The Ways and Means Committee voted Aug. 7 to rescind a letter of intent for Ameren’s Renewable Solutions Program after members expressed concerns about the program’s long-term costs and uncertain return on investment.

The decision matters because participation would have committed the city to a 15-year subscription that increases the city’s annual utility bill in exchange for renewable energy credits; rescinding the letter removes that near-term commitment while leaving other energy-efficiency options open.

City staff summarized the program and the subscription options. The packet listed about 29 Ameren accounts for city facilities; examples included city hall (roughly 6 percent of the city’s kilowatt-hours) and the recreation center (about 72 percent). Staff said Ameren’s program offers subscription levels by account or across all accounts; there is no net cost savings under the subscription, only credits coupled with a premium on top of regular bills. Staff provided cost examples: a 15-year commitment at city hall at a 6 percent subscription would have a net-present-value cost of about $13,938 (roughly $1,700 per year), while a 100 percent subscription across accounts was shown as about $28,004 per year as an annual premium over existing bills. Staff also noted Ameren’s timeline for new solar plants, with some coming online later this year and additional capacity expected in 2026 and beyond. Ameren’s deadline for a binding agreement was Sept. 18.

Committee members questioned the structure and escalator built into the subscription. One member said the program as proposed ‘‘is just we’re paying more every year’’ rather than producing the kind of upfront capital expense that can later deliver net savings. Another member said a regional or multi-jurisdiction approach would likely produce a greater emissions impact for the cost, calling a city-by-city subscription ‘‘costly’’ for limited local effect. Members suggested prioritizing internal investments in energy efficiency and building improvements instead of paying a recurring premium.

After discussion, an alderman moved and another seconded a motion to rescind the previously issued letter of intent to Ameren; the motion passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition. Staff said they would coordinate with public-works and sustainability staff and noted the city retains other options for emissions reductions, including capital efficiency projects and future regional programs. The committee did not commit funds to Ameren’s subscription program.