Who We Are
Our Story
Renew Missouri was founded in 2006 to advance renewable energy and energy efficiency in the state of Missouri. In that time, Renew Missouri has advanced legislation, passed statewide ballot initiatives, crafted local ordinances, and represented these interests before state regulators on hundreds of cases. We can only do this extensive and far-reaching work thanks to our supporters.
At the state level, Renew Missouri represents renewable and energy efficiency interests before the Public Service Commission (âPSCâ). The PSC regulates investor-owned utilities like Ameren, Evergy, and Liberty/Empire. Whenever those companies want to raise rates or get their integrated resource plan (IRP) approved for the next 20-30 years, the PSC has to have the final say. As a part of that process, Renew Missouriâs legal team advocates at hearings, pours through thousands of pages of discovery, negotiates with other parties, argues before the appeals courts, and generally fights for these interests.Â
Renew Missouri has been instrumental in the way utilities manage their resources and deal with making rates more receptive to customer usage. This has resulted in billions of dollars in investments from these companies. We arenât just fighting against them; we professionally work with all parties to reach settlements and agreements that are in the best interests of all Missourians.Â
We work in county and city offices all over the state on issues like energy efficiency programs, greater access to solar, low-income energy equity, and general ordinances that promote our values. We also listen to our supporters about their ideas and work to convert these ideas into successful policies.
Renew Missouriâs approach to advancing policy is to bring stakeholders for energy issues together to educate and to facilitate productive dialogue. We educate legislators and other policy makers while also promoting renewables and energy efficiency to the public. We evaluate what energy policies Missouri could implement and guide stakeholders as they use the policies that are put in place.
Our Accomplishments
Legislature passes the Net Metering and Easy Connection Act
Coming soon!
Our Team
James Owen
In addition to serving as Director, James is also a licensed attorney (in both Kansas and Missouri) and can handle legal duties for the group as well. He also serves as an expert witnesses before the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC). Prior to this role, James was appointed as Public Counsel by Governor Jay Nixon. In that role, James served as the stateâs leading consumer advocate, representing the public before the PSC. Before moving to mid-Missouri, James had served as an Associate Circuit Judge in Webster County and practiced law in southwest Missouri for several years.
James obtained his BA from Drury University in Springfield and obtained his law degree from the University of Kansas. In his spare time, he likes to write and watch movies. Combining these two hobbies, James is the film columnist for The Columbia Daily Tribune and on-air critic for KFRU. He lives in Columbia with his wife, Claire, and their daughter, Cecile.
Andrew Linhares
In addition, Andrew serves as the State Lead for Missouriâs Energy Efficiency for All (EEFA) coalition, which works to increase access to energy efficiency for affordable multifamily buildings. Andrew served as Renew Missouriâs Staff Attorney from 2012 to 2017, representing Renew Missouri and other environmental and low-income advocacy organizations before the Missouri Public Service Commission and the Missouri Courts.
Andrew graduated with a J.D. from St. Louis University School of Law in 2011, and is a licensed member of the Missouri Bar. Andrew also has a B.A. in English from Truman State University. Andrew lives in South St. Louis City, and is an avid runner and an amateur bluegrass musician on the weekends.
Emily Piontek
A Master Naturalist and aspiring Master Gardener, Emily is passionate about sustainable urban ecosystems, and is working on turning her Columbia home into a refuge for native plants, birds and pollinators. Her partner and their hive of honeybees are helping, too.
Philip Fracica
In 2019, Renew Missouri opened a Kansas City office and Philip changed positions to be Renew Missouriâs Kansas City Regional Director â creating an opportunity to expand our advocacy into Kansas. In addition to working with municipal utilities and rural electric cooperatives, Philip has also served as an expert witness on low-income energy policy before the Missouri Public Service Commission. In his spare time, Philip enjoys going to the movies, watching local sports, and playing video games.
Tori Cheatham
Emily Weber
Emily joined Renew Missouri part-time in the Summer of 2023 as the Kansas City Coordinator/Outreach and Education Associate. During her limited free time, she enjoys spending time with her two spoiled dogs and trying to catch up on TV shows and movies.
David Stokely
For more than 35 years, David operated a commercial equestrian facility. He consulted on wildlife habitat evaluation/improvement for private landowners. His expertise extends to surface-mined coal reclamation, where he performed vegetation, soil, and water sampling to ensure compliance with regulations for bond release. Serving as the assessor in Christian County, David learned the value of GIS mapping and land valuation, and the critical importance of fair valuation for tax-paying public entities such as schools.
