Bill > SB487

This bill creates the "Electrical Choice and Competition Law" to establish a competitive retail electricity market in Missouri. The legislation allows commercial and industrial customers to choose their electricity supplier 24 months after August 28, 2025, with residential customers following approximately 18 months later. Electric utilities will be required to unbundle their rates, separate generation and transmission costs, and divest their generation assets. The bill establishes a default supply service for customers who do not choose a retail supplier, with different pricing mechanisms for various customer classes (large, medium, small commercial/industrial, and residential). An Office of Retail Market Development and Oversight will be created to monitor the market, develop customer education programs, and ensure fair competition. Retail electric suppliers must obtain a license from the Public Service Commission, meet financial requirements, and undergo training. The bill includes provisions to protect consumers, such as requiring transparent pricing, consent for data sharing, and mechanisms to prevent unauthorized supplier switches. The commission is empowered to investigate and penalize anticompetitive practices, with potential civil penalties up to $100,000 per violation. Importantly, municipally owned electric utilities and rural electric cooperatives may optionally participate in this competitive market.

Business and Industry

https://www.senate.mo.gov/25info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=211477