Energy

HB 2475 modifies Missouri's Renewable Energy Standard by establishing new renewable energy portfolio requirements for electric utilities. It requires utilities to generate or purchase electricity from alternative energy sources (including wind, solar, and hydropower) to meet specific annual targets: 2% by 2013, 5% by 2017, 10% by 2020, and 15% annually starting in 2021, with at least 2% coming from solar. Utilities can comply by purchasing renewable energy credits (RECs) or generating eligible energy, with Missouri-produced renewable energy counting as 1.25 times its actual amount toward compliance. The bill directly affects all electric utilities serving Missouri consumers, requiring them to meet these tiered targets for electricity sales.

HB 2478 modifies Missouri's utility laws to regulate solar farm development by requiring county permits before construction. Developers must maintain minimum distances (1,000 feet from homes/schools/churches, 300 feet from other property lines), limit noise to 45 decibels, and hold public meetings for community input within 90 days of application. The bill also mandates decommissioning plans with bonds covering cleanup costs after operations end, and prohibits the state utility commission from issuing permits without county approval. These rules directly affect solar farm developers, county governments, and nearby residents.

HB 2207 establishes Missouri's "Electric Choice and Competition Law," shifting the state's electricity market from a monopoly structure to one allowing customers to choose their electricity supplier. It requires electric utilities to provide open access to their transmission and distribution systems, enabling retail electric suppliers to sell directly to customers. Starting 24 months after August 28, 2026, commercial and industrial customers (those with higher energy use) will gain the ability to select a supplier, while residential customers will receive default supply service if they do not choose an alternative. The bill also standardizes billing (requiring either "dual bills" or "supplier consolidated bills") and creates mechanisms like a "competitive transition charge" to recover legacy costs from the monopoly era over time.

HB 1632 creates tax credits for Missouri retailers and distributors selling biodiesel blends (5-20% biodiesel mixed with diesel fuel). It provides a 2-cent-per-gallon credit for blends of 5-10% biodiesel and a 5-cent-per-gallon credit for blends of 10-20% biodiesel sold at retail service stations or to final users within Missouri. The credits apply to tax years beginning in 2023 or later, with a total annual cap of $16 million and a sunset provision ending the program on December 31, 2028, unless reauthorized. This bill directly affects fuel sellers who meet the blend specifications defined in the law.