ST. LOUIS – The third and final 2024 Midwest Energy Policy Series was hosted by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1 at its St. Louis union hall on Dec. 12, 2024. The event by the Missouri Energy Initiative (MEI) focused on economic development and engaged more than 60 industry leaders, policymakers, and professionals to explore the latest trends, policies, and technologies shaping the economic landscape of energy development in the Midwest.  IBEW Local 1 partners with the St. Louis Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) to form the Electrical Connection, a key sponsor of the event.

Among the panelists at the event were Kayla Hahn, chair, Missouri Public Service Commission; Daniel Scripps, chair, Michigan Public Service Commission; and Justin Grady, deputy director of utilities,  Kansas Corporation Commission.  They discussed the streamlining of Michigan and Kansas power generation facilities through a “pay as you go” process as well as adding flexibility to the planning process for power generation and transmission and how that might benefit Missouri.

Meanwhile, Steve Wills and Rob Dixon, Ameren Missouri; Nekabari Goka, Google; and Frank Caro, Polsinelli focused their remarks on energy users and artificial intelligence (AI) and their significant role in shaping the future of energy demand and consumption. They noted energy-intensive industries like data centers are impacting energy planning, pricing, and efficiency efforts.  In September, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that “the average inquiry for potential power has risen 60-fold over five years, according to Ameren.”

Other panelists at the event included Christina Hall, DTE Energy; Kevin Gunn, Kansas City-based Evergy; John Coyle, Duncan & Allen LLP; Roger Walker, RAWalker & Associates and John Ashford, Hawthorn Group.

MEI is a nonprofit collective of private and public companies and organizations collaborating on innovative ideas to drive economic development, innovation, and education in the energy sector. It serves as a trusted source of energy information on emerging energy issues within the state of Missouri and the Midwest.

The Electrical Connection partnership provides safe and reliable commercial, industrial and residential electrical construction, maintenance, repair and replacement services across Missouri, the nation and the world. It is an important resource for business and civic leadership for new technology, including disruptive technologies, advancing electrical and communication infrastructure.  Learn more at www.electricalconnection.org.