Ameren Missouri has filed its Charge Ahead program with the Missouri Public Service Commission. The proposed program encourages electric vehicle (EV) and equipment use among Missouri residents and businesses and is focused on helping Ameren Missouri customers use electricity in ways that provide a broad range of benefits, including reduced emissions, lower overall energy costs and improved productivity.
If approved, the program would initiate the following:
- New incentives for the installation of workplace, multifamily, and public EV charging stations, as well as fast-charging EV stations near interstate highways
- Incentives for commercial customers transitioning to efficient electric machinery, such as forklifts and other material-handling equipment
- Improved energy-grid accessibility and reliability through a revised line-extension policy
“Our Charge Ahead program is designed with Missouri’s future in mind by eliminating the barriers for EV charging and promoting the use of more efficient and cleaner electric equipment in commercial settings and on our roads,” said Michael Moehn, president, Ameren Missouri. “At the same time, the program will help provide lower costs to customers, improve air quality by reducing emissions and help promote economic growth by ensuring Missouri maintains a competitive business environment.”
In addition to increasing access to EV charging stations, the Charge Ahead program will offer numerous incentives for Ameren Missouri’s commercial customers transitioning to electric equipment. It also allows for a revision in Ameren Missouri’s line-extension policy, which will make accessing and connecting to the electric grid easier and more affordable for commercial and industrial customers.
“Today, the quantity and quality of efficient electric equipment options available for use in commercial settings is impressive,” said Steve Wills, director, rates and analysis, Ameren Missouri. “We want to help our commercial and industrial customers transition to this type of equipment because it makes good financial sense, and it’s better for the environment.”
Charge Ahead also supports Ameren Missouri’s goal of transitioning its energy generation to cleaner sources while ensuring reliability and keeping customer rates affordable. In 2017, Ameren Missouri announced a landmark and forward-thinking $1 billion investment in alternative energy sources. This investment will include building wind turbines in Missouri and surrounding states and result in the generation of 700 megawatts of wind-generated power by 2020. The company also plans to add 100 megawatts of solar-generated power over the next 10 years, with 50 megawatts expected to come on line by 2025. This is Ameren Missouri’s largest-ever commitment to clean, renewable energy.
Ameren also is committed to bringing the benefits of electrification to its employees and has installed 80 vehicle charging stations at its campus locations.
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