2015 Energy Efficiency Grants
American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy – $14,000
To be a technical expert to support EMEF grantee partners; participate in workshops and related proceedings on the review of the Missouri Energy Efficiency Investment Act (MEEIA) rules that govern utility efficiency programs, including in-person participation and submission of written comments and supporting documentation; participate in meetings of the statewide energy efficiency stakeholder collaborative; collaborate with EMEF grantees for on-going review of utility rate cases and plans submitted for approval by the PSC; monitor the development of Kansas City Power & Light (KCP&L)’s and Ameren’s energy efficiency program plans; participate in follow-up meetings and forums expected to be formed in response to the PSC findings and recommendations from the MEEIA rules review, which will likely include development of a statewide Technical Resource Manual (TRM), strengthening the statewide collaborative, and creating guidelines for energy efficiency potential studies and program evaluations; work to get energy efficiency topics on the agenda for the Midwest Energy Policy Conference.
Natural Resources Defense Council – $85,000
To continue retaining outside expertise to litigate the current and anticipated MEEIA filings from Ameren, KCP&L, and KCP&L-GMO to advocate for larger expenditures, better program design, and more refined approaches to cost recovery and performance incentives; engage in the MEEIA rule revision process to advocate for rule improvements, such as requiring independent potential studies and improving how efficiency costs and benefits are measured, and then (hopefully) working on creation of a statewide TRM; engage in the utility IRP and rate cases; support and strengthen the new State Energy Plan, influence utilities and state agencies to develop a strong state compliance plan for the EPA’s Clean Power Plan Rule; develop innovative programs for multifamily affordable housing and large commercial buildings, in collaboration with the owners, managers, and occupants of those buildings.
Renew Missouri – $100,000
To engage in the PSC and negotiation processes related to Ameren and KCP&L’s new 2016-18 MEEIA plans to achieve expanded investments and savings levels; generate press, engage businesses, and track programs once plans are launched; continue to engage in the MEEIA rule revision process to allow for inclusion of non-energy benefits; strengthen and emphasize low-income programs; strengthen the statewide collaborative including development of a statewide TRM; solidify efficiency as a cornerstone of Missouri’s compliance with EPA’s final Clean Power Plan Rule and of the Governor’s State Energy Plan by providing comments, conducting analyses, engaging with consumer groups and regulators; strategize how best to achieve results through utility shareholder initiatives on efficiency, with a goal of negotiating a settlement with utilities in which they promise to pursue a higher level of efficiency; consider, research, and gather coalitions for additional policy mechanisms to improve efficiency in Missouri long-term, including a mandatory EERS and revenue decoupling.
Missouri Sierra Club Foundation – $19,000
To intervene in KCPL’s MEEIA filing and Ameren’s IRP process and comment on the State Energy Plan; send emails and newsletters to thousands of its supporters in Ameren and KCPL territories to educate them about and encourage them to participate in energy efficiency programs; support a strong greenhouse gas (GHG) rule from the EPA and strong compliance plan from Missouri (with a strong energy efficiency component), including by meeting with EPA and Department of Natural Resources; produce TV episodes and radio stories about energy efficiency; distribute op-eds and radio stories on electric co-ops and energy efficiency, and encourage co-op members to get involved in promoting efficiency; attend utility stakeholder and statewide collaborative meetings; meet with labor and public health allies to plan joint work on energy efficiency; attend the Ameren shareholders meeting and promote a potential resolution on energy efficiency.