Energy (Hydroelectric)

HB 2816 is a definitions bill that clarifies tax classifications for property in Missouri, specifically adding solar photovoltaic equipment (panels, racking, inverters) to the definition of "tangible personal property" for tax purposes. This applies only to solar systems installed and producing energy before August 9, 2022. The bill modifies existing tax definitions for terms like "agricultural crops," "hydroelectric equipment," and "real property," but does not create new taxes or regulations. It directly affects property tax assessments for solar energy systems meeting the specified criteria.

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 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.