Missouri PSC approves sale of part of Ameren Missouri’s electric system to Three Rivers Electric Cooperative

A joint application filed by Ameren Missouri and Three Rivers Electric Cooperative gained approval from the Missouri Public Service Commission (MPSC) last week, authorizing the sale of part of Ameren’s electric system to Three Rivers and a new territorial agreement, among other things.

The application’s goal was to equalize the load associated with service addresses to be transferred and reduce facility duplication in the Wardsville and Frog Hollow, Missouri areas.

“A substantial reason behind the proposed change of electric service providers within the Rock Ridge/Frog Hollow Road areas is Three River’s acknowledged lack of adequate facilities within this area to accommodate future growth within the area,” the MPSC said. “This area is currently served by Three Rivers via a lengthy radial line. Future load growth within the Rock Ridge/Frog Hollow Road areas, brought about by the natural expansion of development spurred on by the recent addition of Saint Mary’s Hospital and Capital City High School, is inevitable.”

While selling part of its electricity system to Three Rivers, Ameren Missouri and its partner had also sought an exchange of suppliers, with Ameren Missouri transferring approximately 258 service addresses to the cooperative and the cooperative in turn pushing 270 service addresses to Ameren. At the same time, they sought to create exclusive service territories for each in parts of Cole and Osage counties. These regions will primarily focus on Wardsville and the Rock Ridge/Frog Hollow areas of Missouri.

By initiating the exchange, the Commission noted that further duplication of electric service facilities could be prevented, thereby providing greater economic efficiencies, improving public safety and operational/maintenance expenses, and even boosting community aesthetics.