State regulators approve Ameren Missouri's plan to reliably serve data centers and other large users
Company's plan would boost the state's economy while safeguarding customers
In a recent decision, the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) unanimously approved Ameren Missouri's new large load user rate structure. Commonly known as the Powering Missouri Growth Plan, the new plan is designed so high-usage customers, such as data centers, pay their fair share of grid enhancements and energy costs. The Commission's decision follows an agreement resolving all pending issues in the case, which was originally filed in May.
"Our plan is built on a simple principle: Missouri is an attractive state for economic development, and all customers deserve reliable service as well as just and reasonable rates," said Michael Moehn, interim chairman and president of Ameren Missouri. "We are committed to working in partnership with the local communities we serve to help them thrive."
The Powering Missouri Growth Plan is built on three specific goals:
Job creation: The plan aims to create meaningful job growth by making Missouri even more attractive for new and existing businesses to develop or expand.
Community betterment: The plan is an economic catalyst, bringing new revenue sources for essential community services such as schools, fire protection and other public infrastructure.
Fair cost allocation: The plan reasonably ensures large electric load customers pay their fair share of service costs, protecting other customers from unjust or unreasonable charges.
The approved Ameren Missouri plan includes strict consumer protection measures, aligned with state law (Senate Bill 4), requiring new large load users to pay upfront 100% of direct interconnection costs, as well as financial security and collateral requirements equivalent to two years of monthly minimum bills. The approved rate structure includes several additional consumer protection measures, including:
No rate discounts or incentives for large load customers.
Minimum monthly demand charge of 80% of the large load customer's maximum requested electric demand, even if they use less.
Required long-term contracts of at least 12 and up to 17 years, with automatic extension and early termination fees if minimum obligations are not met.
Sharing revenues with other customer classes, including income-eligible customers, when Ameren Missouri's profits exceed authorized levels.
From an economic development perspective, the Powering Missouri Growth Plan offers competitive terms that protect existing customers and supports the Show-Me State in welcoming new and growing industries. Timely approval by the PSC helps position communities in Ameren Missouri's service territory to attract billions of dollars in investment and thousands of new jobs across the state, keeping Missouri at the forefront of economic growth.
"Availability, reliability and affordability of energy are among the top considerations for any business looking to locate in our state," said Rob Dixon, vice president of legislative and regulatory affairs for Ameren Missouri. "With our balanced energy mix, a robust and reliable transmission system and some of the lowest electric rates in the country, we're sending a clear message: Missouri is open for business."
To learn more about Ameren Missouri's plan to responsibly serve new large users, including data centers, please visit Ameren.com/PoweringMissouriGrowth.