State seeks input for energy plan initiative

Gov. Jay Nixon has directed the state's energy division to lead an initiative gathering input from stakeholders across Missouri in an effort to develop a comprehensive energy plan for the Show-Me State.

The Missouri Department of Economic Development's division of energy will lead the initiative, for which officials will solicit input from consumers, businesses, public utilities, renewable energy companies, academic researches and environmental advocates.

"Today it is clear that meeting our need for clean, affordable, abundant energy in the future will require a diverse energy portfolio and a strategic approach," Nixon said in the release. "That is why I am charging our division of energy with leading the development of a comprehensive energy plan that will engage stakeholders throughout the state and chart a course toward a sustainable and prosperous energy future.”

The news comes with a shakeup of officials within the energy division. Nixon appointed Lewis Mills, the current head of the Missouri Office of Public Counsel, as new director of the division and Kristy Manning, the governor's deputy legislative director, as the division's deputy director of policy.

According to data provided by Nixon's office, renewable energy production in Missouri has increased by some 1 million megawatt-hours, or by nearly 500 percent, since 2009.