HCS HB 679 -- DUTIES OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION

SPONSOR:  Wilson (119)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Special Committee on
Rural Community Development by a vote of 9 to 0.

This substitute requires the Missouri Public Service Commission
to consider existing planning and zoning plans and building codes
governing the area in which an electric plant is to be
constructed before approving the final location of the plant.
Prior to granting approval, the commission must hold at least one
public hearing within the county in the city or village closest
to the plant's proposed location.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2008, FY 2009, and
FY 2010.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say there are concerns that the Missouri
Public Service Commission can override local control on the
construction of a new electric plant, which is especially bad for
property owners.  Although the bill won't change what has already
happened in Cass County, it will stop it from happening again.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Baker (123) and
Scavuzzo; and Missouri Association of Counties.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that it will make
electricity less reliable and more expensive.  Rolling blackouts
will become commonplace, and there will never be another power
plant built in Missouri.  The legislation was filed because one
utility company acted in bad faith and that has had repercussions
for all utility companies, the majority of which would have
handled the situation differently.  An electric plant supplies
power to people beyond the county in which it is located.  The
overall public interest may outweigh the desires of the citizens
located closest to the plant; however, this is the purpose of the
Missouri Public Service Commission.  The commission is the best
way to analyze and discuss the issues affecting all the
stakeholders.

Testifying against the bill were Missouri Public Service
Commission; Missouri Energy Development Association; Aquila,
Incorporated; and Laclede Gas Company.

Missouri House of Representatives
94th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated July 25, 2007 at 11:20 am