Most people don't spend much time thinking about where their electricity comes from until they need it. Whether it's keeping a home comfortable during extreme temperatures, running a business, charging devices or caring for family members, reliable electricity matters every day.
At the same time, Missouri's energy needs are evolving. Electricity use is increasing, older power plants are retiring, and communities across the state continue to add homes, jobs and opportunities. Planning ahead helps ensure enough power is available when customers need it in the years ahead. The West Alton Energy Center is designed to help meet that need by providing around-the-clock energy that can support customers through a wide range of conditions.
Adding 2,100 MW of always-on generation will further improve reliability and contribute to Ameren Missouri’s balanced generation mix, which is designed to optimize costs over the long term. The West Alton Energy Center will also strengthen Missouri's energy security by supplying dependable, in-state generation to serve homes, businesses and growing communities across the state.
Building a power plant takes years, and how it is financed affects what customers pay over time. When every cost is borrowed and repaid only after construction ends, interest continues to accumulate and increases the final price. Covering some costs during construction instead of waiting until the end is one way to bring that total down.
As part of this filing, Ameren Missouri asked the Missouri Public Service Commission to identify which project costs could qualify for a financing approach allowed under Missouri law. However, that financing approach is not part of the rate review currently before the Commission. Utilization of that approach in the future could reduce financing costs and lower the total cost of the project for customers.
A 2024, a State of Missouri analysis found that similar financing approaches reduced total project costs by millions of dollars, illustrating how lower financing costs can produce meaningful long-term savings.
Customer Protections
- Missouri Public Service Commission approval required
- Construction progress reviewed during the project
- Refunds can be required if approved conditions are not met
Costs tied to a project like the West Alton Energy Center are not added to bills automatically. Any changes would first need review and approval by the Missouri Public Service Commission through a public process. Over the years it takes to build a project of this size, system costs can shift as the grid is maintained and improved.
Several important points remain unchanged.
- Costs are not included in rates unless the Commission approves them first.
- Regulators decide what costs can be included in rates before customers are charged.
- Large new energy users are required to pay their share of the infrastructure built to serve them, which can help hold down costs for other customers.
- Financial assistance for individuals, families, and veterans
- Tools that help track and manage your energy usage
- Budget Billing for more predictable payments
- Payment plans to help bring your account current