Ameren Missouri

It’s not always clear why energy costs as much as it does to consumers — and there’s usually no other options to choose from.

Missouri only has one nuclear power plant, but at a state summit, politicians and federal officials said the energy source would be key to meeting rising energy demands.

The utility has paused disconnections in areas affected by the tornado through the end of July, but advocacy groups say that is not enough for people who are struggling after the disaster.

The proposed power plant and energy storage facility would occupy a former coal plant.

Ameren Missouri has disconnected more than 100,000 households that were behind on their bills in the past year. Advocates say Missouri laws need to change to better protect people in extreme heat.

The Missouri electric utility said it would not disconnect customers for nonpayment for 60 days.

U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley and St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer say they’re hoping that the federal government can act quickly and that the White House will approve a major disaster declaration.

The death toll from the storms remains at five individuals, ranging in age from 32 to 82 years old, city officials said during a briefing Saturday evening.

Missouri regulators approved an increase for Ameren’s electric rates. Bills will go up by about 12% starting in June.

The bill is made up of dozens of policy changes governing how utilities operate in Missouri.