Missouri’s top utility regulator believes the electric grid in this state remains reliable – for now. Public Service Commission Chairman Kelvin Simmons says the PSC wants to ensure two things for Missouri consumers: theaffordability and reliability of energy. The PSC recently approved AmerenUE’s request to build a 54 mile long, 345-kilovolt transmission line through central Missouri, claiming enhancement of the reliability of the electric grid as a primary reason for approval. Simmons says the PSC must make sure utilities are reliable. He acknowledges the U.S. is dealing with an aging electric grid, but insists the grid in Missouri is adequate. The PSC, according to Simmons, must keep the energy grid updated and the U.S. must look to alternative energy so it isn’t so dependant on only a couple of sources.
