PR-09-219 -- MEDIA ADVISORY: PSC To Hold State Of Electric Industry Presentation

Contact: Kevin Kelly (573) 751-9300

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- JUNE 19, 2009

JEFFERSON CITY---The Missouri Public Service Commission will host all Missouri electricity providers for a discussion on the State of Electric Industry on Monday, June 22, 2009, in the fourth floor Ballroom (Room 450) of the Governor Office Building (200 Madison Street) in Jefferson City. The event is scheduled to begin at 9:00 am and will conclude at noon.

The Commission intends to receive presentations from regulated Missouri electric utilities as well as non-regulated entities such as the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives and the Missouri Public Utility Alliance (Municipal utilities). Virtually every Missouri electricity customer will be represented by their utility provider to discuss the electric industry today as well as what the future holds. This discussion is particularly timely with the introduction of the Waxman-Markey Climate Change legislation, which regulates carbon emissions. Other topics to be discussed include demand growth, energy efficiency, financing alternatives and the current credit/capital markets for utilities in the coming years.

“The Commission is interested in starting a dialogue among all stakeholders regarding potential changes in state and federal law which may lead to mandated investments in infrastructure, which, in turn, may cause increased costs and correspondingly higher utility rates,” said PSC Chairman Robert M. Clayton III. “Because Missouri’s energy profile is heavily weighted by coal-fired generation, any carbon regulation, carbon tax or carbon cap has the potential to increase rates for Missouri consumers. We must plan now for how Missouri utilities will respond by engaging all stakeholders in a collaborative process,” Clayton said.

The State of Electric Industry Presentation will also be webcast and available over the internet at psc.mo.gov.