ST. LOUIS - AmerenUE, Missouri's largest electric company, has received all regulatory approvals that will allow it to deliver electricity to Noranda Aluminum, Inc., the state's largest consumer of electricity. AmerenUE has presented its notice of intent to serve Noranda, with service to begin on June 1.
In October 2004, AmerenUE announced that through a first-of-its-kind agreement, Noranda Aluminum Inc. had chosen the utility company as the electricity supplier for its plant at New Madrid. The transaction marks AmerenUE's largest single tariffed contract.
The two companies signed a letter of intent in 2004 outlining the terms of a multi-year agreement to supply Noranda's primary aluminum smelter in Southeast Missouri. In March 2005, the Missouri Public Service Commission granted authority for AmerenUE to extend its Missouri service territory to include the area where the Noranda facility is located.
"We are pleased to have the opportunity to serve Noranda -- a company that has been a leading employer in this region for more than 30 years," said Gary L. Rainwater, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Ameren Corporation.
"Securing a long-term, cost effective contract with a reliable supplier of electricity is fundamental to our future success and we are very pleased to be a partner with AmerenUE, a Missouri-based company" added Keith Gregston, president and general manager.