Ameren Missouri Legislative Representative Rick Eastman spoke to Mid-MO RPC’s Economic Development Advisory Committee (EDAC) last week about modernizing Missouri’s electric grid.

Legislation currently being considered by the Missouri legislature would allow Ameren to make an additional $1 billion investment in modernizing Missouri’s electric grid over the next five years. The plan would also cap the annual rate increase at 3%.   Benefits of a smarter grid include fewer and shorter power outages, smart meters that can increase energy efficiency and make the grid more secure from physical and cyber attacks. A smart grid would allow customers to see more detailed breakdowns of their energy consumption. For instance, a person would see exactly how much their air conditioner or water heater cost to run in a given month.  

Renewable energy will also be a priority for Ameren moving forward. There are plans to close one of Ameren’s aging coal plants by 2022 and replace its 700 megawatts of electricity production with a 700 megawatt wind farm. There are also plans to build a new 100 megawatt solar energy facility by 2027.

The next Mid-MO RPC Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting will be on Tuesday, April 10th at 9:00 am.