Edward Smith, edward.smith@sierraclub.org, 314-705-4975
ST. LOUIS - The Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) issued an order today that will keep fixed rates flat and increase funding for low-income assistance programs. By improving Ameren’s long-term planning, it also sets the stage to increase investments in clean energy that make it easier to retire uneconomic coal plants that cost families more on bills.
The agreement will help low-income customers by keeping fixed costs flat at the current $9/month. Originally, Ameren had proposed a fixed fee increase to $11/month and had stated a goal of eventually raising it to $25/month. It also adds $700,000 for a low-income assistance program, which will increase from $1.3 to $2 million. The agreement improves Ameren’s long-term planning process because the utility will not oppose state energy regulators from holding a hearing for the utility’s 2020 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), due in October. Sierra Club sees the 2020 IRP stakeholder process as a vital opportunity to ensure Ameren transitions away from harmful coal-burning generation to a clean energy future.
Sierra Club helped negotiate today’s agreement along with other intervenors in the case, which is often referred to as an “all party settlement” because it resolves many concerns from multiple intervenors.
In response, Leah Clyburn, Organizer for Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign released the following statement:
“Right now helping our most vulnerable neighbors pay for basic needs, like electricity, is critically important. During a time of so much health and economic uncertainty for families across Missouri, keeping fixed charges flat and increasing funding for the low-income assistance program is as important as ever.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.