Clock ticking for Missouri governor to act on sweeping utilities bill that could affect electric rates
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Missourians could be paying more for utilities if the governor signs a bill sitting on his desk right now.
A bill ed by Missouri lawmakers would make many changes to utilities in the state. The bill is on the governor’s desk right now. Gov. Mike Kehoe did not indicate whether or not he would sign it but sounded ive. He has until March 28 to act on this bill.
Utilities are something we can’t live without, but it’s often one of the most difficult bills for people to pay. A survey from GoBankingRates shows Americans ages 25 to 34 struggle more with their utility bill than any other expense, and over 40% of respondents have struggled to pay that bill in the past year.
Missouri lawmakers ed sweeping legislation that would overhaul utilities in Missouri. Among many other things, it would allow utility companies to charge customers for the construction of new electric generating plants. Missourians voted to ban companies from doing this over 50 years ago.
The catalyst behind this bill is the ever-increasing demand for energy. As technology advances and things like AI become more widespread, Missouri and the rest of the world is using more energy than ever, and production has to keep up.
One of the most prominent utility companies in Missouri, Ameren, s this bill.
“This legislation positions Missouri to seize on potential economic development opportunities that could provide thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of new investment from new and existing businesses while providing new consumer protections for our existing customers,” said Warren Wood, Ameren Missouri vice president.
Party did not matter on this legislation, lawmakers were split on the vote in both chambers. Kansas City-area Republican Sen. Joe Nicola voted against the bill. He said he wished there was more time to discuss everything in the bill and hear from the public.
“I don’t know anyone who knows everything about this bill, but we do know our rates are going to go up,” Nicola said. “I’m extremely concerned once again because in my district I have many elderly people on fixed incomes.”
The biggest concern about this potential new law is consumers’ wallets. The Consumers Council of Missouri estimates Missourians could be paying up to $1,115 more every year under this bill.
Another part of this legislation extends the time utilities cannot be disconnected in cases of extreme weather. Currently, utility companies cannot disconnect someone’s electric or gas for 24 hours after the National Weather Service predicts extreme heat or freezing temperatures. This bill would extend that to 72 hours.
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