Division of Energy
Candid Conversations
The Candid Conversation came about as one of five recommendations in the report from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Division of Energy’s Energy Stakeholder Process, which started in the fall of 2011 and concluded in early 2012. The purpose of the Energy Stakeholder Process was to build long-term strategy and capacity for the division by identifying key implementable energy recommendations with a focus on where the division should focus efforts and expend resources following completion of energy programs funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The results of the stakeholder process are being used in an action plan for the division and in providing direction for the division’s planning and resource allocation decisions.
Highlights from the First Candid Conversation
November 7, 2012
Topic: Energy Efficiency
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Energy (MDNR-DE) convened its first Candid Conversation on November 7, 2012, at the Laclede Gas building in downtown St. Louis to discuss energy efficiency, specifically related to the Missouri Energy Efficiency Investment Act (MEEIA). MEEIA was enacted in 2009 (Section 393.1075, RSMo) for the purpose of providing appropriate incentives to encourage regulated electric utilities to invest in and achieve all cost-effective savings from energy efficiency.
Twenty-three stakeholders and guests, including investor-owned electric and gas utilities, Public Service Commission staff, Office of the Public Counsel, Consumers Council/AARP, industrial customer representative, environmental organizations, energy efficiency and regional organizations, representatives of low-income agencies, municipal utility and rural electric cooperative associations and DE staff, participated in the discussion. The conversation focused on progress made under MEEIA, lessons learned to date, potential issues, and a path forward.
Highlights from the conversation included:
- The need to convene a statewide collaborative meeting provided for in the Code of State Regulations under the Public Service Commission MEEIA rules. Representatives from MDNR-DE and the Missouri Energy Initiative (MEI) will convene with investor-owned utilities and the Public Service Commission in February 2013 to plan a statewide collaborative meeting for late June/early July 2013. Topics of discussion for a statewide collaborative meeting may include coordination of energy efficiency programs related to cost-effectiveness, savings and implementation approaches, and possible creation of a statewide technical resource manual.
- The need for cooperation and collaboration to educate Missourians about the benefits of energy efficiency and a better understanding of the MEEIA statute. Environmental groups expressed interest in working with investor-owned utilities to inform consumers about the benefits and costs related to energy efficiency versus additional spending on more power plants. MDNR-DE will explore how all can work together on an informational/educational campaign.
- Discussion of the costs and benefits from energy efficiency on low-income residents, especially those in rental units and housing with inefficient energy usage. This segued into a discussion about the status of energy standards for buildings in Missouri.
Highlights from the Second Candid Conversation
March 27, 2013
Topic: Path to Successful Solar for Missouri Consumers
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Division of Energy (MDNR-DE) convened its second Candid Conversation on March 27, 2013, on the campus of the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri, to discuss a "Path to Successful Solar for Missouri Consumers." For the complete notes from this conversation, please click here.
