Thursday, July 27, 2006
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
PSC Honors Blunt's Request to Inquire into Storm Recovery Response
JEFFERSON CITY–In a letter to the Missouri Public Service Commission Chairman Jeff Davis on Tuesday, Gov. Matt Blunt asked the commission to investigate Ameren’s response to St. Louis storms that left hundreds of thousands without power for days. In a meeting held this morning commissioners voted to conduct an investigation.
“Storms that pummeled the St. Louis area and left thousands without power for more than a week provide a learning opportunity so we can be as prepared as possible should similar events occur in the future,” Blunt said. “As the state’s utility regulatory agency it is appropriate that the Public Service Commission look into Ameren’s response and procedures.”
“We share the governor’s concern for Missourians in the St. Louis region who have been adversely impacted by this storm and have responded to his request for an investigation into Ameren’s response,” said Public Service Commission Chairman Jeff Davis. “We look forward to conducting a full and thorough investigation into how this happened and what steps can be taken to avoid such an event in the future.”
The governor made two personal visits to the area and saw first hand how the power outage and significant power line damage was affecting Missourians. His letter suggested the commission’s investigation should include tree trimming plans, customer access and other outage procedures.
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