MBEF December Update 2025
Greetings MBEF Members:
After a long stretch of heat and drought, temperatures have changed and much needed rain is finally here. While we shut off our air conditioners, the threat of rising energy bills continues to make headlines. Should we be concerned? Are data centers to blame? The answers are complicated, but in short, NO.
In Missouri, we are fortunate that our electric rates are well below the national average. According to EnergySage, our rates are 21% lower on average. And in St. Louis it’s more like 28%!
These low rates not only benefit Missouri consumers, but they are a key component that attracts new businesses, job creation, and economic development to our state.
A Word About Data Centers…
There’s been a lot of talk about data centers lately, much of it inaccurate, lacking factual support.
To find the facts, KSDK recently took viewers inside a St. Louis data center; a rare opportunity to see what these facilities actually do and how they support our digital world.
The story highlights what’s often overlooked: data centers are essential to everything from hospitals and schools to local businesses, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. They also happen to support high paying jobs, make little to no noise, and provide millions in tax revenue that supports schools, roads, and first responders.
Guardrails That Protect Consumers
Earlier this year, Senate Bill 4 was signed into law, providing real safeguards for Missouri ratepayers. The new law ensures that when large new customers like data centers come online, existing utility customers aren’t stuck paying the tab.
SB 4 requires that major power users pay their fair share, preventing any unjust or unreasonable cost shifts onto Missouri families or small businesses. So, just like you and I are responsible for paying our utility bill, the owners of these facilities are required to do the same.
Locally, Missouri communities are taking common sense steps to encourage responsible development of data centers. Festus, Missouri is one of the first communities to put responsible guard rails in place that will attract data center developers and encourage innovation. Regarding their approach, County Executive Dennis Gannon said “Jefferson County should be at the forefront of the tech industry.”
Rep. Smith Recognizes the Positive Impact of Data Centers on Rural Communities
U.S. Congressman and House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith expressed his support for the continued development of data centers and their value to Southeast Missouri.
He states that “data centers in Missouri would be a win for the 8th District and the hardworking people that live here. For years, jobs and investment have bypassed rural Missouri…these centers would bring revenue that would be invested into our local communities, supporting local schools, hospitals, and infrastructure.”
MO PSC: Data Centers Pay Their Fair Share, Ratepayers Remain Protected
This month the Missouri Public Service Commission approved plans for both Evergy and Ameren to properly charge high energy users like advanced manufacturers and data centers.
The plans require these users to pay for all necessary infrastructure upgrades, while a percentage of excess revenues will support low-income customers.
The PSC’s press release states that the plan “ensures they pay their fair share, and protects current ratepayers from bearing an unfair share of associated costs.”
This is a major win for Missouri electric consumers.
We are fortunate that Missouri energy is affordable and accessible. As innovations in technology continue, our state will continue to draw focus from major manufacturers and other mass employers, stimulating economic growth and development in both rural and urban Missouri.
Stay tuned for more updates.
