The Senate sponsor of the Ameren site permit bill thinks the alliance that backed it is ready to support it in the special session in September.  Senator Mike Kehoe’s legislation would allow electric companies to pass along to customers the cost of getting a new site permit.

In addition to Ameren, it was supported by Empire District Electric, Kansas City Power and Light, the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Associated Electric Cooperative and the Missouri Public Utility Alliance. Kehoe says those entities are still talking daily and are in agreement on a balanced approach.

Kehoe thinks the bill fits in with the economic development package already being discussed because the project to build a new nuclear power plant at the Callaway County site would create jobs.

The Senator believes passing the site permit bill in special session could also make the project eligible for grants being considered now in Washington D.C. He says the grants would further reduce the amount ratepayers incur.

So far the special session will deal with the economic development bill and a change in the date of Missouri’s presidential primary.