A new study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy suggests Missourians can save $6.1 billion on their energy bills by 2025 and create thousands of jobs in the process.

The report is the 10th in a series of state-level energy efficiency studies by Washington-based ACEEE, and describes how new or expanded energy efficiency policies and programs could help the state.

The group says the policies outlined can meet 17 percent of the state's electricity needs by 2025 and 10 percent of natural gas use.

In 2009, the General Assembly passed a bill directing investor-owned electric utilities to pursue all cost-effective energy efficiency programs. It also authorized regulators to allow utilities to earn a profit on those investments the same as it earns a return for building power plants. But the measure has had little impact so far. And high upfront costs for efficiency investments still remain a barrier for consumers wanting to cut their utility bills.

The ACEEE report describes efforts already underway in Missouri to expand energy efficiency and recommends 10 policies and programs to further encourage energy-saving investments.

Maggie Molina, lead author of the report, said:

Missouri often touts having some of the lowest electricity rates in the country, but the state's homes and businesses actually consume energy at one of the highest rates per capita.

And while St. Louis electricity prices may be lower than many other cities for now, Post-Dispatch columnist David Nicklaus pointed out last week in a blog post that the gap is narrowing.