Smart Energy Plan Incentivizes New Distribution Facility

Dollar General Corporation is the most recent business to utilize Ameren Missouri's economic development incentive designed to help businesses expand or locate in the utility's service territory.

The incentive program is just one of the benefits included in Ameren Missouri's Smart Energy Plan, which is adding increased investments in the state.

Dollar General recently committed to signing a long-term lease for an existing 232,556-square-foot building in Berkley, investing $9 million in personal property and creating 55 new jobs to support the operation. According to the company, the economic development incentive rate included in Ameren Missouri's five-year Smart Energy Plan was a key factor in helping Dollar General select the Berkley location.

"Ameren Missouri continues to be an active partner with the state of Missouri to create economic development opportunities through its Smart Energy Plan," said Rob Dixon, director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development. "As we engage with companies throughout the United States, energy costs and the low cost of doing business in our state is an important topic, which often leads to exciting announcements such as this $9 million expansion in North St. Louis County."

Operations at the Dollar General distribution facility are already underway, and the company plans to be fully operational within the next few months. 

"Even in these unprecedented times, companies such as Dollar General see the benefits of growing their business in Missouri," said Marty Lyons, chairman and president of Ameren Missouri. "New and expanding businesses can get one of the most favorable economic development rate incentives in the country, keeping energy costs low for the business and all of our customers. It's part of Ameren Missouri's Smart Energy Plan, and a competitive advantage for our state."

Ameren Missouri's Smart Energy Plan was developed in 2018 when bipartisan energy legislation passed in Missouri. In addition to the popular economic development rate incentive program, the plan features more than $7 billion in infrastructure upgrades in communities throughout the state and rate cuts and caps for customers.

To learn more about the economic development incentive and other ways Ameren Missouri is helping attract and grow business in the state, visit AmerenMissouri.com/economicdevelopment.