Ameren Missouri has filed a request with the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) to build partnerships with its electric customers to increase solar energy sources in Missouri and support economic development. Through a proposed Standard Offer Contract, Ameren Missouri would support customers interested in installing photovoltaic (solar) systems on their homes or businesses, making this renewable energy source more affordable to customers and helping Ameren Missouri add more clean energy to its generating portfolio.
Ameren Missouri has filed a proposal with the PSC that would allow customers who choose to install a system smaller than 10 kilowatts (kW) to receive an up-front, lump sum payment to help offset the cost of installation. A different payment option would be offered to customers installing a system that is 10 kW or larger. By making these payments, Ameren Missouri would acquire ownership of any Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) generated by these customer systems. Ameren Missouri could use these SRECs as one of the means to comply with the solar requirements of the Missouri Renewable Energy Standard. All new, net metered customers with qualifying systems could also receive a rebate from Ameren Missouri of $2 per watt up to $50,000.
"At Ameren Missouri we want to work with our customers to help them access renewable energy sources for their homes and businesses, if that's what they choose," says Ameren Missouri President and CEO Warner Baxter. "A Standard Offer Contract helps customers with the costs of installing a solar system and helps Ameren Missouri move towards our goal of more clean energy sources in our portfolio."
The Standard Offer Contract proposal must first be reviewed and approved by the PSC. Pending PSC approval, contracts could be offered to customers beginning in early 2011.
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Contact: Lisa Manzo, 1-314-554-6157, lmanzo@ameren.com; Media Hotline, 1-866-246-4234
Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than a century and our electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. We serve 1.2 million electric and 126,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. Our mission is to meet their energy needs in a safe, reliable, efficient and environmentally responsible manner. Our service area covers 63 counties and more than 500 communities, including the greater St. Louis area. For more information, visit AmerenMissouri.com.