ST. LOUIS Ameren Missouri communications official Brad Brown said Tuesday 5,336 Callaway County customers can be a part of a new initiative.
"It's in St. Louis, but open to all our customers," he said.
For the first time, all Ameren clients can choose to receive the benefits of solar energy without installing a single panel on their roof. This week, Ameren Missouri is launching the Community Solar program, a new clean energy option available for all residential and small business customers who support renewable energy but don't have the space available for solar panels.
"Customers have complete control in the Community Solar Program and may select to enroll for up to half of their average annual energy use from this clean energy source," said Matt Forck, assistant vice president of community, economic development and energy solutions at Ameren Missouri. "This program is one of the ways we're focused on bringing our customers solutions to help manage their energy use."
Customers can visit AmerenMissouri.com/CommunitySolar to enroll. A new, one-megawatt solar facility, to be built just north of St. Louis Lambert International Airport, will supply the energy. Panels could be in service as soon as next summer.
Forck said the program is something customers have asked for, particularly those who want to take part in generating renewable energy but rent their home, live in an area with large trees and shading issues or don't have the means necessary to otherwise participate.
"This program is designed specifically for customers who believe in renewable energy and want to support its growth in Missouri. Whether a family wants one block or many more, we know there is great support for solar energy in the state," Forck added.
Ameren Missouri is committed to increasing the amount of renewable solar and wind energy available to customers. In the next few years, Ameren Missouri will be adding a significant amount of clean resources onto the grid.
"Community Solar is yet another way Ameren Missouri is making the transition to cleaner generation in a responsible fashion with a goal of cutting carbon emissions 80 percent by 2050," Forck said.
Community Solar and Pure Power are voluntary, renewable energy programs offered by Ameren Missouri. Learn more at AmerenMissouri.com/CleanEnergyPrograms.
Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than 100 years. Ameren Missouri's mission is to power the quality of life for its 1.2 million electric and 130,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. The company's service area covers 64 counties and more than 500 communities, including the greater St. Louis area.