Hot Weather, Reduced River Levels, Could Affect Power Supply

Hot, dry weather and smaller releases from upstreams dams on the Missouri River are forcing river levels lower. And that could end up affecting how much electrical power can be generated at a time when more is needed. Paul Agathen is with AmerenUE, the state’s largest electric utility. Ameren owns two electric plants on the Missouri River – the nuclear plant near Fulton and a coal-fired plant near Washington, Missouri. Agathen says while it has not become a problem yet, low river levels could have an impact on power prodcution. Agathen says Ameren could end up buying power from other sources if need be but of course that would be more expensive for the company and ultimately, consumers.