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 (“PSC”). 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 Missouri’s 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.
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 aren’t just fighting against them; we professionally work with all parties to reach settlements and agreements that are in the best interests of all Missourians.
We work in county and city offices all over the state on issues like energy efficiency programs, greater access to solar, energy fairness for low-income families, 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 Missouri’s 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
Proposition C Passes on the ballot with 66% of the vote
Founding of Missouri Solar Energy Industries Association (MOSEIA)
Legislature adopts PACE
Founding of the Missouri chapter of Interfaith Power & Light
Works with Evergy and Ameren to launch major EE programs
Negotiations and lawsuits to expand and protect Prop. C
Legislature extends EE tax deduction by 6 years
Missouri Supreme court victory requires Empire to pay our solar rebates
Ameren and Evergy efficiency programs expanded and renewed for 3 years
Renew Missouri now its own 501c(3) organizations
Legislature adopts the Grid Modernization Act – SB564
Successfully defends the Grain Belt Express project
Investor Owned Utility AAO (COVID-19) Cases
Missouri Legislatures Passes Securitization Law
Missouri Passes the HOA Solar Law and Federal Government Passes Inflation Reduction Act
Missouri Enters the Top 20 States in the Nation for Wind Energy
Rollout of the New ERA Funds from the IRA
IRP Reform and the Creation of Low Income Rates
Renew Missouri Wins the Eikmeier v Granite Springs HOA Case at the Missouri Supreme Court
Missouri Enters the Top 20 States in the Nation for Solar Energy
Increased Transparency and Democracy of Missouri's Rural Electric Cooperatives
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 state’s 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, and son, Miles.
Nicole Mers
During her time in New Orleans, Nicole interned with the Alliance for Affordable Energy, a renewable and low-income interest group, advocating for policies that supported renewable energy development and affordable rates in front of the Louisiana Public Service Commission and the New Orleans City Council’s Utility Board. She also was a member of Tulane University’s Environmental Law Clinic.
Nicole graduated in 2013 from Tulane University, with a certificate in Environmental and Energy Law. After graduating, Nicole spent time practicing administrative law before the Veteran’s Administration, then began employment at the Missouri Public Service Commission in 2015. Nicole spent 9 years with the Commission, primarily as the Deputy Counsel in charge of electric utility case filings, making numerous appearances as lead counsel in large rate cases, Missouri Energy Efficiency Investment Act applications, Integrated Resource Plan filings, and Applications for Certificates of Convenience and Necessity in various transmission and renewable facilities cases.
Nicole now serves as Renew Missouri’s General Counsel. When not working, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family, her dog and cats, and reading and watching anything spooky.
Jacques McNeese
In addition, Jacques has experience working on political campaigns and engaging with elected officials, community leaders, and stakeholders on issues affecting southwest Missouri. This experience has shaped his interest in finding practical solutions to balance affordability, reliability, economic development, and Missouri’s changing energy needs.
Jacques is also a co-owner of a marketing company, where he works with businesses on digital strategy, advertising, branding, communications, and business development. His professional background has given him experience translating complex issues into clear messages and building relationships across a wide range of audiences.
Jacques grew up in Strafford, MO, and now calls Springfield home. He is passionate about strengthening the region, supporting local communities, and ensuring southwest Missouri has a meaningful voice in conversations about Missouri’s energy future. Through his father, owner of a prominent bicycle shop in the Ozarks, Jacques grew up with a firsthand appreciation for the role trails, cycling, and organizations like Ozark Greenways play in making SW Missouri a stronger and more connected place.
Jacques holds a strong interest in bringing people together around practical solutions that can benefit both local communities and the region as a whole. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, traveling, riding his bike, exploring the outdoors, and staying active in the community he has called home for his entire life.
Tyler Travers
Most recently, he served as Chief of Staff to a state senator from Kansas City. During his tenure, Tyler helped pass significant pieces of legislation, including the enforcement of the Mental Health Parity Act, expanding access to HIV medication, prohibiting texting while driving, and the Language Equality & Acquisition for Deaf Kids (LEAD-K) Act, among others. Drawing on this experience, Tyler will help advance Renew Missouri’s mission throughout the state.
Tyler holds an Associate’s Degree from Three Rivers College, a B.A. in History, and a Master’s in Public Affairs from the University of Missouri. In his spare time, he enjoys critiquing modern film and television, as well as cheering for his favorite teams: the Mizzou Tigers, Tennessee Titans, and New York Knicks.
Philip Fracica
In 2019, Renew Missouri opened a Kansas City office and Philip changed positions to be Renew Missouri’s Kansas City Regional Director – 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.
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
Upon graduating Missouri State University with a B.S. in Political Science and a Masters in Public Administration, she received the Presidential Management Fellowship, where she was the Program Analyst for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s International Operations, Special Projects Branch. She also completed rotational assignments with the Departments of Defense and State.
At the Pentagon, Jessica worked on the Joint Staff’s Pakistan-Afghanistan Coordination Cell and received the Joint Civilian Service Achievement Award for coordinating/authoring the 2010 Afghanistan-Pakistan Annual Review. At the State Department, she worked in the Office of the Special Representative to Muslim Communities and traveled with the Ambassador.
Before coming to Renew, Jessica taught social studies and political science at Clearwater High School, Three Rivers College, and - most recently - Southeast Missouri State University. Jessica serves on the board of directors of the Clearwater R-1 School Foundation and the Clearwater Alumni Association, is a staff member (Small Groups Coordinator) at her church, and a member-owner of Black River Electric Cooperative.
She is married to Dr. Eric Sentell, an English professor at SEMO. They have one son, Stryder, and a menagerie of pets. In her free time, she enjoys laughing, traveling, reading, playing tennis, practicing yoga, and enjoying the rural outdoors.
Abby Dickinson
During her time studying at Mizzou, she took over leadership of Climate Leaders at Mizzou, the school's only climate activism club. Through this organization, she lead and forwarded their campaign for the University's divestment from fossil fuels, co-authoring a research paper to make their case in the process. She also founded the University's first ever crochet club, which she ran for two years, and enjoys crocheting as a hobby in her free time.
She joined Renew Missouri as the Office Manager Intern in May of 2023 and was hired full time as the Development & Campaign Associate in August 2024 to further the organization's outreach and donation efforts.
In her spare time, Abby enjoys crafts of all kinds, reading, and playing cello.
PJ Wilson
PJ 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
EEtility
EEtility works with utilities to identify and upgrade energy intense homes through the PAYS® tariff on-bill program.
Solar Design Studio
Solar Design Studio's mission is to help residential and commercial clients enjoy the greatest energy savings at the lowest possible cost.
Azimuth Renewables
Azimuth's mission is to deliver clean, affordable, utility-scale solar projects that benefit your community and investors through careful project management, thoughtful design and open communication.
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.mosaves.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 wouldn’t 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.