ST. LOUIS (Dec. 13, 2022) – As 2022 draws to a close, Ameren Missouri reports that 16 businesses have announced plans to move to or expand in the state this year thanks to incentives enabled by the Smart Energy Plan. This translates to more than $450 million in capital investment by those businesses, creating nearly 1,000 new Missouri jobs.
Ameren Missouri offers economic development incentives for the purpose of encouraging businesses to invest in Missouri, building new facilities or expanding operations that add jobs and support local communities statewide. Since the Smart Energy Plan was launched in 2019, the incentives have resulted in $3.2 billion in new capital investment in the state, 6,300 new jobs as well as 4,200 retained jobs.
"This growth is good for all Ameren Missouri customers and the communities we serve," said Rob Dixon, senior director, Economic and Community Development, Ameren Missouri. "The Smart Energy Plan provides affordable, clean, and reliable energy, and it’s helping create jobs across our state. Everyone benefits."
Among the new businesses planning to come to Missouri are manufacturing companies, distribution warehouses, bioscience innovation and agriculture investment. The incentives provide options for businesses large and small.
"This year Governor Parson and the Missouri General Assembly expanded and extended the Smart Energy Plan helping to make Missouri a competitive location for investment and job growth," said Dixon. "The updated incentives help more businesses access long-term, predictable savings to power our economy."
Smaller businesses can also qualify for the incentive. Clementine’s Naughty and Nice Creamery, an ice cream chain based in St. Louis, recently purchased a 25,000-square-foot warehouse in North St. Louis. The electric load required to keep their freezers running allowed them to apply for the incentive.
“The incentives from Ameren Missouri were a key part of our decision to expand our business. It is because of the incentives that our expansion can contribute to the city we love,” said Tamara Keefe, CEO and founder of Clementine’s Creamery. “With this expansion, we can make a difference in North City. We’re choosing to expand our business in that part of the city for the good of the city.”
The Smart Energy Plan is Ameren Missouri’s comprehensive plan to invest in the region by promoting economic growth, investing in state-of-the-art technology while transitioning to renewable energy to prepare for a more sustainable energy future. To learn more about the economic development incentives available to qualifying businesses under Ameren Missouri’s Smart Energy Plan, visit www.AmerenMissouri.com/EDI.
About Ameren Missouri
Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than 100 years, and the company's electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. Ameren Missouri's mission is to power the quality of life for its 1.2 million electric and 135,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. The company's service area covers 64 counties and more than 500 communities, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit Ameren.com/Missouri or follow us on Twitter at @AmerenMissouri or Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri.