ST. LOUIS – Ameren Missouri announced a key update to its preferred resource plan on Friday, one through which the company aims to expand energy resources and ensure reliable and affordable power for customers.

The updated plan focuses on expanding natural gas, renewable energy, battery storage, and nuclear power resources to meet steady demand. It includes an additional 1.8 gigawatts (GW) of capacity by 2030 and a total of 2.3 GW by 2035, according to a news release.

Ameren officials tell FOX 2 that electricity demand from businesses, especially manufacturers and data centers, has surged in recent years. Ameren sees a strong connection between energy infrastructure and economic growth, hopeful the updated plan will attract new investments and jobs to Missouri.

Rob Dixon, Ameren Missouri’s senior director for economic community and business development, says the plan prioritizes balanced energy sources that are reliable, clean, and cost-effective to support long-term energy needs.

“We think it’s going to enhance the reliability of the energy grid, and we think it’s going to bring jobs to our region,” said Dixon. “More so than ever before, we’re seeing a period when development and economic energy are so closely connected together. And this is going to be a good opportunity for the entire region to help make sure we’re bringing new jobs and investment here.”

FOX 2 also reached out to Ameren’s media relations for clarification on whether these investments could lead to future changes in electricity rates for customers or if they are tied to any previous rate changes. That remains unclear at this time.