Gov. Parson signs bill to extend, expand Smart Energy Plan

SB 745 enables continued energy grid investment, jobs, and economic development

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on June 29 signed legislation to extend and expand Ameren Missouri's Smart Energy Plan (SEP). SB 745 will officially go into effect on Aug. 28, 2022, allowing Ameren Missouri to continue investing in the state's energy grid to make it more efficient and boost reliability and resiliency for customers. 

“This is tremendous news for Ameren Missouri customers and the communities we serve,” said Mark Birk, president, Ameren Missouri. “The energy grid investments we have made since the original Smart Energy Plan legislation passed in 2018 are providing our customers with improved reliability, fewer power outages and shorter outages when they do occur. The rate caps and efficiencies we are building into our system also provide more stable and predictable energy costs, with rates well below the Midwest and national averages. We applaud the Missouri legislature for their work extending and expanding these benefits, and Governor Parson for signing SB 745 into law."

From installing smart technology, including outage detection and restoration switches, to helping attract new businesses and thousands of new jobs to the state through one of the most competitive economic development incentive rates in the nation, the legislation is making a real and lasting difference in Missouri communities.

SB 745 will ensure grid modernization projects and economic development programs can continue to improve reliability and boost vitality in the communities served by Ameren Missouri, providing customers with a smart, secure and stable energy future.

Since the SEP was first enabled by legislation in 2018, Ameren Missouri has completed more than 2,000 Smart Energy Plan projects during the first three years of implementation (2019 – 2021), investing nearly $4.8 billion in capital projects and creating thousands of good-paying jobs for Ameren Missouri co-workers, contractors and suppliers, and supported economic growth for the large commercial and industrial customers which have grown as a result of the economic development incentives. 

To learn more about the Smart Energy Plan, visit AmerenMissouri.com/plan.