Missouri PSC approves Ameren’s Big Hollow energy project in Jefferson County

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — The Missouri Public Service Commission on Wednesday approved an agreement involving Ameren Missouri and granted certificates of convenience and necessity for the utility’s proposed Big Hollow energy project in Jefferson County.

The project, located at the former Rush Island Energy Center site, includes construction of an approximately 800-megawatt simple-cycle natural gas combustion turbine generator facility and a 400-megawatt battery energy storage system. The property is owned by Ameren and will connect to the company’s existing 345-kilovolt transmission system.

In reviewing the request, the commission considered whether there is a need for the service, whether the applicant is qualified and financially able to provide it, whether the proposal is economically feasible and whether it promotes the public interest. The commission also reviewed testimony filed in the case and public comments from a local hearing.

As part of the approved agreement, Ameren must retain and provide documentation supporting any investment tax credits received under the Inflation Reduction Act. The utility also is required to file quarterly construction progress reports.

If project costs increase by more than 15%, Ameren must notify the commission and provide details explaining the change and efforts to mitigate costs.

The agreement further states that if Ameren seeks to use construction work in progress accounting in rate base under Senate Bill 4 (2025), the company must first obtain commission approval and demonstrate that the method would be less costly to customers than traditional accounting practices.

Ameren also must include updates on the Big Hollow project in future triennial integrated resource planning filings.