Proposition C would require more alternative energy use

By Emily Coleman

The Missouri Clean Energy Initiative, which appears on Tuesday's ballot as Proposition C, is an effort to ensure the production and use of renewable energy in the state.

Proposition C would require investor-owned utilities to generate or buy at least 15 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2021. Annual rate increases to cover the cost would be limited to 1 percent. Approved energy sources include landfill gas, wind and solar, biomass and hydroelectricity.

Supporters say the initiative would eventually save Missourians money on their utility bills and create thousands of jobs. Although there has been no organized opposition to date, some express reservations.

Three utility companies — AmerenUE, Kansas City Power & Light and Empire District Electric — would be affected.

AmerenUE representatives say they support renewable energy but believe legislation already in place would be more effective. They cite Senate Bill 54, signed by Gov. Matt Blunt in 2007, as one of two bills that already imposes voluntary standards on increased renewable energy use. They also say AmerenUE is already exploring possible renewable energy sources, particularly wind power, and they argue that the impact on rates is unclear.

Empire District, based in Joplin, is already tapping wind energy. Proposition C would allow it to accumulate renewable energy credits for that. It remains neutral on the measure.

Kansas City Power & Light supports the initiative and says it plans to triple its renewable energy output at one of its facilities by 2021, and it is working on solar energy demonstrations and pursuing wind and biofuels.

Jeff Davis, chairman of the Missouri Public Service Commission, has said it's unrealistic to think utilities under Proposition C's rate restrictions could develop sufficient alternative energy sources to comply with the initiative.

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