The Missouri Public Service Commission has rejected an application filed by Union Electric Company d/b/a Ameren Missouri seeking to offer a surge-protection program to its electric customers.

“The program is flawed in that customers using the program would be dealing with a third-party device manufacturer that the Commission does not regulate. The Commission cannot protect customers against that third-party’s actions,” the Commission said.

The Commission also noted that the proposed surge-protection program is potentially misleading to customers because it only includes motor-driven household equipment. Non motor-driven equipment, such as electronics, would not be covered.

“Also, any customer education Ameren Missouri provides should cover what is covered, but also explicitly warn customers what is not covered,” the Commission said. “For example, the pending program would not cover non motor-driven equipment, such as televisions, computers, electronic gaming systems, smart devices, etc.”

The Commission, however, indicated that it would be willing to consider a pilot program that remedies these issues.

“If the pilot program established that Ameren Missouri, and not a third-party provider, would guarantee the device, with only subscribers paying that cost, then the Commission would consider such a program,” the Commission said. “Such a program should also give clear notice to customers of all items not covered by a warranty.”

On September 21, 2020, Ameren Missouri filed tariff sheets designed to implement a surge protection program for its electric customers. The surge-protection device Ameren Missouri proposed to use is designed to protect electrical devices from voltage surges and spikes.

If a customer wanted to participate in the proposed surge-protection program, an installer would install a surge-protection device within the meter box on the base of the electric meter, and that customer would pay Ameren Missouri $9.95 a month for the device.

“While Ameren Missouri seeks to have its surge protection program regulated by the Commission, Ameren Missouri also attempts to insulate itself from any meaningful regulation by claiming the device manufacturer is entirely responsible for handling device failures and warranty claims,” the Commission said.

The Commission also noted in its decision that customers have several options to purchase their own surge-protection devices, and that those competitive surge-protection devices would provide a similar level of protection as the devices proposed by Ameren Missouri in this case.

Ameren Missouri serves approximately 1.28 million electric customers in Missouri.