Energy (Nuclear)

SCR 23 - This concurrent resolution encourages the Department of Natural Resources to develop a state response to host states for Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses and coordinate efforts to strengthen the state's leadership in nuclear innovation. JULIA SHEVELEVA

HB 1626 allows Missouri electrical utilities to include the costs of constructing new clean baseload power plants (like nuclear facilities) in their rate base during construction, enabling them to recover these costs through customer rates before the plant is fully operational. The Public Service Commission must approve the amount included, limiting it to the project’s estimated cost and actual spending during construction. If the project is delayed or costs were incurred imprudently, utilities must refund overcharges with interest. This provision applies only to new plants not operational by August 28, 2026, and expires on December 31, 2036, unless extended.

HB 2122 allows Missouri electrical corporations to include the costs of constructing new nuclear power plants (under 600 MW) in their rate base *before* the plants are completed and operational. This means utilities can recover these pre-completion construction costs through customer rates immediately, rather than waiting until the plant is finished. The Public Service Commission must approve the exact amount based on estimated project costs and actual spending during construction, with refunds required if costs were wasted or the plant isn't completed on time. The provision expires in 2036 unless extended by the Commission, and applies only to new nuclear plants not in operation by August 2026. This directly affects utilities and their ratepayers by changing how construction costs are recovered.

HB 1902 updates Missouri's legal definition of "renewable energy resources" for regulatory purposes. It specifically lists eligible sources like wind, solar, small-scale hydropower (under 10 MW without new dams), waste-to-energy processes, and dedicated biomass crops, while explicitly excluding nuclear power and pumped-storage hydropower. This definition directly affects electric utilities, the Public Service Commission, and the Department of Economic Development when implementing renewable energy programs. The bill makes no new requirements but clarifies which energy sources qualify under existing law.

HB 2578 modifies Missouri's renewable energy definitions and sets new requirements for electric utilities. It redefines "renewable energy resources" to exclude nuclear energy (previously included under "alternative energy resources") and limits hydropower to small-scale systems (≤10MW without new water projects). The bill establishes a phased renewable energy portfolio standard requiring utilities to supply 2% (2011-2013), 5% (2014-2017), 10% (2018-2020), and 15% (2021+) of electricity from renewable sources, with at least 2% from solar. Utilities can meet requirements by purchasing renewable energy certificates (RECs) or contracting directly with "accelerated renewable buyers" for certain projects.

HB 2598 establishes the Missouri Advanced Nuclear Energy Office and a dedicated fund to provide grants for eligible nuclear energy projects in the state. The bill creates a new office within the Department of Natural Resources to administer grants covering pre-construction costs like site planning, engineering, and licensing fees for projects combining advanced nuclear reactors (including small modular reactors) with natural gas facilities. Grants are capped at $100 million per project, require that natural gas electricity sales fund nuclear project costs until commissioning, and prohibit use for projects recovering costs through utility rates. The office must ensure transparent grant allocation, track project performance, and maintain confidentiality of applicant information.