Missouri Regulators Approve Large-Load Rate Structure for Growth and Clean Energy

The​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) has endorsed a rate restructuring for large-electric-load customers under the power utility Ameren Missouri’s “Powering Missouri Growth Plan.” The change is designed to entice large energy consumers such as data centers and advanced manufacturers while making sure that other customers are not charged with the extra costs unfairly.

According to the approved regulations, large load customers are required to pay 100% of the direct interconnection costs upfront, provide financial security equal to two years of the minimum monthly bills, and meet a minimum monthly demand charge of at least 80% of their maximum requested demand. The proposal also stipulates that these enterprises sign long-term agreements (12-17 years) and that the excess profits be distributed to other customer classes, including those of low-income customers.

The target: to bring in billions of dollars of investment and thousands of new jobs to Missouri, at the same time, increase clean-energy options. Ameren Missouri is projecting new load demand of up to 2 gigawatts by 2032, which is in line with its changed resource plan that gives top priority to dispatchable generation, storage, and infrastructure upgrades. As one of the directors remarked: “Due to affordability, reliability and a balanced energy mix, Missouri is open for business.”

Meaning: The rate structure provides companies with the cleaner economics and the option to go green that are necessary for them to make the decision of expanding or locating in Missouri. The residents and small customers have the assurance that big users will not unfairly shift costs. For the supporters of clean energy, the plan is an indication that the grid and the infrastructure investment will go hand in hand with the growth, thus, facilitating the two objectives of creating jobs and carbon ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌reduction.