Higher Electric Rates To Fund Failing 'Green' Energy? That's A Bad Deal For Missourians

Consider this a warning from a blue state refugee.

I moved my family to Missouri over three years ago, drawn by its common- sense culture, affordability, and the promise of a better quality of life. As an outsider, I can confidently say it was the right decision as life in Missouri is excellent. However, I’m deeply concerned by Ameren Missouri’s proposal to increase electricity rates by over 15 percent. It feels like a case of déjà vu, reminiscent of the flawed policies that plagued the state I left behind.

Ameren, the utility company responsible for providing electricity for nearly 1.3 million customers in Missouri, claims the increase is necessary to fund renewable energy investments. However, their own reports paint a troubling picture of underperformance of so-called “green” technology. According to data provided to the state, their wind and solar facilities operate at a capacity ranging from 5.2% to 33.2%. In a public meeting, Ameren representatives admitted the best-case scenario for their solar facilities is 50% capacity. Why should Missouri families pay significantly more for energy that delivers so much less? Families need reliable energy 24 hours a day, not an intermittent supply that fluctuates with the weather. I suspect if I offered to pay just 33 percent of my electric bill, Ameren would have strong objections. Yet, they feel that is perfectly acceptable for their solar and wind projects.

Compounding the issue is a state law awarding Ameren credit for 1.25 kilowatts of renewable energy for every 1 kilowatt generated. This fuzzy math means that 4 kilowatts of actual production magically become 5 on paper. Imagine if I tried to apply the same formula to my electric bill and demanded $1.25 worth of credit for every dollar I paid—Ameren would surely reject that proposal as well.

Missouri must also consider the cautionary tales from states like California, which have aggressively shifted from coal, natural gas, and oil to “renewables.” The result is unreliable energy grids and skyrocketing electricity costs. Missouri cannot afford to follow in their footsteps, especially when so many families are already struggling to make ends meet. According to the U.S. Census Household Pulse Survey, more than one in five Missouri households couldn’t pay their energy bills last year. There’s never a good time to raise rates, but now—amid lingering inflation and economic uncertainty—is particularly inopportune.

At the public meeting, there was talk of the Missouri Public Service Commission potentially approving a lower rate increase than the 15.77 percent Ameren requested. Let me be clear: families cannot absorb any increase right now. A total denial of Ameren’s rate hike request is the only responsible decision.

Ameren should instead revisit traditional energy sources like coal and natural gas, which remain reliable and cost-effective. These fuels keep the lights on and the furnace running when the sun isn’t shining, or the wind isn’t blowing. Increasing rates to invest in underperforming renewable facilities is akin to throwing good money after bad—a reckless gamble that Missourians cannot afford.

I love Missouri’s affordability and quality of life. Ameren’s proposal threatens to undermine these core advantages by burdening families with higher energy costs for less reliable service. The commission must reject this ill-conceived rate increase. Let’s ensure Missouri remains a place where families can thrive, not one where they are forced to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table.

Larry Behrens is a resident of Cole County and also the Communications Director for Power The Future. He has appeared on Fox News, ZeroHedge, and NewsMax speaking in defense of American energy workers. You can follow him on X/Twitter @larrybehrens.