Missouri task force calls for 10% renewable goal by 2020

Missouri task force calls for 10% renewable goal by 2020

Portland, Maine (Platts)--1Sep2006

Missouri's utilities would attempt to acquire 10% of their power from
renewable sources and conservation by 2020 under a governor's task force
recommendation made in a report approved late Thursday.

The nine-member task force, established by Republican Governor Matt
Blunt, decided to adopt a renewable goal instead of a mandate to ensure that
generation additions are economical, according to the group's plan.

As part of an effort to spur conservation, the task force also proposed
revising the state's resource planning rules so that efficiency and
demand-side management are considered with supply-side resource options.

The group adopted the National Action Plan for Energy Efficiency, an
effort led by the US Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency.

Among other things, that plan calls for aligning utility incentives with
delivering energy efficiency programs and modifying ratemaking practices to
promote energy efficiency investments.

The task force also called on the state to install advanced metering on
all state facilities to support DSM and time-of-use options and suggested that
the Missouri Public Service Commission closely monitor federal efforts to
reduce carbon dioxide emissions to ensure that state ratepayers aren't harmed.

To help reduce natural gas price volatility, utilities should be
encouraged to develop more in-state natural gas storage facilities or adding
storage along interstate pipelines that supply Missouri, the group said.

The PSC should also consider revising the state's price volatility
mitigation rules for natural gas by including minimum hedging requirements.
The group will reconvene in November to help draft any needed legislation.

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