St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Make utilities more efficient with policies that encourage investment
I’m writing on behalf of our members taking issue with the editorial “Aluminum sliding” (Jan. 24). We’ve supported legislation to upgrade Missouri’s energy infrastructure and regulations in an effort to reduce the number of rate increases, secure our energy grid and protect consumers. These measures were met with fierce resistance, prolonging Missouri’s dependence on coal, stymieing efforts bringing cleaner and renewable sources online, slowing economic development.
Policies encouraging investment in technology and infrastructure make utilities smarter, more efficient, preventing cyberattacks that threaten the grid and customer data. These improvements prevent outages and disasters like what happened in Flint, Mich.
The editorial mentions the incline of energy rates but neglects to mention that Missouri is home to some of the lowest rates in the country. We’re always a top 10 state for affordable electricity. Ameren alone remains the cheapest of all electric utilities in Missouri. It’s one of the reasons businesses are attracted to our state.
Regarding the smelter in southeast Missouri, it’s disappointing that cheap aluminum from China impacts electric rates here. Noranda played a role thwarting progress in energy policy, but their survival is on the line and opposing forces are working together seeking compromise, a rarity at the Capitol. A solution may save hundreds of jobs in an area that needs the work. There’s an opportunity to address a lingering problem, but the Post-Dispatch chooses to rehash old arguments instead.
