Ameren Missouri moving forward with major solar generation project

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., (KBSI) — The Missouri Public Service Commission approved an agreement granting Ameren Missouri a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity to construct and operate a new solar energy project in Callaway County.

The Reform Project includes a 250-megawatt solar generation facility and a new 345-kilovolt switching station known as the Odyssey Switching Station.

According to the commission, the agreement was filed by Ameren Missouri, commission staff and Renew Missouri Advocates. Other parties involved in the case, including the Office of the Public Counsel and the Sierra Club, did not object to the agreement.

Commission officials said the project is intended to help meet increasing energy demand in Missouri while replacing aging electric generation resources.

The PSC also noted the project is expected to provide tax-related savings for customers and will be built on property already owned by Ameren Missouri, reducing the need for additional land acquisition.

Under the agreement, Ameren Missouri must continue providing updates to the commission and other parties regarding project costs and tax treatment changes as construction progresses.

Ameren Missouri provides electric service to about 1.2 million customers statewide.