The Mark Twain Transmission Project has a few more hurdles to clear before achieving final approval from the Missouri Public Service Commission next year.
Adair County Commissioners sent a letter to the Missouri Public Service Commission during June, which said they opposed the project. This has opened more opportunities for discussion of any issues the county has with the endeavor.
Public Service Commission spokesperson Kevin Kelly said the county commissioners’ letter will require a local public hearing soon, where the public can voice their concerns to the PSC. He said the PSC will issue a press release with more information at a later date.
After the public hearing, Kelly said Adair County will be required to file all information by Oct. 21, while Ameren Transmission Company will be asked to file a rebuttal. He said both parties will be asked to give testimony Nov. 16, and a public evidentiary hearing will take place Dec. 14-18 to review submitted docments.
Once the hearing has concluded, Kelly said both parties will file briefs with the commission by Jan. 15 and can file a reply by Jan. 29. After Jan. 29, Kelly said the PSC will begin its investigation.
“The commission will wait until all the paperwork has been filed to make a decision,” Kelly said. “However, a statutory deadline does not exist.”
For more on information on Ameren’s future plans read the rest of the article on Issuu.
Peggy Ladd, director of transmission stakeholder relations at Ameren, said the main goal of this process is for all parties to ask and answer questions about the case. She said Ameren hopes to hear a final decision from the PSC by February.
“If we get an answer, Ameren will spend 2016 acquiring property and purchasing right of way,” Ladd said. “We’re not taking right of way, but purchasing it through a perpetual lease.”
Ladd said the project will provide improved access to renewable energy, improve the quality of the electric system in the county and decrease energy costs for Adair County residents.
For more on information on Ameren’s future plans read the rest of the article on Issuu.