Currently, retail choice of electric suppliers is permitted in 14 out of the 49 contiguous states/jurisdictions, allowing consumers to select their suppliers within the major investor-owned utilities (IOUs) operating in those areas.
Right now, Missouri is one of the states where customers lack the freedom to choose their supplier and customize their supply purchases. Research indicates that this policy may be imposing significant costs on residents of Missouri.
The Show-Me Institute has released a report highlighting that residents of Missouri are paying more than necessary for electricity. The report suggests that introducing energy choice and fostering increased competition could effectively lower costs. You can access the full report by clicking here.
Ameren, the monopoly energy supplier in Missouri, has invested heavily in lobbying efforts to persuade policymakers that energy choice is ineffective. However, the graph below demonstrates that offering choice does indeed result in cost savings for consumers.
The existing system is draining money from our wallets. Residents of Missouri deserve the chance to tap into the more efficient energy supply markets, as available in 14 other states, including our neighboring state to the east, Illinois.