Public Service Commission
Major storms in the last three years, but especially this year, have caused major disruptions to AmerenUE and to the lives of its customers. Violent storms are not surprising or unforeseeable – the saying in Missouri is if you don’t like the weather just wait fifteen minutes because it will change. Recent events make it abundantly clear that both Ameren and its customers must address how to prepare for and react to the impact of violent weather. For those individuals that have written or phoned into the Public Service Commission, I want to thank you for your comments and stress that your concerns have not fallen on deaf ears.
As Public Service Commission Chairman Jeff Davis has emphasized, Ameren must and will address its responsibility for storm preparation and response. Ameren must evaluate its current tree-trimming program, and upgrade it where needed; examine the feasibility of putting critical infrastructure underground; address the adequacy of its pole replacement programs and conductor (wire) strength; address the effectiveness of its communications with customers in emergencies; and address its response to emergency situations, particularly to minimize the disruption to customers lives.
Customers also need to contribute to this discussion.
Mature trees are fundamental to the character of many St. Louis neighborhoods. Go out and look at your trees, and those of your neighbors. What trees or branches would hit power lines if they broke in a storm? This includes trees that are on or near the right-of-way and those that are far from it. Do you want to give Ameren or local government the authority to cut down any branch or tree that could disrupt power? Who would pay for such a broad new power and duty? – you directly?; you as an Ameren customer?; or you as a taxpayer? Homeowners pay to have their sewer lines cleared when these same trees’ roots block sewer service lines.
What steps should you, as a customer, take to protect your health and property when power goes out? In the summer, what should you do to prevent heat-related health problems? In the winter, what should you do to keep yourself, your family and your neighbors warm, and to keep pipes from freezing? What role can government play, what role can community groups play, to preserve health and property?
As a customer, after you have considered these things, you must talk about these issues with your neighbors, and with your government. Talk to your councilman or mayor, your state representative or senator and let them know that this is important to you. Tell them what you expect from others and what you expect to do. Tell the Public Service Commission the same things. We have held public hearings in St. Louis, and as Chairman Davis has stressed, we will be back for more of your input on this subject.
Ameren does some things well, particularly in providing electricity that is affordably priced when compared to other parts of the country. But it must do better to prepare for and respond to the storms that we all know will come to Missouri. It is the Commission’s job to see that Ameren does so, and the Commission is determined to see that it does.
Lin Appling is one of the five commissioners to the Public Service Commission.