In a nonpartisan role, David recently served as the southwest and southcentral Missouri District Director for former US Senator Claire McCaskill. He actively listened to constituent issues, working with a broad range of Federal agencies to ensure that citizen concerns were addressed appropriately and efficiently.
Currently residing in Christian County, David serves on the board of directors of the L-A-D as well as the Ozark Riverways Foundations. As a member owner of Ozark Electric Rural Cooperative for thirty-nine years, he has a strong connection to the community.
His proudest accomplishment is being the father of two awesome and accomplished adult sons. David enjoys all aspects of outdoor recreation in our Ozarks region and is passionate about protecting air and water quality for the future generations and economic vitality of Missouri.
Jessica Polk Sentell
PJ Wilson
âPJ has now founded the non-profit organization Solar for Puerto Rico, after hurricanes Maria and Irma slammed Puerto Rico in September 2017, as a means to support the general transition of Puerto Rico towards sustainable and resilient energy systems.
Erin Noble
She joined Straight Up Solar in 2011 as the Director of Community Relations. Erin is currently our Director of Business Operations.
Contact Renew Missouri
Have a question or comment about renewable energy and energy efficiency in Missouri (or elsewhere)? Send us a quick note below.
REEL Council Members
Acciona
Acciona is an international leader in the development and management of infrastructure, water, services, and renewable energies.
CCSA
The goal of the Coalition for Community Solar Access is a future where everyone has the freedom to use clean, locally generated solar energy.
Dimension
Dimension Renewable Energy is paving the way toward clean energy access for all, through community solar and energy storage solutions.
EDP
EDP is committed to developing renewable energy projects in the U.S. and internationally, by helping organizations optimize their energy needs.
EEtility
EEtility works with utilities to identify and upgrade energy intense homes through the PAYSÂŪ tariff on-bill program.
ENEL
Enel believes that by working together we can create a new energy era in which the world can become more sustainable.
Invenergy
Invenergy provides power generation and storage solutions at scale around the world to create a cleaner energy future.
MFA Oil
MFA Oil has partnered with solar industry experts to bring sustainable energy solutions to Missouri farmers, ranchers, homeowners and businesses.
MO Solar Apps
Missouri Solar Applications provides solar and energy savings solutions to homes and businesses all over Missouri and surrounding states.
Pearl Certification
Pearl Certification brings energy efficiency and high-performing features to the forefront of homeownership.
Ranger Power
Ranger Power brings new utility-scale renewable energy projects and investment to various communities around the country.
RWE
RWE develops, owns, and operates some of the most efficient, high-performing renewable energy projects in the U.S.
StraightUp Solar
StraightUp Solar helps owners reduce electricity costs, gain energy independence, and secure a powerful return on investments.
Sun Solar
Sun Solar is a solar energy provider that designs and installs solar panel systems for homes and businesses.
SunVest Solar
The SunVest Solar mission is to advance clean energy nationwide with turn key, cost-effective solar solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Renew Missouri is a 501(c)3. We were established in 2006, and gained our independent nonprofit status in 2016.
If you are an organization looking to partner with Renew Missouri on a project, please reach out to our Executive Director, James Owen.
If you need assistance paying your bill, please see the list of links below or visit www.moenergyburden.com.
- Ameren Utility Bill Assistance
- Evergy Utility Bill Assistance
- Spire Utility Bill Assistance
- Columbia Water and Light
- Springfield City Utilities
- Liberty-Empire Utilities
Other Utility Types:
For other utilities like rural electric cooperatives and municipal utilities, please find and visit your local Community Action Agency to access federal funding for utility assistance.
No, Renew Missouri is not a solar installation company. However, we do work with the solar industry. Please see our list of REEL Council members for our solar partners.
No, Renew Missouri is not a utility company. We are a nonprofit organization that often works with utility companies on energy policy. If you would like more information on your utility, please visit https://renewmohomes.com/energy-efficiency-programs/
If you would like to connect with a state representative and need guidance, we are happy to help! Please reach out to us for further information.
Yes! Our advocacy wouldnât be possible without donors like you. If you would like to contribute to our mission, please visit our Donate page.
For all public comment inquiries, please contact our Executive Director, James Owen.
We are always accepting resumes and cover letters on a rolling basis, particularly for paid clerkships and internships for college students or grad students. If you would like to see job openings, please visit our Careers section.