electricity

A group marched to Ameren Missouri's headquarters Saturday to call for lower bills and cleaner sources of energy. The utility released a new long-range plan that would significantly increase the amount of power plants to meet growing demand for electricity, mostly driven by data centers.

Midwestern ratepayers have seen utility bills rise in recent years, as growing demand puts pressure on an aging electric grid. Also, as large data centers pop up around the country, a Missouri scientist is raising concerns about an often-overlooked form of pollution: noise.

Data center demand, severe weather and the aging grid are forcing utilities to drive up electricity rates. While the Midwest has historically had the cheapest energy in the nation, forces are undermining that trend.

As technology companies build AI data centers across Missouri, consumer advocates worry the cost for the vast infrastructure upgrades needed will fall to the average energy consumers unless new laws are passed.

Across the country, data centers have attracted controversy for everything from overuse of utilities to tax breaks. Now, some Missourians are trying to track down those details through public records requests, appearances at public meetings and other grassroots efforts.

Missouri lawmakers considered a bill Tuesday that would create competitive market for energy, so customers can choose from multiple providers. Evergy pushed back against the legislation, arguing that it could cause confusion.

Some Missouri lawmakers say a free market for energy could curb prices by allowing customers to shop around for better rates. But the state's largest electric companies, Ameren and Evergy, both oppose the plan.

Electricity prices are increasing and are now the fastest driver of inflation. Plus: Some lawmakers want to break up Missouri’s electric monopolies, but it's unclear if that could lower monthly bills.

Since 2021, electricity prices have increased nearly 40%, with the average household spending more than $1,800 on their bills in 2024.

Cities are grappling with how to proceed concerning the increase in data centers in Missouri. New legislation would require water permits for large-load consumers, and make them pay for grid infrastructure upgrades needed to provide them electricity.

The Republican Missouri senator introduced bipartisan legislation that would require data centers to build their own power plants and would increase transparency around data center energy use.

The new plant will be on the site of the retired Rush Island coal plant in Jefferson County. It is being built, in part, to power proposed data centers.