HB 3436 modifies Missouri's utility rate regulations to prioritize affordability for customers. It requires the Missouri Public Service Commission to set rates that are "just and reasonable" by ensuring the lowest possible cost to customers while still allowing utilities to provide safe, reliable service. The bill also mandates specific public hearing procedures, including local hearings near affected customers, 14-day mailed notices, and requiring the commission to include public testimony in its official record and explain how public input influenced its final rate decision. These changes directly affect utility customers, the commission, and utility companies during rate increase proceedings.
HB 3438 prohibits public utilities (gas, electric, water, and sewer companies) from charging customers for specific expenses, including promotional advertising, charitable activities, and lobbying costs. The bill also bans discriminatory pricing practices and requires utilities to seek commission approval for sliding-scale rate adjustments. It mandates that cities pay interest on water/sewer deposits held over two years for current customers and prevents utilities from charging municipalities for fire hydrant placement (though costs can be included in overall rates). These provisions directly affect utility customers and local governments by limiting how utilities can structure and collect fees.
HB 3019 establishes rules for community solar gardens, allowing multiple subscribers to share electricity generated from solar facilities. It directly affects retail electric suppliers (who must run a 2027-2029 pilot program requiring 2% of annual sales to be covered by subscriptions), community solar operators, and subscribers - including low-income households. Key provisions include defining community solar facilities (100-5,000 kW, 10+ subscribers), requiring bill credits for subscribers based on solar output, and mandating special bill credit values to ensure low-income customers save money. The bill also requires suppliers to process credits, allow subscription transfers, and report usage data in standardized formats.
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.
This bill exempts small, portable solar devices (under 1,200 watts that plug into standard outlets) from most public utility regulations. It requires electricity providers to offer net metering for these devices, allowing homeowners to receive credits for excess energy sent back to the grid, with credits applied to future bills and expiring after 12 months. The law specifically targets moveable units certified by safety labs like UL, not fixed rooftop systems. It does not change existing rules for larger solar installations or utility-scale projects.
HB 2444 exempts small, portable solar devices from Missouri's Public Service Commission regulations. The bill defines a portable solar device as a moveable unit with a maximum output of 1,200 watts that plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet, meets safety standards, and is intended for personal use to offset a homeowner's electricity consumption. These devices, such as small solar panels for residential use, are no longer subject to commission oversight. This change simplifies the process for individuals to use portable solar technology without requiring regulatory approval.
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.
