Executive Director of Renew Missouri, said. “We are always excited to see a big utility like Ameren move forward with strong ideas that provide benefits to residential customers and business owners.”
Owen said that the plan doubles the time period from previous filings, meaning it would offer “more reliance and predictability” for both Ameren and its customers.
Benjamin Peters was a reporter for The Missouri Times and Missouri Times Magazine and also produced the #MoLeg Podcast. He joined The Missouri Times in 2016 after working as a sports editor and TV news producer in mid-Missouri. Benjamin is a graduate of Missouri State University in Springfield.
