By Andy Knott, Beyond Coal Campaign Senior Representative
While other utilities in Missouri are embracing clean energy, the largest utility in the state, Ameren, continues to fall behind.
In April, we released a comprehensive report called A Bright Future: Moving from Coal to Clean Energy in the St. Louis Region. The report analyzes electric utilities in Missouri and the Midwest, comparing their investments in wind and solar. While some companies are soaring ahead, Ameren is in last place with only one percent wind and solar.
Kansas City Power & Light (KCPL) is currently at 12% wind and solar,and announced in April that it was investing in 500 megawatts (MW) at two new wind farms in Missouri. That will bring KCPL to 26% clean energy capacity by the end of 2017.
And in December, Springfield MO announced it was purchasing 200 MW of new wind power, and that the cost of that power would be 15% less than generating electricity at the city’s own coal plant. Springfield estimates that once this new wind power comes online later this year, the city will be at more than 30% clean energy generation.
The report calls on Ameren to become a leader and not a follower and move towards 30% - 50% clean energy by 2030 and 70% - 100% by 2050.
If you would like a copy of A Bright Future, and learn how you can help advance clean energy in Missouri, contact the Chapter office at 314-644-1011.