One of the big selling points for installing solar panels on your home is the discount credits you get from the Federal government and Ameren UE to reduce the cost of installation.
Now Ameren UE is applying for a 14.6% rate increase from the Missouri Public Service Commission (MPSC).
As reported in the West Newsmagazine August 15,2012:
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" Mr. Warren Wood, Ameren Vice president of Regulatory Affairs states that despite the large increase in Ameren UE revenue due to the long hot Summer the increase is still necessary for four (4) reasons:
1. Fuel primarily coal and the costs of TRANSPORTATION.
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2. More than 3 billion in investments, largely to improve reliability of an aging infrastructure to meet environmental and renewable energy regulations.
3. Rising costs for operations, materials and employee benefits
4. ENERGY EFFICIENT PROGRAMS EXPECTED TO YIELD SOME $500 MILLION IN TOTAL CONSUMER BENEFITS OVER THE NEXT TWO DECADES!!
And to top it off the MPSC has already approved $147 million in energy efficiency programs over the next three under the Missouri Energy Efficiency Investment Act."
Half of the justification is to support inefficient green power lobbyists!
So, if you think that that all of this Green Power Challenge being engaged in by the City of Creve Coeur is anywhere near economical and that you are getting a good deal in the installation, you just haven't met the other taxpayers riding on the other side of the Merry go 'Round!!!!
I suggest you look at Laclede Gas' instant hot water heater to replace your old 50 gallon tank to realize a real 15 to 50% in you water heating costs.
As Charles Dickens might say if he were still alive:
"Solar Power, BAH! HUMBUG!