MIDWAY REPORT: Legislative Session 2016
We’ve reached the midway point of the 2016 legislative session. Energy and infrastructure continue to be subjects that the House and Senate may just be poised to address in 2016.
Energy and Infrastructure Legislation
Energy bills have made some progress so far and there is reason for optimism. Legislation focused on the need to replace and upgrade Missouri’s aging electric infrastructure has seen substantive action.
On March 15th, both chambers heard versions of the 21st Century Grid Modernization Act. In the House Energy and Environment Committee, Chairman Rocky Miller presented HB2495, an abbreviated bill that subsequently passed out of the committee. I expect this bill to become much more robust once a Senate version is approved. Chairman Miller’s bill now moves to the House Utilities Committee.
In the Senate, Ryan Silvey, Chairman of the Commerrce, Energy and Environment Committee has been very deliberate moving SB1028. He’s worked with utility, consumer, environmental and industrial interests as well as the Public Service Commission to craft legislation that would update Missouri’s century old regulatory framework, cap electrical consumer rates and encourage investments in energy infrastructure and cybersecurity, creating new jobs and stabilizing the energy sector in Missouri for the next decade.
The hearing on SB1028 lasted almost four hours as testimony was heard from many of the previously mentioned interests. Some of the most compelling testimony came from Kristin Riott, Executive Director of Bridging the Gap, a Kansas City-based nonprofit that focuses on environmental education and community action helping low income residents. Ms. Riott stated that SB1028 would stabilize electric rates protecting communities from rate spikes and increases that could harm those with limited resources.
The Committee also heard from former Illinois regulators that implemented similar legislation in their state in 2011. Former two-term Illinois Commerce Commission member, Erin O’Connell-Diaz gave a firsthand account of how the legislation led to improvements and investments in their energy grid. Some quantifiable results and consumer protections included in the last 4 years:
- Enhanced regulatory oversight and a more predictable rate case schedule
- Transparent and measurable performance metrics required by the regulating authority with penalties for non-compliance
- Record reliability improvement resulting in millions in savings for electric consumers
- 4,800 jobs created not including indirect jobs from connected industries
- System wide upgrades to modern grid technology including Smart Meters, new transmission components and investments in cybersecurity
The bill could be voted out of committee as soon as next week. PLEASE CLICK HERE AND EMAIL YOUR MEMBER OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY if you have not already done so. Tell your legislator you SUPPORT THE 21st Century Grid Modernization Act!
